The global technology community is reeling from the unexpected death of Han Jong-Hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, who passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 63. According to a spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant, Han suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership at a critical juncture for the company. His passing has thrust Samsung into an uncertain spotlight as it navigates fierce competition, a shifting AI landscape, and internal challenges.
A Titan of Samsung’s Consumer Empire
Han Jong-Hee was a veteran of Samsung Electronics, dedicating over 37 years to the company after joining in 1988 with a degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Rising through the ranks, he became a pivotal figure in transforming Samsung’s television business into a global powerhouse. Under his stewardship, Samsung maintained its position as the world’s leading TV manufacturer for over 15 years, a testament to his strategic vision and focus on cutting-edge consumer electronics.
In 2021, Han was appointed head of Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) division, overseeing the merged mobile and consumer electronics sectors. By 2022, he had ascended to the role of Vice Chairman and co-CEO, sharing leadership duties with Jun Young-Hyun, who managed the semiconductor division. Han’s tenure as co-CEO saw Samsung push aggressively into artificial intelligence, integrating AI into products ranging from smartphones to home appliances, a move aimed at keeping pace with the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
A Company at a Crossroads
Han’s death comes at a challenging time for Samsung Electronics. The company has faced mounting pressure in recent years, with its semiconductor business lagging behind rivals like Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s SK Hynix, particularly in the race for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips critical for AI applications. Samsung’s stock price has slumped amid weak earnings, and its smartphone division has struggled to maintain dominance against Apple and emerging Chinese competitors.
Just days before his passing, Han addressed shareholders at Samsung’s annual meeting, apologizing for the company’s underwhelming stock performance and pledging to pursue “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions to bolster growth. “Over the past year, our company failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market,” he admitted, signaling a commitment to catch up in the AI chip race despite regulatory hurdles.
Leadership Transition and Global Reactions
With Han’s sudden departure, Jun Young-Hyun, appointed co-CEO just last week, now assumes sole leadership of Samsung Electronics. Jun, a seasoned executive who has spearheaded the semiconductor division, faces the daunting task of steering the company through trade uncertainties and revitalizing its chip business. Samsung confirmed in a regulatory filing that Jun will serve as the sole CEO moving forward, though it remains unclear whether the company will appoint a new co-CEO to maintain its traditional dual-leadership structure.
The international response has been swift and somber. Industry analysts have expressed concern over the potential long-term impact on Samsung’s consumer electronics strategy, with one expert noting to Reuters, “Han was the key figure behind making Samsung’s TV business influential on a global scale. His absence could affect marketing and innovation in that space.” Meanwhile, posts on X reflect a mix of shock and speculation, with users highlighting the timing of Han’s death amid Samsung’s struggles in the AI chip market.
A Legacy Remembered
Samsung paid tribute to Han in an internal message, mourning the loss of a leader who “dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader.” His contributions extended beyond TVs, as he championed the integration of AI into everyday devices, a vision showcased at events like CES 2025 earlier this year.
As the tech world mourns, questions linger about Samsung’s next steps. Han’s death marks a pivotal moment for the company, testing its resilience as it balances innovation with stability under Jun’s leadership. For now, the focus remains on honoring a man who helped shape Samsung into the global giant it is today, even as the future looms uncertain.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.