In a shocking turn of events, Han Jong-hee, the co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 63 due to a heart attack. His sudden death at the Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul has sent ripples through the company and the broader technology market, raising questions about the future direction of the tech giant.
Han dedicated over 37 years of his life to Samsung, joining the company shortly after graduating with a degree in electronics engineering in 1988. His journey through the ranks was marked by significant achievements, particularly in the consumer electronics sector. He was instrumental in transforming Samsung into a global leader in television manufacturing, a position the company has maintained since 2006.
Under Han's leadership, Samsung's Visual Display and Consumer Electronics divisions flourished. He took over the visual display R&D business in 2011 and became president and head of the Visual Display Business in 2017. By 2022, he was appointed co-CEO, sharing responsibilities with Koh Dong-jin, who managed mobile and IT businesses.
Samsung's internal communications reflected the company's deep sorrow over Han's passing. In a message seen by CNN, the company expressed its condolences, stating, "Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time." The company acknowledged Han's pivotal role in leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader, emphasizing his contributions amid a challenging business environment.
Han's tenure at Samsung was not without its challenges. Just a week before his untimely death, he publicly apologized to shareholders for the company’s failure to capitalize on the booming semiconductor market driven by artificial intelligence (AI). "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," he stated during a conference call with financial analysts.
Samsung's stock has seen a dramatic decline, dropping more than 25 percent in the past year, as the company struggled to keep pace with competitors like Apple and TSMC. The tech giant is currently facing 25 percent tariffs on products shipped from its production base in Mexico to the United States, a consequence of the ongoing trade tensions initiated during President Trump's administration.
Despite these struggles, Samsung remains a powerhouse in the tech industry, consistently reporting annual revenues exceeding $200 billion. The company is recognized not only for its smartphones but also as the world’s largest memory chip maker, specializing in DRAM and NAND flash chips.
With Han's passing, Jun Young-hyun, who was appointed co-CEO just days before Han's death, is now solely in charge of Samsung Electronics. The leadership transition comes at a critical time as the company navigates a potential crisis following Han's unexpected departure.
Han's influence extended beyond just business metrics. He was seen as a visionary leader who played a crucial role in the development of advanced display technologies, including OLED and QLED displays, which have become synonymous with Samsung's brand identity. His focus on smart TV innovations significantly improved user interface and smart features, solidifying Samsung's dominance in the market.
As the company grapples with the loss of one of its key figures, industry experts are left wondering who will step into Han's role and how the company will adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. With a strong legacy and a commitment to innovation, Samsung's future remains uncertain but full of potential.
Han is survived by his wife and three children, and his contributions to the tech world will not be forgotten. The company and its stakeholders are now tasked with honoring his legacy while steering Samsung through these tumultuous times.
