Samsung CEO dies suddenly

Samsung Electronics CEO Han Jong-Hee dies at age 63.

Reuters news agency quoted a Samsung spokesman confirming by phone that Mr. Han Jong-hee passed away on March 25.

Chosun Biz reported that Han Jong-hee suffered a cardiac arrest after his daughter's wedding on March 22. He was rushed to Seoul Samsung Hospital for emergency treatment, but he did not survive. Han was scheduled to speak at a major Samsung event on March 26, but on March 24, the company announced a change of schedule and sent someone else to replace him.

"We pray for the soul of the deceased, who contributed 37 years to the company. He led the TV division to become the world's number one, and did his best as the head of the TV and home electronics division, even when facing many difficulties," Chosun Biz quoted an internal announcement from Samsung Electronics.

Mr. Han Jong-hee's funeral is scheduled to take place on March 27.

As CEO, Han Jong-hee is in charge of the mobile business, previously headed by Koh Dong-jin, and consumer electronics, previously headed by Hyun-Suk Kim. He also serves as co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, overseeing the chip business of South Korea's largest conglomerate with Jun Young-hyun.

Before his death, Mr. Han Jong-hee attended the annual meeting on March 19 in Suwon, South Korea, where he admitted to shareholders that Samsung's technological competitiveness had declined recently.

To improve the situation, he pledged that the company will pursue "meaningful achievements" through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2025 to promote recovery and growth.

"M&A in the semiconductor sector is difficult due to regulations and national interests, but we are determined to achieve concrete results this year," Mr. Han said.

Faced with that reality, Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong sent an urgent message to thousands of senior leaders in the group.

He stressed that Samsung is facing a life-or-death challenge, either having to change to survive, or face failure.

In the recording, Chairman Lee emphasized: "Samsung is facing a life-or-death problem. We need to deeply reflect on ourselves from the top. We must invest in the future, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits."

Cao Thong

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/quoc-te/giam-doc-dieu-hanh-samsung-dot-ngot-qua-doi/20250325093211383