Samsung Electronics has been hit with a tragic loss following the sudden passing of its co-CEO, Han Jong-hee, on Tuesday, March 25.
The 63-year-old executive suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at a hospital, the company confirmed to AFP.
A Samsung spokesperson stated, “He died from cardiac arrest today,” adding that Han is survived by his wife and three children.
The company has yet to decide on a successor.
Han, who became co-CEO of South Korea’s largest tech giant in 2022, played a crucial role in Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division.
Samsung co-CEO Han’s leadership was instrumental in cementing Samsung’s dominance in the global television market.
Having joined the company in 1988, Han dedicated nearly four decades to shaping Samsung’s TV business.
He was a key figure in introducing Samsung’s world-class LED TVs and driving innovation in display technology.
In a company biography published earlier this month, Samsung credited Han with leading the company’s television division to global prominence.
Han was central in the unveiling of Samsung’s world-class LED TVs,” the statement read.
“His numerous other innovations enabled the company to continually demonstrate its technology leadership.”
Industry analysts believe Han’s passing could have long-term implications for Samsung’s global strategy, particularly in marketing and consumer electronics.
“With his sudden passing… there could be some long-term impact on its business strategy,” an analyst noted, choosing to remain anonymous.
Samsung has traditionally operated under a co-CEO structure, splitting leadership between its consumer electronics and semiconductor divisions.
Han’s absence may pose challenges as the company seeks to maintain its stronghold in the highly competitive TV market.
Kim Dae-Jong, a professor of business administration at Sejong University, emphasized Han’s deep involvement in Samsung’s global strategy.
“Considering he has been deeply involved in Samsung’s TV business for decades, his absence could affect its global strategy for years to come,” he told AFP.
Despite his influential role, Han was not part of the Samsung founding family.
The company remains under the leadership of third-generation heir Lee Jae-yong, who continues to guide Samsung Electronics through a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The sudden passing of Han Jong-hee has left a void not only within Samsung but also in the global technology sector.
