Han Jong-hee, the long-serving executive and co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, after suffering a heart attack. At the time of his death, he was 63 years old and actively leading Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division. His passing comes at a challenging time for the South Korean tech giant, which is currently navigating tariff-related setbacks and internal performance criticism.
A Four-Decade Journey Through Samsung
Born in 1962 in South Korea, Han Jong-hee earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. His academic background in engineering laid the groundwork for a nearly 40-year-long career at Samsung, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies.
Han began his professional journey at Samsung in 1988 as part of the Development Team in the television division. Over the years, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder, eventually leading the visual display business in 2017. His success in revitalizing Samsung’s TV business earned him wider recognition within the company.
In 2022, he was promoted to Vice Chairman and appointed co-CEO. In his latest role, Han was responsible for overseeing the DX (Device eXperience) division, which included Samsung’s flagship consumer electronics and mobile device operations. He was also the head of the quality innovation committee and played a key role in shaping the company’s approach to hardware performance, marketing, and design.
Net Worth and Personal Life
According to a report by Analytics Insight, Han Jong-hee’s estimated net worth as of November 30, 2024, was approximately $971,291. While not among the highest-paid tech executives globally, his wealth reflected decades of service and stock-based compensation rather than aggressive entrepreneurship or outside investments.
Han is survived by his wife and three children. Though he kept his family life out of the public spotlight, colleagues frequently described him as a dedicated family man and a tireless leader behind closed doors.
Sudden Death and Unfinished Business
Han’s death comes just a day before he was scheduled to attend a high-profile Samsung event unveiling a new line of home appliances — a sector he had worked to modernize. His absence leaves a vacuum in Samsung’s executive structure at a crucial time.
Samsung traditionally appoints two CEOs to split responsibility across its major business units. The other current co-CEO, Jun Young-hyun, oversees Samsung’s semiconductor division. As of now, Han’s successor in the DX division has not been named, raising immediate questions about leadership continuity in the company’s consumer business.
Tariffs and Tough Times
Han’s passing adds to the pressure Samsung is already facing in 2025. Just last week, Han addressed shareholders during a tense annual meeting, warning that the company was bracing for a difficult year due to 25% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. These tariffs have directly impacted Samsung’s key exports to the U.S., including home appliances and semiconductor products.
During the meeting, Han openly acknowledged that Samsung had failed to keep pace with rivals in capitalizing on the AI semiconductor boom — a missed opportunity that shareholders did not take lightly.
“First and foremost, I sincerely apologise for the recent stock performance not meeting your expectations,” Han said. “Over the past year, our company failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market.”
His honesty stood out, but it also highlighted the urgent need for new strategies and visionary leadership — a void now widened by his sudden death.
The Road Ahead for Samsung
While Jun Young-hyun remains at the helm of Samsung’s chip division, Han’s loss disrupts ongoing efforts to revive the company’s mobile and home appliance businesses. His leadership was considered crucial in revamping Samsung’s appliance design, integrating AI-driven features, and regaining competitiveness in Western markets.
Analysts believe Han’s death could cause delays or shifts in product development timelines and marketing strategies. The company’s board is expected to meet in the coming weeks to name a successor, likely someone from within Samsung’s upper management ranks.
A Quiet Giant with a Lasting Legacy
Han Jong-hee wasn’t a media-facing CEO like some of his counterparts in Silicon Valley, but inside Samsung, he was regarded as one of the sharpest minds in product development. His leadership style was said to be humble, focused, and deeply technical. Those who worked closely with him credited his steady hand and long-term vision as key drivers of Samsung’s success in the television and appliance markets.
Even during difficult times, Han remained optimistic. His last public remarks, though acknowledging shortcomings, reflected his confidence in Samsung’s ability to pivot and succeed.
Final Thoughts
Han Jong-hee’s passing marks the end of an era for Samsung Electronics. With nearly 40 years of service, he helped shape the company’s reputation for innovation, quality, and global reach. His sudden death not only creates an emotional loss within the company but also introduces uncertainty during a time when stable leadership is needed most.
As the company looks to rebound from its recent struggles, Han’s legacy will serve both as a reminder of what Samsung has achieved — and a challenge to its next generation of leaders to rise to the occasion.
