Samsung CEO Han Jong Hee Suddenly Passes Away
On March 25, Samsung Electronics announced that its Co-CEO Han Jong Hee had passed away due to cardiac arrest at the age of 63.
According to a spokesperson from Samsung Electronics, Mr. Han passed away at the hospital on March 25 while being treated for cardiac arrest. The company has yet to decide on his successor.
Korean media reported that Mr. Han showed signs of cardiac arrest after attending his daughter’s wedding on March 22. He was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Mr. Han’s funeral will be held at the Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul, with the burial scheduled for March 27.
Mr. Han oversaw Samsung’s home electronics and mobile device divisions, while fellow Co-CEO Jun Young Hyun managed the conglomerate’s chip business.
Han joined Samsung Electronics nearly 40 years ago, gradually building his career in the TV business sector.
In 2022, he became Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics and also served as a member of the company’s board of directors.
In an internal memo to employees, Samsung Electronics expressed deep sorrow over Mr. Han’s sudden passing, recognizing his 37 years of dedication to the company’s growth.
Additionally, Samsung Electronics acknowledged Mr. Han’s unwavering contributions in securing the global top spot for the company’s TV business and advancing its mobile devices and home electronics divisions amid challenging internal and external circumstances.
According to Reuters, Samsung is currently facing difficulties with declining profits and falling stock prices in recent quarters.
Furthermore, the company has fallen behind its competitors in advanced memory chips and contract chip manufacturing — sectors benefiting from the strong demand for AI projects. Moreover, Samsung has lost its leading position in the global smartphone market to the U.S.-based Apple.
