Lee Kun-hee - Revision history

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	\| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean		\| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean
	\| education = [[Waseda University]] (BA Economics)<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)		\| education = [[Waseda University]] (BA Economics)<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)
			\| alma_mater = [[Waseda University]]<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)
	\| occupation = Industrialist, businessman		\| occupation = Industrialist, businessman
	\| years_active = 1966–2014		\| years_active = 1966–2014

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	\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1942\|1\|9}}		\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1942\|1\|9}}
	\| birth_place = [[Daegu]], [[Korea under Japanese rule\|Japanese Korea]]		\| birth_place = [[Daegu]], [[Korea under Japanese rule\|Japanese Korea]]
	\| death_date = ~~{{Death date and age\|~~2020~~\|10\|25\|1942\|1\|9}}~~		\| death_date = October 25, 2020
	\| death_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea		\| death_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea
	\| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean		\| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean

Maintenance script: Created comprehensive article: Samsung chairman, Frankfurt Declaration, wife Hong Ra-hee, tax evasion scandal, presidential pardon controversy, net worth

2025-12-04T23:37:29Z

Created comprehensive article: Samsung chairman, Frankfurt Declaration, wife Hong Ra-hee, tax evasion scandal, presidential pardon controversy, net worth

New page

{{Infobox person
| name = Lee Kun-hee
| native_name = 이건희 / 李健熙
| native_name_lang = ko
| image = Lee_Kun-hee.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = Lee Kun-hee in 2010
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1942|1|9}}
| birth_place = [[Daegu]], [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese Korea]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2020|10|25|1942|1|9}}
| death_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea
| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean
| education = [[Waseda University]] (BA Economics)<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)
| occupation = Industrialist, businessman
| years_active = 1966–2014
| known_for = Chairman of [[Samsung Group]], Frankfurt Declaration, transforming Samsung into global leader
| title = Chairman
| organization = [[Samsung Group]]
| spouse = Hong Ra-hee (m. 1967)
| children = 4 ([[Lee Jae-yong]], [[Lee Boo-jin]], Lee Seo-hyun, Lee Yoon-hyung)
| parents = [[Lee Byung-chul]] (father)
| net_worth = US$21 billion (at death)
}}

'''Lee Kun-hee''' ({{Korean|hangul=이건희|hanja=李健熙|labels=no}}; January 9, 1942 – October 25, 2020) was a South Korean business magnate who served as chairman of [[Samsung Group]], South Korea's largest [[chaebol|conglomerate]]. Under his leadership from 1987 to 2020, Lee transformed Samsung from a manufacturer of low-cost electronics into the world's largest producer of smartphones, memory chips, and televisions, with group revenues accounting for approximately 17% of South Korea's gross domestic product.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kun-hee |title=Lee Kun-hee - Wikipedia |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

At the time of his death, Lee was the richest person in South Korea, a position he had held since 2007, with an estimated net worth of US$21 billion. His death triggered the largest inheritance tax bill in history, totaling 12 trillion won ($10.78 billion).<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/south-koreas-lee-kun-hee-who-made-samsung-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-78.html |title=South Korea's Lee Kun-hee, who made Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78 |publisher=CNBC |date=October 26, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Lee is perhaps best known for his 1993 "Frankfurt Declaration," in which he urged Samsung executives to "change everything except your wife and kids"—a rallying cry that initiated the company's dramatic transformation from quantity-focused manufacturing to quality-centered innovation.<ref name="koreaherald-frankfurt">{{cite web |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3140834 |title=Samsung's iconic Frankfurt declaration marks 30th anniversary |publisher=The Korea Herald |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Lee was born on January 9, 1942, in [[Daegu]], during the Japanese occupation of Korea. He was the third son of [[Lee Byung-chul]], who had founded Samsung in 1938 as an exporter of fruit and dried fish before expanding into textiles, insurance, and other industries.<ref name="britannica">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Lee-Kun-Hee |title=Lee Kun-Hee - Biography, Samsung, & Facts |publisher=Britannica Money |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Lee studied economics at [[Waseda University]] in Tokyo, one of Japan's most prestigious private universities. He subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration degree from [[George Washington University]] in Washington, D.C., completing the program in 1966.<ref name="wiki"/>

