The tech industry mourns the loss of a visionary leader who helped transform Samsung Electronics into a global powerhouse. Han Jong-Hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away at age 63, leaving behind a significant legacy particularly in the company's television division during a critical time for the Korean tech giant.
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| Han Jong-Hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, engaged in a professional setting |
A Career Defined by Innovation
Han Jong-Hee, who suffered a cardiac arrest on March 22 shortly after attending his daughter's wedding, died on Tuesday at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul. The 63-year-old executive had dedicated over three decades of his life to Samsung, beginning his career in the displays division and eventually rising to become co-CEO and Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics in 2022.
The Architect of Samsung's TV Dominance
Han's contribution to Samsung's ascent in the global television market cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, Samsung successfully displaced Japanese competitors like Sony to become the world's leading TV manufacturer. His personal motto, eternal No. 1, reflected his determination and work ethic that embodied Samsung's corporate culture. Han was particularly instrumental in the rollout of Samsung's LED TVs, which helped cement the company's position as a market leader.
Leadership During Technological Transition
At the time of his death, Han was overseeing the Device Experience division, which encompasses Samsung's TV, home appliances, and smartphone businesses. Most recently, he had been spearheading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities into Samsung's diverse product lineup, including refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. In a January interview with Bloomberg News, Han emphasized Samsung's unique market position as both a mobile device and home appliance leader, highlighting the potential to connect the half-billion devices Samsung sells annually.
Challenges Facing Samsung
Han's passing comes at a challenging juncture for Samsung. Just last week, he presided over the company's annual shareholders' meeting, where he apologized for Samsung's poor stock performance and acknowledged the company's failure to adequately respond to the artificial intelligence semiconductor market. Han had warned that 2025 would be a difficult year due to economic uncertainties and increasing competition from Chinese electronics brands offering competitive features at lower prices.
Leadership Transition
With Han's death, Jun Young-hyun, who was appointed co-CEO just last week, will now serve as the sole CEO of Samsung Electronics. Jun, who was promoted to head Samsung's semiconductor division earlier this year, faces the daunting task of addressing Samsung's recent struggles in several key markets, including TVs, smartphones, and semiconductors, where the company has been losing ground to competitors.
A Legacy of Leadership
Han is survived by his wife and three children. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that saw Samsung rise to prominence in the global electronics industry. As the company moves forward without one of its key architects, Han's vision of creating new products that people haven't experienced before remains a guiding principle for Samsung's future endeavors in an increasingly competitive technological landscape.