The tech world was struck with sorrow in early 2025 as news broke of the unexpected passing of Han Jong-hee, the co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 63. A pioneering executive with more than three decades of service at Samsung, Han left behind not only a legacy of innovation and leadership—but also a significant financial footprint. As of the time of his passing, Han Jong-hee’s net worth was estimated at $971,291, according to data compiled from publicly available executive reports and stock performance analytics.
Here’s a closer look at his career, financial profile, family background, and the mark he left on one of the most influential tech companies in the world.
Who Was Han Jong-hee?
Han Jong-hee was a veteran of the Samsung Electronics empire, having joined the company in 1988 shortly after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Over the span of nearly four decades, Han climbed the ranks through merit and innovation, ultimately becoming Vice Chairman, CEO, and Head of Samsung’s DX (Device eXperience) Division.
He played a critical role in Samsung’s dominance in the TV and mobile device markets, overseeing design improvements, customer experience enhancements, and broader market expansion strategies. His steady leadership helped Samsung maintain its position as the world’s leading TV manufacturer and a key player in the smartphone and home electronics sectors.
Han Jong-hee’s Career Highlights
Han’s career was defined by technical brilliance and visionary strategy. Some of his major achievements include:
- Leading the Visual Display Business between 2011 and 2013, where he was instrumental in developing advanced display technologies.
- Overseeing the launch and global success of Samsung’s 8K TV lineup and ultra-slim display panels.
- Becoming co-CEO in 2021, where he was responsible for the consumer electronics and mobile divisions, while Jun Young-hyun handled semiconductors.
- Navigating Samsung through turbulent markets, including global chip shortages and post-pandemic disruptions.
Under his leadership, Samsung expanded its AI and IoT product ecosystem, transforming smart homes into a mainstream consumer trend.
Net Worth and Financial Profile in 2025
As of November 30, 2024—just months before his passing—Han Jong-hee’s net worth was reported at $971,291, according to Analytics Insight, based on data from SimplyWall.st. This figure accounts for his:
- Stock holdings in Samsung Electronics and affiliated companies
- Performance bonuses and equity incentives
- Executive compensation packages
His annual salary and bonuses totaled approximately ₩6.90 billion, or around $4.83 million USD per year. His compensation was largely performance-based, tied to Samsung’s business outcomes, making him one of the highest-paid executives in the South Korean tech sector.
Family and Personal Life
Han was known for keeping his private life out of the spotlight. While Samsung did not disclose details about his immediate family following his death, reports confirm he is survived by his wife and children. The family has requested privacy during this time, and there has been no public statement from them regarding inheritance, succession, or personal wealth matters.
Colleagues described Han as humble, focused, and extremely disciplined, often preferring behind-the-scenes innovation over public visibility. Those who worked closely with him credit his calm leadership style and meticulous planning for much of Samsung’s recent success in consumer electronics.
Public Statement and Final Appearance
In one of his final public appearances, Han addressed shareholders during Samsung’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, acknowledging concerns over the company’s stock performance in 2024 and the challenges of staying competitive in the fast-evolving AI semiconductor space.
“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,” Han stated.
He was expected to appear at an upcoming Samsung product event to showcase new home appliance innovations, but tragically passed away just days before the launch.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Han Jong-hee wasn’t just a figurehead—he was an architect of Samsung’s global success in consumer technology. His influence shaped the development of:
- AI-integrated home devices
- Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem
- Ultra-premium smart TVs and display solutions
- Expansion into the smart lifestyle product category
His technical foresight and collaborative approach won the respect of global partners, internal teams, and even competitors. Samsung’s visual and mobile device achievements during the 2010s and early 2020s owe much to his visionary input.
What’s Next for Samsung?
Han’s unexpected passing has left a significant gap in Samsung’s top leadership structure. With Jun Young-hyun managing semiconductors and AI development, and Han previously overseeing mobile and electronics, Samsung will likely undergo an internal restructuring to realign leadership responsibilities.
Investors and industry watchers are eager to see how the company balances ongoing AI investment with innovation in hardware. Han’s roadmap laid a strong foundation for Samsung’s AI-integrated smart home lineup, which will continue to expand under his successors.
Final Thoughts
Han Jong-hee’s net worth of $971,291 at the time of his death is a modest figure by tech executive standards, yet it reflects a career rooted in integrity, engineering excellence, and visionary leadership rather than personal gain. His legacy at Samsung is far richer than any number—it’s embedded in the products millions use every day and the company’s ongoing global influence.
As the tech world mourns his loss, Han’s life serves as a reminder that behind every transformative product is a leader who quietly pushed boundaries, made tough decisions, and committed decades to making technology smarter, simpler, and more human.
