It’s a sad day for the tech world. Samsung Electronics has confirmed that its co-CEO Han Jong-hee has passed away at the age of 63. The company announced his death on Monday, stating that he died from cardiac arrest. While specific details have not been shared publicly, the loss is significant not only for Samsung but for the global technology community.
Han Jong-hee wasn’t just another executive in a suit—he was one of the key forces behind Samsung’s meteoric rise in the consumer electronics world, especially in the TV and mobile device markets. His leadership helped shape Samsung into a brand that’s now in nearly every home across the world.
A Career Built on Vision and Innovation
Han’s journey with Samsung began way back in 1988. Fresh out of Inha University with a degree in electrical engineering, he joined the company with the kind of quiet determination that would come to define his career. He didn’t shoot to the top overnight—his rise was steady, built on decades of innovation, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of what consumers wanted.
From 2011 to 2013, Han led the Product R&D Team in Samsung’s Visual Display Business. During that time, he played a central role in pushing forward the company’s television technology, a product line that would go on to dominate markets worldwide. By 2017, he was promoted to head the entire Visual Display Business, and four years later, in 2021, he reached the top of the ladder—becoming Vice Chairman and CEO.
Under his leadership, Samsung’s TVs continued to lead the global market. He was known for being deeply involved in both the technical and marketing sides of the business, ensuring Samsung stayed ahead of the curve with innovations like 8K resolution and ultra-slim display panels.
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Leadership at a Challenging Time
As co-CEO, Han was tasked with overseeing Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division. While Jun Young-hyun, the other co-CEO, handled the semiconductor side of the business, Han was the public face of products we all use every day—from Galaxy smartphones to smart refrigerators.
Just last week, Han chaired Samsung’s shareholder meeting, addressing concerns over the company’s underwhelming stock performance in 2024. In what would now be one of his final public addresses, he issued a heartfelt apology to shareholders, saying:
“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.”
It was a tough but transparent admission—one that showed his commitment to accountability, even during rough patches. He was scheduled to appear at a Samsung event this week to unveil a new line of home appliances. Sadly, that stage will remain empty.
Family, Net Worth, and Legacy
Han Jong-hee is survived by his wife and children, though Samsung has not shared personal details about his family in its public statements.
As of November 30, 2024, Han’s net worth was estimated at $971,291, according to Analytics Insight, which cited data from simplywall.st. His annual compensation package was reportedly around ₩6.90 billion, or approximately $4.83 million USD. These numbers, while impressive, don’t begin to capture the value he brought to Samsung over his nearly four-decade-long career.
In addition to his executive duties, Han was also a board member at Samsung. He was deeply involved in the company’s strategic planning and long-term vision, especially during its transition into more AI-driven technologies.
Han Jong-hee Legacy
Han Jong-hee wasn’t just a CEO—he was a builder, an innovator, and a mentor. From a young engineer fresh out of university to the co-leader of one of the world’s most influential tech companies, his story is a powerful reminder that real leadership is about vision, patience, and integrity.
Rest in peace, Han Jong-hee. The world of tech owes you more than it can say.
