Lee Kun-hee: Lee Kun-hee Net Worth, Biography, Age, Spouse, Children & More

About Lee Kun-hee

Lee Kun-hee, the influential chairman of Samsung Group from 1987 until his death in 2020, played a pivotal role in catapulting the South Korean conglomerate into a global technology powerhouse. Born on January 9, 1942, in Daegu, South Korea, Lee inherited the reins of Samsung following his father's death, emphasizing innovation, quality, and competitiveness. Despite his legacy being marred by bribery and tax evasion convictions, Lee's leadership saw Samsung become the world's leading manufacturer of smartphones, memory chips, and appliances. He passed away on October 25, 2020, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a transformative legacy and plans by his heirs to donate his extensive art collection to South Korean institutions.

Born

January 09, 1942 in Taikyu, North Keisho, Japanese Korea (present-day Daegu, Republic of Korea)

Died

October 25, 2020 (aged 78)

Source Of Wealth

Samsung

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

South Korea

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Waseda University

Spouse

Hong Ra-hee

Children

Lee Jae-yong, Lee Boo-jin, Lee Seo-hyun, Lee Yoon-hyung

Parent

Lee Byung-chul (1910-1987), Park Du-eul (1907-2000)

Lee Kun-hee was born on January 9, 1942, in Daegu, South Korea. He was the son of Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul. Lee Kun-hee studied economics at Waseda University in Tokyo and George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Lee Kun-hee: Family

Lee Kun-hee was married to Hong Ra-hee, the daughter of the former chairman of JoongAng Ilbo. They had four children: Lee Jae-yong (son), Lee Boo-jin, Lee Seo-hyun, and Lee Yoon-hyung (deceased). Lee Kun-hee was involved in legal disputes with his siblings over Samsung shares.

Lee Kun-hee: Career Highlights

Lee Kun-hee joined Samsung Group in 1966, working in broadcasting and construction. He became chairman of Samsung Group in 1987 after his father's death. Under his leadership, Samsung transformed into a global business giant. Lee Kun-hee focused on innovation, quality, and competitiveness. He oversaw Samsung's rise as the world's largest manufacturer of smartphones, memory chips, and appliances.

Lee Kun-hee: Companies

Lee Kun-hee was the chairman of Samsung Group, which includes numerous companies such as Samsung Electronics, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung Life Insurance, and Samsung C&T Corporation.

Lee Kun-hee: Major Achievements

Lee Kun-hee is credited with transforming Samsung into a global technology leader. He was known for his bold vision, innovation-driven leadership, and pursuit of excellence. Lee Kun-hee is remembered as one of the most influential figures in South Korean business history.

Lee Kun-hee: Awards & Achievements

Lee Kun-hee received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the highest honor bestowed by the South Korean government. He was also recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the world's most powerful people.

Lee Kun-hee: Personal Life & Legacy

Lee Kun-hee was known for his private and reserved nature. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed collecting art. Lee Kun-hee's legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and excellence. He transformed Samsung into a global technology powerhouse and left a lasting impact on the South Korean economy.

Lee Kun-hee: Trivia

Lee Kun-hee was an avid golfer and a fan of classical music.

He was also known for his love of Korean traditional culture and art.

Wealth History

Timeline

January 9, 1942

Lee Kun-hee is born in Daegu, South Korea.

1966

Lee Kun-hee joins Samsung Group, working in broadcasting and construction.

1987

Lee Kun-hee becomes chairman of Samsung Group after his father's death.

1996

Lee Kun-hee is convicted of bribery and tax evasion.

2005

Lee Kun-hee is tested for cancer again.

2008

Lee Kun-hee is convicted of bribery and tax evasion for the second time.

2010

Lee Kun-hee returns as chairman of Samsung Electronics after a brief hiatus.

2014

Lee Kun-hee suffers a heart attack and remains in a coma until his death.

October 25, 2020

Lee Kun-hee dies at the age of 78.

Posthumous Developments

Lee's heirs announce plans to disperse his extensive art collection to public institutions in South Korea. The South Korean government is considering building a new museum dedicated to the Lee collection.

Lee Kun-hee : FAQs

What is Lee Kun-hee's net worth?

As of 2020, Lee Kun-hee's net worth was $14.10 billion.

What are Lee Kun-hee's main sources of wealth?

Lee Kun-hee's main source of income comes from Samsung.

In which industry does Lee Kun-hee primarily operate?

Lee Kun-hee is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

What is Lee Kun-hee educational background?

Lee Kun-hee holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Waseda University.

Is Lee Kun-hee dead?

Yes, Lee Kun-hee died on October 25, 2020 (aged 78).

How many children does Lee Kun-hee have?

Lee Kun-hee has 3 children.

Who was Lee Kun-hee and what was his role at Samsung?

Lee Kun-hee was the Chairman of Samsung Group and a prominent business magnate who led Samsung's transformation into a global technology leader, making it the largest manufacturer of smartphones, memory chips, and appliances.

What controversies and legal issues did Lee Kun-hee face during his tenure at Samsung?

Throughout his tenure, Lee Kun-hee was convicted of bribery and tax evasion in 1996 and 2008, although he was pardoned both times. He was also accused of corruption and establishing slush funds to influence politicians and officials.

Can you elaborate on Lee Kun-hee’s contributions to Samsung's growth and innovation?

Lee Kun-hee initiated a corporate transformation that emphasized innovation, quality, and competitiveness, propelling Samsung to its status as a global leader in smartphones, memory chips, and appliances. His leadership was marked by a focus on advancing technology and embracing product excellence.

What were the circumstances surrounding Lee Kun-hee's death and how is his legacy being honored?

Lee Kun-hee passed away on October 25, 2020, after suffering a heart attack in 2014 and remaining in a coma. Posthumously, his heirs have begun dispersing his extensive art collection to public South Korean institutions, and there are plans for a museum dedicated to his collection, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in South Korea's business history.