Samsung TV Pioneer Han Jong-hee Dies at 63 From Heart Attack

• Mar 25, 2025

Han Jong-hee, a key figure behind Samsung’s global TV success, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63.

Samsung Electronics confirmed Han’s passing on Tuesday, stating that he died from cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Han joined Samsung in 1988 and played a significant role in elevating the company’s high-end television business. According to a company biography published earlier this month, Han was instrumental in introducing Samsung’s world-class LED TVs and driving innovation in the industry. His contributions helped Samsung maintain its position as the world’s leading TV manufacturer.

"Han was central in the unveiling of Samsung's world-class LED TVs," the company said, highlighting his impact on the tech giant's success.

Samsung Electronics is the most prominent subsidiary of the Samsung Group, a massive conglomerate that dominates South Korea’s economy. Despite his influence in the company, Han was not part of the Samsung family, which remains in control of the business. The company is currently led by Lee Jae-yong, a third-generation member of the founding family.

Impact on Samsung’s TV Business

Han’s death comes at a challenging time for Samsung, which has been facing increased competition in the global television market. Business experts believe his absence could affect the company's long-term strategy.

“Considering he has been deeply involved in Samsung's TV business for decades, helping it firmly secure its global standing, his absence could affect its global strategy for years to come,” said Kim Dae-jong, a business professor at Sejong University in Seoul.

Samsung has been integrating artificial intelligence into its latest television models, competing with other major brands like LG and TCL. These companies are pushing towards smart screens that function as digital assistants in homes. Han’s leadership in this sector helped Samsung remain a dominant force in the market.

AI Challenges and Industry Headwinds

Han’s passing also comes at a time when Samsung is facing difficulties in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the AI chip market. The company has struggled to meet demand for AI server chips, with U.S. giant Nvidia relying more on Samsung’s competitor, SK hynix, for high-bandwidth memory chips.

Last week, Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong emphasized the need for a "do-or-die" approach to tackle AI challenges. The company acknowledged in October that it was facing a "crisis," with concerns about its ability to maintain its technological competitiveness.

At Samsung’s recent general meeting of shareholders, the last public event Han attended, he addressed the need for innovation.

“We will continue to pioneer in various areas such as robotics, medtech, and next-generation semiconductors to secure new growth momentum,” Han said.

Samsung’s financial struggles have also been evident, with its operating profit dropping by nearly a third in the last quarter of 2023 due to research and development expenses. The company is navigating an uncertain future in an AI-driven tech landscape, making Han’s passing an even greater loss.