Lee Kun-hee

Lee Kun-hee was born on January 9, 1942, in Daegu, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. He was the third son of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of the Samsung group, which started as an exporter of fruit and dried fish. He graduated with a degree in economics from Waseda University in Japan, and studied for a master's degree in business administration at George Washington University in the United States, but did not complete it. He joined the Samsung Group in 1968, working for its broadcasting, construction and trading subsidiaries. He became the chairman of the conglomerate in 1987, after the death of his father. He initiated a radical reform of the company's culture and strategy, urging his employees to "change everything except your wife and kids". He focused on improving the quality and innovation of Samsung's products, and expanded its business into new fields such as semiconductors, smartphones, televisions, and biotechnology. Under his leadership, Samsung became one of the world's largest and most influential technology companies, competing with rivals like Sony, Apple, and Huawei. He was also involved in various sports and cultural activities, supporting the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and the Leeum Museum of Art. He was the richest person in South Korea, with an estimated net worth of $21 billion at the time of his death. He was also the most powerful person in the country, according to Forbes. However, he also faced several legal troubles, including charges of bribery, tax evasion, and embezzlement. He stepped down as Samsung chairman in 2008, after being convicted of tax evasion and given a suspended sentence. He was pardoned by the president in 2009, and returned as chairman in 2010. He suffered a heart attack in 2014, and remained hospitalized until his death on October 25, 2020. He was succeeded by his son, Lee Jae-yong, who also faced legal issues related to a controversial merger and a corruption scandal. Lee Kun-hee was widely regarded as the visionary leader who transformed Samsung and the Korean economy. He was praised for his innovation, ambition, and global vision, but also criticized for his authoritarian style, lack of transparency, and ethical lapses. He left behind a legacy of achievements and challenges for his family and his company.