Han Jong-hee, Vice Chairman and CEO who led Samsung Electronics’ TV business for 37 years, from CRTs to QLED TVs, has passed away. Known as the “rhinoceros” for his steadfast leadership in the Korean TV industry, the company praised him for spearheading the global top position in the TV business.
Born in 1962, Han started his career in 1988 at Samsung’s Visual Display Division’s development team after graduating from Inha University with a degree in electronic engineering. He rose through the ranks, becoming the head of the VD Division’s development team in 2015, president in 2017, and ultimately vice chairman and CEO in 2021.
Vice Chairman Han was dedicated to maintaining the world-leading status with cutting-edge technology. During Samsung’s 54th anniversary celebration in 2023, he emphasized that “technology and quality are the fundamental competitive strengths that must be upheld. Regardless of the changing times, technology leadership is Samsung Electronics’ highest value, and quality is an indispensable key competitive factor.”
At CES 2025 in the United States, he recalled the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s words: “Do not assume that your business will still be growing in 10 years,” and said he had taken this to heart, spurring continual technology development. During the event, he also mentioned the launch of an innovative new product set for the following year, a product that, regretfully, did not come to fruition under his leadership.