Samsung Electronics has announced the passing of its co-Chief Executive Officer, Han Jong-hee. Han died at a hospital while receiving treatment for cardiac arrest, aged 63. His death leaves newly appointed co-CEO, Jun Young-hyun as the sole leader of the South Korean tech giant.
The sudden loss comes at a critical juncture for Samsung as it grapples with an underperforming semiconductor division, trade uncertainties, and a shifting global economic landscape.
Han, a veteran of nearly 40 years at Samsung, joined the company in 1988 and rose through the ranks, primarily in its television business. He became co-CEO in 2022, overseeing the consumer electronics and mobile devices division, which includes smartphones, TVs, and home appliances. His leadership was instrumental in elevating the company’s television business to a dominant position globally.
Jun Young-hyun, who was named co-CEO just last week during Samsung’s annual shareholders’ meeting, now assumes full control of the company. Jun’s appointment followed his promotion in 2024 to head the semiconductor division, a critical arm of the company that has struggled to keep pace with rivals like SK Hynix and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the booming artificial intelligence (AI) chip market.
In a stock exchange filing, Samsung confirmed Jun’s role as the sole CEO following Han’s death, though the company has yet to decide on a successor for Han’s former position, according to a spokesperson.
Samsung’s traditional co-CEO structure has long separated oversight of its consumer electronics and semiconductor divisions, reflecting the conglomerate’s focus on innovation in both areas. Han’s death marks a significant shift, placing Jun in charge of navigating the company through a challenging period marked by weak earnings, a dwindling share price, and intensified competition.
A difficult year ahead
Han’s passing comes less than a week after he chaired Samsung’s annual shareholders meeting, where he addressed investor concerns about the company’s struggles to capitalise on the AI-driven tech boom.
“First and foremost, I sincerely apologise for the recent stock performance not meeting your expectations,” Han said at the meeting. “Over the past year, our company failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market.”
Samsung shares, which have underperformed compared to other tech giants, were down 0.5% on Tuesday, in line with the broader South Korean market.
The company has faced mounting pressure in its semiconductor business, particularly in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips critical for AI graphic processing units used by firms like Nvidia. SK Hynix has surged ahead in this segment, while TSMC dominates in contract chip manufacturing. Samsung’s lag in advanced memory chips has contributed to its declining market position, with the company also losing its smartphone market crown to Apple in recent years.
Adding to these woes are external pressures, including trade uncertainties fuelled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. At the shareholders’ meeting, Han emphasised Samsung’s intent to adapt flexibly to these challenges, leveraging its global supply chain and manufacturing footprint.
“2025 would be a difficult year,” he told investors, acknowledging the potential impact of escalating trade wars on Samsung’s operations. Analysts suggest Han’s absence could hinder efforts to bolster the home appliance division, a key growth area, amid these uncertainties.
Han’s legacy and Samsung’s future
Han’s nearly four-decade tenure at Samsung left an indelible mark on its consumer electronics portfolio. Joining the company shortly after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University, he initially worked in the television division, where he honed his expertise.
His strategic vision propelled Samsung TVs to the forefront of the global market, a feat that earned him widespread recognition within the industry. Han was scheduled to attend a launch event for new home appliances on Wednesday, March 26, underscoring his active role in shaping the division’s future.
Analysts warn that his sudden departure could disrupt Samsung’s marketing and product strategies in consumer electronics, areas where Han’s influence was profound.
Meanwhile, Jun Young-hyun faces the daunting task of revitalising Samsung’s semiconductor division, a cornerstone of its revenue. Appointed to the role in 2024, Jun has pledged to restore the division’s competitiveness, particularly in AI-related technologies.
Sources indicate that Samsung is also exploring expansion into the automotive electronics market as a potential growth driver, a move that could diversify its portfolio amid the current challenges.
Leadership transition and broader context
Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee, who has been navigating his own legal battles, is currently in China attending the China Development Forum. Reports from Chinese social media and local outlets indicate that Lee visited Xiaomi’s car factory in Beijing and BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen this week, signalling potential collaboration or investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector.
Samsung declined to comment on Lee’s trip, which underscores the company’s efforts to forge new partnerships amid a shifting global landscape.
Lee’s leadership has been overshadowed by legal troubles in recent years, including a February 2025 acquittal in a succession-related case, which prosecutors have appealed. His father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014, thrusting the younger Lee into a more prominent role despite ongoing controversies.
As Samsung mourns Han Jong-hee’s loss, the company stands at a crossroads. Jun Young-hyun’s leadership will be tested as he steers Samsung through a turbulent 2025, balancing innovation, market recovery, and global trade dynamics. Han’s legacy as a visionary in consumer electronics will endure, but his absence leaves a void at a time when Samsung can ill afford instability.
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