== Career ==

=== Early Samsung career ===

After completing his MBA, Lee joined the Samsung Group in 1966 through the Tongyang Broadcasting Company, a Samsung affiliate headed by Hong Jin-ki—who would later become his father-in-law. Lee subsequently worked for Samsung's construction and trading divisions, gaining experience across the conglomerate's diverse operations.<ref name="koreatimes">{{cite web |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2024/08/135_298152.html |title=Biography timeline of late Samsung head Lee Kun-hee |publisher=The Korea Times |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

In 1979, Lee was elevated to vice chairman of Samsung Group, consolidating his position as the designated successor to his father. He assumed the chairmanship on December 24, 1987, two weeks after Lee Byung-chul's death.<ref name="wiki"/>

=== Frankfurt Declaration and "New Management" ===

By the early 1990s, Lee had grown concerned that Samsung was focused on producing large quantities of low-quality goods and was unprepared to compete against rivals like [[Sony Corporation|Sony]]. In February 1993, he presided over a comparative evaluation of Samsung products at stores in Los Angeles and was dismayed to find Samsung electronics pushed aside, dusty and overlooked by customers.<ref name="kedglobal">{{cite web |url=https://www.kedglobal.com/corporate-strategy/newsView/ked202310180015 |title=Late Samsung chairman Lee's New Management back in spotlight |publisher=KED Global |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

On June 7, 1993, Lee convened approximately 200 senior executives and overseas managers in Frankfurt, Germany, for what would become known as the "Frankfurt Declaration." Over three days, he laid out a radical new vision for Samsung, famously declaring: "Change everything except your wife and kids."<ref name="koreaherald-frankfurt"/>

The Frankfurt Declaration initiated Lee's "New Management" philosophy, which demanded:

* A strategic shift from quantity-centered to quality-centered manufacturing
* The abolition of academic qualifications in hiring (1995)
* Removal of dress codes for female employees to combat gender discrimination
* An annual salary system replacing seniority-based pay to attract top talent
* New working hours beginning at 7 a.m.<ref name="kedglobal"/>

=== The bonfire incident ===

In 1995, Lee dramatically demonstrated his commitment to quality by ordering the destruction of approximately 150,000 defective mobile phones and other inventory, valued at around $50 million. The products were burned in a bonfire before assembled executives—a deliberate spectacle designed to underscore that Samsung would no longer tolerate substandard products.<ref name="kedglobal-bonfire">{{cite web |url=https://www.kedglobal.com/lee-kun-hee-s-legacy/newsView/ked202010260003 |title=Why Lee set fire to over 150,000 mobile phones |publisher=KED Global |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Transformation of Samsung ===

The results of Lee's reforms proved dramatic. Following the Frankfurt Declaration, Samsung introduced a new corporate identity and adopted its English-language logo. In 1994, Samsung developed the world's first 256-megabyte DRAM semiconductor, followed by a 1-gigabyte DRAM in 1996. The company became the world's largest manufacturer of memory chips, smartphones, and televisions.<ref name="koreaherald-frankfurt"/>

The combined market capitalization of Samsung Group affiliates grew 200-fold, from 3.1 trillion won in 1993 to 626.6 trillion won ($481 billion) by 2023. Revenue increased from 41 trillion won to 466.8 trillion won, and operating profit rose from 490 billion won to 55.6 trillion won.<ref name="koreaherald-frankfurt"/>

== Controversies ==

=== 1996 bribery conviction ===

In 1996, Lee was convicted of bribery charges related to payments made to former South Korean President [[Roh Tae-woo]]. He received a suspended sentence and was later pardoned.<ref name="wiki"/>

