Han Jong-Hee Net Worth, Career, Legacy, and Impact on Global Tech

The tech industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Han Jong-hee, the co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, has passed away at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by the company on Monday. While few details have been disclosed about the circumstances of his passing, the impact of his death is already being felt across the global technology sector.

Han wasn’t just a top executive; he was a pillar of Samsung’s transformation over the past four decades. From televisions to mobile devices, Han played a key role in placing Samsung products in millions of homes worldwide.

A Career Built Over 36 Years

Han Jong-hee’s journey with Samsung began in 1988, shortly after graduating from Inha University with a degree in electrical engineering. He joined the company with a quiet determination and a strong technical foundation—traits that would eventually earn him a reputation as both an innovator and a strategic thinker.

Between 2011 and 2013, Han led the Product R&D Team in Samsung’s Visual Display Business. His leadership during that time helped accelerate Samsung’s dominance in television technology. The innovations he spearheaded—especially in display clarity and form factor—became industry standards.

By 2017, Han was appointed head of the Visual Display Business, solidifying his role as a driving force behind Samsung’s global success in the TV market. In 2021, he ascended to one of the company’s highest ranks: Vice Chairman and CEO, later becoming co-CEO alongside Jun Young-hyun, who handled the semiconductor division.

A Face of Everyday Innovation

Unlike many tech executives who remain behind the scenes, Han was a public-facing leader. As co-CEO, he oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile business, the very divisions that deliver smartphones, smart TVs, and home appliances to consumers across the globe.

From the Galaxy smartphone line to AI-powered refrigerators, Han’s leadership was reflected in the products that people interact with daily. He was known for being deeply involved in product development, marketing, and long-term planning, often pushing the envelope with forward-thinking designs like ultra-slim displays and 8K resolution TVs.

A Final Appearance Marked by Accountability

Just days before his death, Han made a public appearance at Samsung’s 2025 shareholder meeting, where he addressed investor concerns about the company’s lackluster stock performance in 2024. In what is now recognized as one of his final statements, he said:

“First and foremost, I sincerely apologize for the recent stock performance not meeting your expectations. Over the past year, our company failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market.”

This rare display of honesty and accountability was emblematic of Han’s leadership style. He didn’t shy away from challenges. Instead, he confronted them head-on, earning both the trust of shareholders and the respect of his peers.

He was scheduled to unveil a new line of home appliances at a Samsung event this week—an appearance that now becomes a poignant reminder of his unfinished work.

Personal Life and Financial Snapshot

Han Jong-hee is survived by his wife and children, though Samsung has not released detailed information about his family, honoring their privacy during this time of loss.

As of November 30, 2024, Han’s net worth was estimated at $971,291, according to data reported by Analytics Insight and sourced from simplywall.st. While his personal wealth was modest by executive standards, his annual compensation reportedly reached ₩6.90 billion—approximately $4.83 million USD.

But beyond numbers, Han’s value to Samsung and the broader tech community cannot be measured in dollars. His decades-long contribution helped guide Samsung through massive transformations, especially during the critical period of global digital acceleration and smart tech adoption.

A Lasting Legacy in Tech Leadership

In addition to his role as co-CEO, Han served as a board member at Samsung, where he was deeply involved in long-term corporate strategy and R&D decisions. He was a leading voice during Samsung’s recent pivot toward AI integration, smart home ecosystems, and digital sustainability efforts.

Colleagues have often described Han as a mentor, particularly to younger engineers and designers within the company. He believed in cultivating future talent and encouraging risk-taking—a philosophy that helped Samsung maintain its edge in a competitive global market.

Remembering Han Jong-hee

Han Jong-hee wasn’t just an executive; he was a builder of modern tech experiences. His rise—from an entry-level engineer to the top of one of the world’s most valuable tech firms—is a powerful story of perseverance, insight, and quiet leadership.

His work has reached every corner of the globe—whether through a Galaxy device, a Samsung Smart TV, or a connected home appliance. And yet, he remained grounded in the values of humility, discipline, and innovation.

The tech industry has lost a major figure, but Han’s legacy will endure in the technologies we use and the strategies that will guide Samsung into the future.

As the world reflects on Han Jong-hee’s life and career, one thing is clear: his vision helped shape the very landscape of consumer electronics, and his absence leaves a profound void not just in one company, but in the global tech community as a whole.