Han Jong-hee Dies of Heart Attack, Leaving Samsung Leadership in Transition

Han Jong-hee, one of Samsung Electronics' co-CEOs, has passed away at age 63 following a heart attack. Han, a stalwart figure in Samsung who joined the company four decades ago, played crucial roles, particularly in the visual display R&D business and later as the chief executive for consumer electronics and mobile devices. In 2022, he became one of four executive directors on Samsung's board and shouldered the responsibility of navigating the company through evolving technological landscapes. Only recently, Han apologized to shareholders for Samsung's tepid response to the burgeoning AI semiconductor market, which had adversely affected stock performance. Samsung faces additional challenges with Apple surpassing it in smartphone sales and grappling with U.S. tariffs on Mexican-produced goods due to trade conflicts initiated by President Trump. In the wake of Han's passing, Jun Young-hyun, the recently appointed co-CEO, assumes full leadership responsibilities at Samsung.