Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee Passes Away At 63

Samsung Electronics announced the untimely passing of Han Jong-hee, Chairman and CEO, who died on March 25, 2025, at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest. The company expressed deep condolences, recognizing the significant contributions Han made during his 37 years at Samsung.

Han's death came as a shock to many, especially since he had just attended a family event on March 22, where he experienced health issues leading him to the emergency room. Despite this setback, he had recently conveyed optimism about Samsung's future in his remarks at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting.

Having graduated from Inha University with a degree in Electronic Engineering, Han joined Samsung Electronics' Visual Display Business Division in 1988. Over the years, he made substantial strides, leading the TV business to global dominance for an impressive 19 consecutive years. His tenure culminated in a promotion to Vice Chairman in December 2021, where he oversaw the Device eXperience (DX) division, which includes a broad range of consumer electronics such as televisions, smart appliances, and mobile devices.

At the shareholders' meeting on March 19, 2025, Han acknowledged concerns regarding the company’s stock performance and committed to enhancing technological competitiveness and shareholder value. "I will strive to enhance technological competitiveness and shareholder value," he stated, setting high expectations for the integration of AI capabilities into their products.

Within Samsung, Han was revered for his strong leadership, characterized by a keen ability to listen to team members and respond decisively, especially during times of crisis. His fair approach fostered a motivating environment, which significantly contributed to the company’s reputation as a leader in innovation.

Following Han's passing, discussions around his successor have intensified. Currently, Samsung’s Board includes four key figures: Roh Tae-moon, Song Jae-hyuk, and Jeon Young-hyun. Among potential successors, Jung Hyun-ho has emerged as a frontrunner due to his extensive experience within the company. However, the discussions also involve Lee Jae-yong, the company's current chairman, who remains in an unregistered executive role despite his influence.

Industry insiders suggest that the need for leadership continuity is critical, especially since the DX division experienced a decrease in operating profit, falling from 14 trillion won to 12 trillion won in 2024, despite revenue growth. With the global economy expected to remain challenging, ensuring robust leadership in this division is imperative.

Jeon Kyung-hoon, the current CTO of the DX division, has been pushing forward innovative projects, including a recent partnership established on March 6 with KDDI Research in Japan. This collaboration aims to explore convergent research in communications and artificial intelligence, which is anticipated to reshape user experiences in the tech landscape.

As the company navigates the aftermath of Han’s death, Samsung has also reiterated its commitment to its strategic innovations in AI and consumer electronics. Han had previously stated, "Samsung’s smart home leadership will continue for 100 years," underscoring the vision he held for the company.

The wake for Han Jong-hee is currently being held at Samsung Seoul Hospital, and the funeral is scheduled for March 27 at Sian Family Memorial Park, where family members and company executives are expected to attend.

As a testimony to Han's warm character and leadership, a Samsung official expressed, "He was a figure who represented Samsung Electronics' technology leadership and a symbolic leader who led the global home appliance market." His legacy will undoubtedly influence the future direction of Samsung as it strives to meet the foresighted standards that Han set during his illustrious career.