Samsung Electronics Co-CEO Han Jong-hee Dies at 63 Amid Company’s Push to Overcome Industry Challenges

Emmanuel Kwada

Samsung Electronics Co., a global titan in consumer electronics and semiconductors, announced the sudden passing of its Co-Chief Executive Officer Han Jong-hee on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 

Han, aged 63, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that propelled Samsung’s television business to the pinnacle of the global market.

His death comes at a critical juncture for the company as it grapples with fierce competition in the semiconductor sector and adapts to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Han Jong-hee’s journey with Samsung began in 1988

Han Jong-hee’s journey with Samsung began in 1988 when he joined the company after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University in Incheon, South Korea.

Over nearly four decades, Han rose through the ranks, dedicating much of his career to the development and promotion of Samsung’s television division. His tenure saw the company cement its status as the world’s leading TV manufacturer, a position it has held for 19 consecutive years, according to industry reports.

Appointed Co-CEO in 2022, Han oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions

Appointed Co-CEO in 2022, Han oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions, including its highly successful digital appliances sector.

He was instrumental in the rollout of Samsung’s LED TVs, a milestone that showcased the company’s technological prowess and market dominance.

A company biography published earlier this month praised Han as “central” to these innovations, crediting him with enabling Samsung to “continually demonstrate technology leadership.”

Samsung Electronics, the flagship subsidiary of the Samsung Group, was established on January 13, 1969, in Suwon, South Korea. Founded by Lee Byung-chul, the company initially focused on producing consumer electronics such as black-and-white televisions for export.

The Samsung Group, was established on January 13, 1969, in Suwon, South Korea

Over the decades, it evolved into a global powerhouse, diversifying into semiconductors, smartphones, home appliances, and more.

Today, Samsung is South Korea’s most valuable company, with a market capitalization of approximately $235 billion as of early 2025, accounting for 16% of the total value of the country’s main stock exchange.

The company’s financial performance has been robust, with net worth valued at $276.45 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2024, despite a slight decline of 1.67% from the previous year. Samsung’s sales have been driven by its wide-ranging product portfolio, particularly its Galaxy smartphone series and television lines.

In recent years, the company has shifted focus toward its “Device eXperience” (DX) division, emphasizing AI integration across its consumer electronics, a vision Han championed during his tenure as Co-CEO.

Credit: CNN

Han’s passing was confirmed by a Samsung spokesperson, who stated, “He died from cardiac arrest today,” adding that he is survived by his wife and three children.

His death occurred just days after he chaired the company’s annual shareholder meeting on March 19, 2025, where he addressed investors about the challenges ahead.

“First and foremost, I sincerely apologize for the recent stock performance not meeting your expectations,” Han said at the meeting. “Over the past year, our company failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market.”

Jun Young-hyun, appointed Co-CEO just last week, would assume the role of sole CEO

Following Han’s death, Samsung announced that Jun Young-hyun, appointed Co-CEO just last week, would assume the role of sole CEO. Jun, who has been leading the company’s semiconductor division since 2024, now faces the daunting task of steering Samsung through a period of transition.

The company has traditionally operated with a co-CEO structure, splitting leadership between its consumer electronics and semiconductor arms, both under the broader guidance of Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the third-generation leader of the Samsung family.

Han’s death comes at a pivotal moment for Samsung, which has acknowledged facing a “crisis” in its operations. The company has struggled to keep pace with rivals like SK Hynix and TSMC in the lucrative AI chip market, particularly in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips critical for AI applications.

Samsung has lost its smartphone market lead to Apple

Samsung’s semiconductor division, once a cornerstone of its success, has underperformed, contributing to weak earnings and a decline in share prices over the past year. Additionally, Samsung has lost its smartphone market lead to Apple, adding pressure to diversify and innovate.

At the shareholder meeting, Han outlined plans to navigate these challenges, including pursuing “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions in 2025 to bolster growth.

He also addressed potential trade uncertainties, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, stating that Samsung would leverage its global supply chain to adapt.

Chairman Lee Jae-yong recently emphasized a “do-or-die” mindset, signaling the company’s resolve to reclaim its competitive edge.

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