Han Jong-hee, Samsung CEO, dies at 63

Born in 1962, Han joined Samsung Electronics in 1988, starting in the Visual Display division.

He served in various posts in the division, such as leading an LCD TV lab, before being promoted to head the Visual Display business in 2017.

In 2021, he was named vice chairman and head of Samsung Electronics’ Device eXperience (DX) division, overseeing the electronics giant’s home appliance, mobile and TV businesses. The following year, he was appointed as the company’s CEO.

He was widely regarded as a key figure in the development and marketing of the company’s TV business, playing a major role in Samsung’s hold on the No. 1 position in the global TV market for 19 consecutive years.

Nicknamed “Rhino” for his ambitious and forward-thinking attitude, Han was considered a dedicated leader, attending major global events and conferences such as the CES and MWC as well as domestic unveiling events.

He also made frequent appearances at media events, usually shunned by Korean business leaders, in order to receive feedback and opinions from reporters in person.

Last year, Han was also appointed to lead a committee dedicated to controlling and enhancing product quality.

At a recent shareholder meeting, Han pledged to make a “grueling effort” to enhance shareholder value, heralding a “meaningful merger and acquisition” this year that could result in a tangible outcome through arduous efforts by the CEO to find the next growth engine for the company.

“We extend our deepest condolences and honor [Han] for his 37 years of dedicated service to the company,” Samsung Electronics said in an obituary notice on the company’s internal bulletin board.

“He led Samsung to become the global No. 1 in the TV business,” the post read, praising Han for giving his utmost as the head of the DX and digital appliance divisions “even amid challenging internal and external circumstances.”

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who is on a business trip to China, also offered his condolences, according to the company, expressing regret that he could not attend the funeral.

“He expressed his deep sympathy and mourning to the bereaved family from afar,” the company said.

Han’s funeral will be held at Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul, with the procession scheduled for Thursday.

On Tuesday, Samsung Electronics said in an electronic disclosure that vice chairman and co-CEO Jun Young-hyun, in charge of the semiconductor business, will serve as its sole CEO due to Han’s death.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]