SEOUL, South Korea — Han Jong-Hee, the co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest. The news of his unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the technology world, highlighting the leadership vacuum at one of the largest electronics firms globally amidst significant market challenges.
Han, who was being treated in a hospital, played a crucial role in steering Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division, alongside Jun Young-hyun, who heads the company’s semiconductor business. Samsung confirmed Han's passing, stating that he had dedicated nearly four decades of his career to the company.
Having joined Samsung in 1988, Han rose through the ranks to become a key figure in the development and marketing of its television business. He was appointed co-CEO and vice chairman in 2022, underscoring his influential position within the company. Under his leadership, Samsung emerged as a global leader in the TV market, solidifying its reputation for innovation.
In a company biography released just last week, Han was recognized for his pivotal role in the rollout of Samsung’s LED TVs. His innovative strategies were credited with helping the company navigate a challenging business landscape.
Samsung Electronics released a statement offering condolences, remarking, “Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” The company reflected on Han’s contributions, emphasizing how critical his leadership was to the organization’s past successes.
Han's sudden departure comes shortly after he chaired the company’s annual general shareholders meeting on March 18, 2025, where he faced scrutiny over Samsung’s stock performance. Investors expressed frustration over the company's ability to compete, particularly in the semiconductor market, which has seen escalating demand driven by artificial intelligence advancements.
During that meeting, Han candidly stated, “First and foremost, I sincerely apologize for the recent stock performance not meeting your expectations. Over the past year, our company failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market.” His acknowledgment of the struggles faced by Samsung reaffirmed the pressure the company is under from both shareholders and competitors.
Since Han’s arrival in the leadership position, Samsung has struggled with underwhelming earnings reports, a decline in share prices, and stiff competition from rival companies, including Apple, which has recently overtaken Samsung in the smartphone market. Analysts believe that Han's absence could impact Samsung’s strategic direction, especially in the competitive chip sector, where the company has fallen behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and SK Hynix.
The electronics giant has experienced a significant decline in its stock and market value, leading concerns among investors about the future direction of the company. Just hours after Han's death was reported, Samsung’s shares were noted to have dipped by 0.5% during morning trading, reflecting broader market trends.
As news permeated the tech industry, many industry experts weighed in on Han’s legacy and the potential ramifications of his death. An anonymous analyst remarked, “Han was the key figure behind making Samsung’s TV business influential on a global scale. With his sudden passing, there could be long-term impacts on the company’s business strategy, particularly in areas like marketing.”
In response to Han’s sudden death, Jun Young-hyun has been appointed the sole CEO of Samsung. He will face the monumental task of revitalizing the company amidst an evolving landscape marked by ongoing technological shifts and market uncertainties. Recently, Samsung disclosed that it is exploring expansions in new business areas, including automotive electronics, as part of its strategy to foster growth in a competitive environment.
Looking ahead, the company is scheduled to launch new home appliances on March 26, 2025, an event Han was expected to attend before his untimely death. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring any announcements regarding strategic shifts within Samsung and how the leadership change will influence the company’s competitiveness in sectors where it has lagged.
In conclusion, Han Jong-Hee's passing marks a significant loss for Samsung Electronics at a pivotal moment in its history. As Jun Young-hyun steps forward as the sole leader of the company, all eyes will be on his strategies to navigate the increasing challenges in technology markets and to revive Samsung’s reputation as an industry leader.
