Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-Hee has passed away at the age of 63. Han, who played a major role in shaping the company’s global television business, died of a heart attack on Tuesday. Samsung confirmed his passing, stating, “He died from cardiac arrest today.” He is survived by his wife and three children.
Han began his journey with Samsung in 1988 and spent decades helping the company build a strong presence in the television market. He was particularly known for introducing Samsung’s high-end LED TVs to the world. “Han was central in the unveiling of Samsung’s world-class LED TVs,” the company noted in a biography released earlier this month. His work contributed significantly to making Samsung the leader in the global TV industry, a position it has maintained for years.
Samsung Electronics, the flagship of South Korea’s largest conglomerate, has long been a dominant force in the tech industry. Despite not being part of the founding Samsung family, Han held a crucial leadership role under the company’s current chief, Lee Jae-yong. His expertise in the TV division helped Samsung navigate an increasingly competitive market.
His sudden death could impact the company’s future strategies. Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University in Seoul, noted that Han’s deep involvement in the TV sector meant his absence might affect Samsung’s global strategy for years to come. His leadership was key to keeping Samsung ahead of competitors like LG and TCL, especially as AI-powered features became a significant focus in the television industry.
Beyond the TV market, Samsung is also facing challenges in the AI sector. The company has been struggling to keep up with demand for AI-related chips, an area where rivals like SK hynix have gained ground. Nvidia, a major player in AI technology, has increasingly relied on SK hynix for high-bandwidth memory chips, making competition in the semiconductor industry even tougher for Samsung.
Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong recently urged the company to adopt a “do-or-die” mindset to stay competitive in AI. The tech giant previously acknowledged in October that it was facing difficulties, with concerns rising over its long-term technological edge. At a recent shareholders’ meeting, which was Han’s last public appearance, he noted the need for new innovations to drive the company forward. “We will continue to pioneer in various areas such as robotics, medtech, and next-generation semiconductors to secure new growth momentum,” he told attendees.
