Samsung co-CEO Han Jong-Hee dies at 63 at Hospital

Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-Hee died on March 25, 2025, at age 63 due to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

When Han Jong-Hee joined Samsung?

Han Jong-Hee joined Samsung Electronics in 1988 after earning a degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. His career at Samsung spanned nearly four decades, during which he rose through the ranks and became a important figure in the company’s success.

Han started his career in Samsung’s Research and Development (R&D) team, focusing on display technologies. His work contributed to Samsung’s emergence as a global leader in television manufacturing

By 2013, Han became Head of R&D for the Visual Display Business. He later advanced to Head of the Visual Display Business in 2017, where he spearheaded innovations like QLED technology and ultra-HD displays.

A veteran executive with nearly four decades at Samsung, Han oversaw the company’s consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions since 2022, alongside co-CEO Jun Young-hyun, who leads the semiconductor sector.

Han’s commitment to quality was evident when he delayed the release of a flagship TV model to ensure high standards, a decision that earned widespread acclaim.

In 2021, Han was promoted to Vice Chairman and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division, overseeing Samsung’s electronics and consumer device businesses. He was appointed co-CEO in 2022, sharing leadership responsibilities with Jun Young-Hyun.

Career and Contributions

Han joined Samsung in 1988 after graduating in electrical engineering from Inha University.

He played a important role in elevating Samsung’s television business to global dominance and later expanded his responsibilities to include digital appliances and mobile devices.

His leadership spanned critical periods, including the company’s rise in flat-screen displays and smartphones during the 2000s..

Han played a key role in maintaining Samsung’s position as the world’s leading TV brand for 19 consecutive years starting in 2005

He drove innovation across multiple generations of display technology, including CRTs, PDPs, LCDs, 3D TVs, and QLED TVs.

As co-CEO, he oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions while emphasizing digital transformation and connected ecosystems like SmartThings

Leadership Challenges

At the time of his death, Samsung faced significant headwinds, including declining profits, stagnant stock performance, and intensified competition in AI chips and smartphones.

During a shareholders meeting days earlier, Han acknowledged the company’s struggles in capitalizing on the AI semiconductor boom, stating, “We failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market”.

Succession and Company Response

Samsung has not yet announced a successor, though Jun Young-hyun will reportedly assume sole CEO duties temporarily.

The company honored Han’s legacy in an internal statement, praising his dedication to steering Samsung’s electronics and appliances sectors through challenging times.

His death occurred just before a scheduled product launch event for new home appliances.

Market Impact

Samsung’s shares remained flat in morning trading following the news, reflecting investor uncertainty amid ongoing challenges in semiconductors and AI.

The company faces pressure to address leadership gaps while challenging regulatory hurdles in mergers and acquisitions aimed at bolstering its semiconductor competitiveness.

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