Samsung co-CEO Han Jong-hee dies of heart attack at 63

Samsung co-CEO Han Jong-hee died this week in the Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul after a cardiac arrest. He was 63.

Han joined the South Korean mega-corporation in 1988 after graduating with a degree in electronics engineering. He spent much of his early career in visual displays, before being picked to help the chaebol expand its consumer electronics in a bid to eclipse Japanese rival Sony and change the perception of Samsung as a low-end manufacturer.

"Chairman Lee Jae-yong expressed his deep regret over being unable to attend the memorial ceremony in person due to his schedule in China," the enormo-biz said in a statement Monday. "He extends his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family."

Samsung said Han played a "pivotal role" [PDF] in driving its television business, and the Korean corp became the largest manufacturer of tellies globally in 2006, a position it retains today. He ...