Obituary

Photos: biography timeline of the late Lee Kun-hee

Oct 25, 2020 (Gmt+09:00)

Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, credited with transforming South Korea’s small television maker into a global tech giant, passed away on Oct. 25 at the age of 78. Born in 1942 as the youngest son of the late founder Lee Byung-chul, Chairman Lee took the helm of the group in 1987 and led the group’s rise as a global brand during his 26-year tenure. Under his leadership, the group’s market capitalization swelled by more than 300 times to top $266 billion. These photos capture key moments of his life, from his life as a young child to his development into a legendary business tycoon.

▲Illustrated by Dug-Young Choo



Photo slide: Legacy timeline of the late business titan


Lee Kun-hee in his youth
Lee Kun-hee with his parents
1978
Samsung Lee Kun-hee (far left) at a Samsung track meet in 1978
1980
With his father and Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul at the Samsung headquarters in Seoul in 1980
1987
Lee Kun-hee’s inauguration ceremony when he became Samsung Group chairman in 1987
1993
Unveiling the group’s New Management Initiative in Frankfurt in 1993
2004
Celebrating 30 years of semiconductor business in 2004
2004
Visiting Samsung's semiconductor factory in Kiheung in 2004
2005
Visiting Samsung Electronics Gumi factory in 2005
2006
Receiving The Korea Society's Van Fleet Award in New York City in 2006 for his contributions to South Korea-U.S. relations
2010
Visiting the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in Jan 2010
2010
Visiting Consumer Electronics Show or CES in Las Vegas in Jan 2010
2010
Groundbreaking ceremony for 16th semiconductor line in 2010
2011
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces Pyeongchang, Korea as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. As an IOC member, Lee Kun-hee played a key role in securing Pyeongchang’s bid
2011
With Samsung employees in 2011
2012
Visiting the Vietnam factory in January 2012
2012
Vietnam visit, January 2012


Jerry Lee and Danbee Lee edited this article.

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