Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-Hee has died at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest, a company spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
Han, born in 1962, had been with Samsung for over 37 years and played a key role in shaping the company’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses. He was appointed vice chairman and CEO in 2022, leading Samsung’s TV business to global prominence. Following his passing, Jun Young-Hyun, who was recently appointed co-CEO, will now serve as the sole CEO of the South Korean tech giant.
In an internal message, Samsung honored Han’s contributions, highlighting his efforts in navigating the company through a challenging business landscape. “Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the message stated.
Samsung has faced increasing challenges in recent years, particularly in its semiconductor business. While its memory chip division has historically been strong, analysts say the company has fallen behind rival SK Hynix in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technology—crucial for advanced GPUs used by companies like Nvidia. Additionally, its logic semiconductor business struggles to compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in cutting-edge chip production and securing key clients.
Just last week, during Samsung’s annual investor meeting, Han acknowledged the company’s stock performance concerns and predicted a tough 2025 due to global economic uncertainties. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to mergers and acquisitions to drive growth. “There are challenges in semiconductor M&As due to regulatory issues and national interests, but we are determined to deliver tangible results this year,” he stated.
Han, who held a degree in electrical engineering from Inha University, joined Samsung in 1988. He was instrumental in the development of LED TV technology, further solidifying Samsung’s position as a leader in consumer electronics. His legacy at the company will be remembered for his leadership and innovation.
