Samsung Electronics announced the sudden passing of its Co-Chief Executive Officer, Han Jong-hee, who died of a heart attack on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 63. The company confirmed that Han suffered cardiac arrest and passed away while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Seoul. His death marks a significant loss for the South Korean tech giant as it faces mounting challenges in the global market.
Han Jong-hee, a 37-year veteran of Samsung, was instrumental in transforming the company into a world leader in consumer electronics, particularly through his leadership in the television and mobile devices division. Appointed Co-CEO in 2022 alongside Jun Young-hyun, who oversees the semiconductor business, Han drove innovations such as LED TVs and the integration of artificial intelligence into Samsung’s product lineup. His strategic vision, dubbed the “Super Gap,” aimed to widen Samsung’s competitive edge over rivals by leveraging its existing strengths.
A Samsung spokesperson expressed the company’s grief, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Co-CEO Han Jong-hee. His contributions to Samsung’s growth, especially in making our television business a global pinnacle, will be remembered forever.” Han is survived by his wife and three children.
The news comes at a pivotal moment for Samsung, which is grappling with a lagging chip business and intensifying competition in AI technology. Just last week, on March 19, Han addressed shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting in Suwon, apologizing for the firm’s underwhelming stock performance and warning of a “difficult” 2025 amid economic uncertainties. He outlined plans for mergers and acquisitions to spur growth, a strategy now left in the hands of Jun Young-hyun, who has been named Samsung’s sole CEO effective immediately.
Han’s career at Samsung began in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Rising through the ranks, he became head of the Visual Display Business in 2017 before ascending to Vice Chairman and Co-CEO. His tenure saw Samsung cement its dominance in the TV market, surpassing Japanese competitors like Sony, and push forward collaborations, such as with Google, to integrate AI features like Galaxy AI into mobile devices.
The tech industry has reacted with shock and tributes to Han’s legacy. “His sudden departure leaves a void at a time when Samsung needs strong leadership most,” said an analyst from Seoul’s Tech Insights Group. Shares of Samsung Electronics are expected to face scrutiny in the coming days as investors assess the impact of this leadership transition.
Han’s funeral is scheduled to take place at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, with the procession set for Thursday, March 27, 2025. The company has not yet detailed further succession plans beyond Jun Young-hyun’s appointment.
In a poetic reflection of his life and abrupt end, one might say:
A leader bold, his vision shaped the screen,
At sixty-three, his heart ceased unforeseen.
Samsung now looks to the future under Jun Young-hyun’s leadership, tasked with steering the company through a turbulent period of trade uncertainties and technological evolution.
