Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday that co-CEO Han Jong-hee has died of a heart attack, leaving recently appointed Jun Young-hyun as the company’s sole leader. Han’s passing comes at a critical time as the tech giant works to revive its struggling semiconductor business and navigate global trade challenges.
Han, 63, took on the role of CEO at South Korea’s largest company in 2022, overseeing its consumer electronics and mobile device divisions. His sudden death leaves Jun, who was just appointed co-CEO last week during Samsung’s annual shareholders meeting, in full command. Jun had previously been promoted in 2024 to lead the semiconductor division, which has lagged behind competitors like SK Hynix and TSMC in the artificial intelligence chip market.
Following Han’s passing, Samsung confirmed in a stock exchange filing that Jun will assume full CEO responsibilities. The company’s stock dipped 0.5% in response, mirroring the broader South Korean market.
Samsung, the world’s largest memory chipmaker, has faced declining profits and underwhelming stock performance, struggling to keep pace with rivals in advanced memory chips and contract chip manufacturing—both of which have seen soaring demand due to AI-driven growth. Additionally, Samsung has lost its position as the world’s top smartphone maker to Apple.
Han, who also served on Samsung’s board, passed away at a hospital on Tuesday while receiving treatment for cardiac arrest, according to a company spokesperson. A successor for his role has not yet been determined.
Samsung has traditionally operated under a co-CEO system, with leadership divided between its consumer electronics and semiconductor divisions. Han had been with the company for nearly four decades, rising through the ranks in its television business.
“Han played a pivotal role in establishing Samsung as a global force in the TV industry,” said an analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “His sudden passing could have long-term strategic implications, particularly in marketing.”
His absence may also impact Samsung’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its home appliance division, especially amid trade uncertainties and rising tariff pressures.