Han Jong-hee, the co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 63 due to a heart attack, according to a company spokesperson. A seasoned leader who dedicated nearly four decades to Samsung, Han played a pivotal role in shaping the global tech powerhouse, overseeing its consumer electronics and mobile devices division.
His unexpected death comes at a critical time for the company, as Samsung navigates a turbulent business environment in the face of rising global tariffs and missed opportunities in the booming AI sector.
A Legacy Built on Innovation and Loyalty
Born in 1962 in South Korea, Han Jong-hee was a product of Inha University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. This technical foundation became the launchpad for his long-standing career at Samsung, which began in 1988 when he joined the company’s Development Team in the TV division.
By 2017, Han had ascended to lead Samsung’s visual display business, where he was credited with pushing the company to the forefront of high-resolution and smart TV innovation. His work helped Samsung dominate the global television market for over a decade. His success in the division earned him a promotion to Vice Chairman and co-CEO in 2022, where he was entrusted with heading Samsung’s DX (Device Experience) division, including home appliances, mobile devices, and quality innovation.
Under his leadership, Samsung expanded its dominance in the premium home appliance sector and continued to innovate in mobile technologies, despite growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Han Jong-hee’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
Despite being at the helm of one of the world’s most influential technology companies, Han Jong-hee maintained a relatively modest personal net worth compared to many global tech executives. According to Analytics Insight, his net worth was estimated at $971,291 as of November 30, 2024. His earnings primarily stemmed from his executive compensation, bonuses, and stock options associated with his long tenure at Samsung.
Sudden Loss and Corporate Impact
Han Jong-hee was scheduled to appear at a Samsung home appliance launch event on March 26, a day after his passing. His death not only marks the end of a visionary career but also introduces uncertainty within Samsung’s leadership ranks at a crucial moment.
As part of Samsung’s dual-leadership model, the company typically operates with two co-CEOs. Han led the consumer electronics and mobile business, while Jun Young-hyun, the other co-CEO, oversees the semiconductor (chip) division. As of now, no successor has been named to fill Han’s role, leaving a leadership vacuum that may affect strategic initiatives, particularly in home appliances and marketing—areas where Han was actively spearheading change.
Challenges Facing Samsung in 2025
Han’s death comes amid a challenging year for Samsung. During a shareholder meeting just last week, he warned investors of the rough road ahead due to 25% tariffs imposed on South Korean exports by U.S. President Donald Trump in early 2025. These tariffs are expected to have a significant impact on Samsung’s home appliances and semiconductor exports to the United States—two core segments of its business.
Han addressed these concerns candidly during the meeting:
“First and foremost, I sincerely apologise 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.”
Investors had expressed growing frustration that Samsung was falling behind competitors in leveraging the AI boom, particularly in AI-optimized semiconductors—a market that saw exponential growth in 2024 and early 2025.
Despite these setbacks, Han remained confident in Samsung’s ability to adapt, emphasizing the company’s global supply chain resilience and diversified manufacturing strategy.
A Personal Life Rooted in Family
Outside the corporate spotlight, Han was a devoted husband and father of three. While he remained largely private about his personal life, those close to him often described him as humble and grounded—a stark contrast to the high-profile tech world he inhabited. His passing is not only a loss to Samsung but also to a close-knit family and a nation that revered him for his contributions to South Korea’s technological leadership.
What’s Next for Samsung?
With Han’s sudden departure, all eyes are now on Samsung’s board of directors, who must decide on his successor swiftly to avoid disruption in strategic operations. His death also raises concerns about the company’s ability to maintain its consumer electronics momentum, especially as it attempts to rebound from a lukewarm 2024 and early 2025.
While Jun Young-hyun continues to lead the chip division, analysts suggest Samsung may need to restructure leadership roles or bring in new executive talent to ensure the company’s competitiveness in both hardware and AI sectors.
Samsung’s stock showed slight volatility following the news of Han’s death, reflecting market uncertainty about future leadership and growth strategy.
Final Thoughts
Han Jong-hee’s legacy at Samsung is marked by steady leadership, product innovation, and a quiet dedication to excellence. From helping the company dominate the global TV market to navigating difficult transitions in the mobile and appliance sectors, Han’s contributions have left a lasting mark.
His death leaves a leadership void at a time when Samsung faces external pressures and internal reevaluations. But if his career has taught the company anything, it’s the value of resilience and forward thinking—principles that will now guide Samsung into its next chapter without one of its most trusted leaders.
