Han Jong-hee, Samsung Electronics’ co-CEO and a pivotal figure in the company’s global television business, passed away today at the age of 63 due to a heart attack.

His sudden death marks the end of a nearly four-decade-long career that saw Samsung rise to the top of the global TV market.

Survived by his wife and three children, Han leaves behind a legacy of innovation and leadership.

Having joined Samsung in 1988, Han was instrumental in establishing the company’s dominance in the high-end television segment. The South Korean tech giant credited him for leading the development and promotion of its world-class LED TVs, solidifying its position as a leader in consumer electronics.

Han’s leadership extended beyond consumer electronics; he was also at the helm of Samsung’s mobile devices division. While the company has maintained a strong presence in the smartphone market, it recently lost its market crown to Apple, further highlighting the challenges it faces across sectors.

Nevertheless, Samsung’s recent biography described Han’s contributions as vital to maintaining the company’s market leadership.

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A challenging time for Samsung

Han’s passing comes at a critical time for Samsung Electronics. As the world’s largest memory-chip maker, the company is facing mounting pressure to keep pace in the artificial intelligence chip market.

Rival SK Hynix has emerged as the primary supplier of high-bandwidth memory chips for Nvidia, leaving Samsung struggling to meet demand. This competitive gap has caused unease within company leadership.

Just last week, Chairman Lee Jae-yong urged the company to adopt a “do-or-die” mindset in response to the AI race.

Samsung reportedly faced concerns over its “fundamental technological competitiveness” and long-term outlook.

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Leadership transition and uncertainty

Following Han’s death, Samsung announced that Jun Young-hyun – recently promoted to lead the semiconductor division – will serve as the sole CEO.

Jun was appointed co-CEO only last week at Samsung’s annual shareholders meeting. His new role places him at the forefront of the company’s efforts to reclaim its footing in the AI chip market, Reuters reported.

Samsung’s traditional dual-CEO structure has historically provided dedicated leadership for its consumer electronics and semiconductor divisions.

With Jun now holding the reins alone, the company’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters will be closely scrutinised by investors and industry watchers.

The legacy of Han Jong-hee

Han’s influence on Samsung’s consumer electronics business was undeniable. An industry analyst described him as “the key figure behind making Samsung’s TV business influential on a global scale.” His leadership helped the company achieve market dominance, particularly in the premium television category.

However, Han’s absence could have long-term repercussions. Some analysts suggest his passing may affect Samsung’s strategic direction, particularly in marketing and brand management. The home appliance division – already grappling with shifting consumer demands and trade uncertainties – may face further strain without Han’s experienced leadership.

At the recent shareholders meeting, Han candidly acknowledged the company’s struggles. “First and foremost, I sincerely apologise for the recent stock performance not meeting your expectations,” he told investors. He admitted that Samsung had failed to adapt swiftly to the AI semiconductor boom, contributing to its lacklustre market performance.

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Broader corporate challenges

While Samsung grapples with the leadership void left by Han, Lee remains in the spotlight.

Currently in China for the China Development Forum, Lee was recently seen visiting Xiaomi’s car factory and BYD’s headquarters.

The visits fuel speculation that Samsung is eyeing a stronger presence in the automotive electronics market to unlock new growth opportunities.

However, Lee’s leadership has been shaped by years of legal battles and corporate controversies. He assumed control of the conglomerate following his father Lee Kun-hee’s incapacitation in 2014.

Despite being cleared of succession-related charges in February, the prosecution has appealed the ruling, keeping the legal clouds over Lee’s leadership intact.

Samsung Electronics will now have to navigate this period of uncertainty.

Han’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of corporate leadership. His contributions were not only reflected in the company’s products but also in its corporate culture and resilience.

Samsung today faces the twin challenge of steering through an increasingly competitive AI landscape while maintaining its stronghold in consumer electronics.

The coming months will reveal how the leadership will adapt in the wake of Han’s death. For stakeholders, the question remains whether the company can regain its technological edge and meet the demands of the AI era. In the words of its own chairman, this will undoubtedly require a “do-or-die” determination.