KOREA WHO

Lee Jae-yong is the Chairman of Samsung Electronics.

As a third-generation owner-executive, he succeeded the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee and now oversees the entire Samsung Group.

He is focusing his efforts on revitalizing the struggling semiconductor division, while also spearheading the growth of four next-generation businesses identified as future growth engines: automotive electronics, robotics, medical devices, and eco-friendly HVAC systems.

He was born on June 23, 1968, in Seoul, as the eldest son among one son and three daughters of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

He graduated from Kyungbock High School and Seoul National University with a degree in Eastern History. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Keio University in Japan and completed a doctoral program in business administration at Harvard Business School in the United States.

He began his career at Samsung Electronics as a manager in the General Affairs Group. He went on to serve as Executive Vice President in charge of corporate strategy within the Corporate Planning Team, then as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President, President, and eventually Vice Chairman.

After his father Lee Kun-hee was hospitalized due to acute myocardial infarction, Lee Jae-yong effectively led the Samsung Group as Vice Chairman. Following his father’s passing, he formally inherited control of the conglomerate.

He was convicted and imprisoned for his involvement in the political corruption scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil (later known as Choi Seo-won), but was released on parole. In 2022, he was granted a special presidential pardon on Liberation Day and was named Chairman of Samsung Electronics in October of the same year.

Although he was acquitted in the 2025 appellate trial regarding the accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics, which was linked to the merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries, the case is still ongoing as prosecutors have appealed to the Supreme Court.

Lee is known for his rational and pragmatic approach to decision-making. He has a modest personality and is recognized for his approachability and communication skills.

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