=== 2008 slush fund scandal ===

On January 14, 2008, Korean police raided Lee's home and office as part of an investigation into allegations that Samsung maintained a 200 billion won (US$215 million) slush fund used to bribe prosecutors, judges, and political figures. The investigation was triggered by accusations from Kim Yong-chul, a former Samsung lawyer, who claimed he had bribed government officials on Lee's orders and that Lee's private bank accounts were used to hide company slush funds.<ref name="france24">{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20080417-samsung-chief-charged-with-tax-evasion-breach-trust-south-korea-justice |title=Samsung chief charged with tax evasion and breach of trust |publisher=France 24 |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Kim also alleged that Lee had purchased expensive artworks using company slush funds. Samsung issued a public apology and donated 800 billion won ($700 million) to charity.<ref name="cnn-scandal">{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/07/16/skorea.samsung/ |title=Ex-Samsung boss convicted |publisher=CNN |date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Tax evasion conviction ===

Lee was charged with tax evasion involving hidden assets totaling 4.5 trillion won ($4.5 billion). He was also charged with breach of trust for allegedly attempting to illegally transfer control of a Samsung affiliate to his son, [[Lee Jae-yong]].<ref name="france24"/>

On July 16, 2008, Lee was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to three years in prison, suspended, meaning he would not serve time. He was ordered to pay 110 billion won ($109 million) in fines. He was acquitted of the breach of trust charge. After a second round of questioning, Lee stated on April 11, 2008: "I am responsible for everything. I will assume full moral and legal responsibility." He resigned as Samsung chairman on April 21, 2008.<ref name="cnn-scandal"/>

=== Presidential pardon controversy ===

In December 2009, Lee was granted a special pardon by President [[Lee Myung-bak]], allowing him to return to Samsung's leadership in 2010. Critics alleged the pardon was connected to Samsung's role in South Korea's bid for the [[2018 Winter Olympics]]. Lee Myung-bak was later detained on charges of receiving bribes from Samsung worth nearly $6 million, allegedly in exchange for the pardon.<ref name="wiki"/>

== Personal life ==

=== Marriage and family ===

In 1967, Lee married Hong Ra-hee, the daughter of Hong Jin-ki, the former chairman of the [[JoongAng Ilbo]] newspaper and Tongyang Broadcasting Company. The couple likely met through their families' business connections—Lee had joined Tongyang Broadcasting in 1966, the same company where Hong's father served as chairman.<ref name="namuwiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.namu.wiki/w/홍라희 |title=Hong Ra-hee |publisher=NamuWiki |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Hong Ra-hee graduated from [[Seoul National University]] with a degree in Applied Arts. She became one of South Korea's most powerful art collectors and served as director of the Samsung Museum of Art, known as [[Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art|Leeum]], and the Ho-Am Art Museum until her resignation in 2017.<ref name="peoplepill">{{cite web |url=https://peoplepill.com/i/hong-ra-hee |title=Hong Ra-hee: Wife of Lee Kun-hee |publisher=PeoplePill |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

The couple had four children:

* [[Lee Jae-yong]] (born 1968), the only son and current de facto leader of Samsung Group
* [[Lee Boo-jin]] (born 1970), president of [[Hotel Shilla]]
* Lee Seo-hyun (born 1973), president of Samsung Welfare Foundation
* Lee Yoon-hyung (1979–2005), who died by suicide at age 26<ref name="wiki"/>

=== Heart attack and coma ===

On May 10, 2014, Lee suffered a severe heart attack at his home in Seoul and was hospitalized at Samsung Medical Center. He fell into a coma from which he never recovered. During his six years of incapacity, his son Lee Jae-yong assumed de facto control of the Samsung Group.<ref name="japantimes">{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/10/25/business/lee-kun-hee-samsung-dies/ |title=Lee Kun-hee, who transformed Samsung Electronics, dies at 78 |publisher=The Japan Times |date=October 25, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Death ===

Lee Kun-hee died on October 25, 2020, at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, with his family at his bedside. He was 78 years old. Samsung announced his death with a statement: "Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business."<ref name="cnbc"/>

His death triggered the largest inheritance tax bill in history. In spring 2021, Lee's heirs announced that his multibillion-dollar art collection of more than 23,000 works would be dispersed, with major pieces donated to national museums, partially to cover the massive tax obligation.<ref name="cnn-art">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/16/style/south-korea-samsung-art-smithsonian-hnk-intl |title=South Korea's latest soft-power export? Late Samsung billionaire Lee Kun-hee's vast art collection |publisher=CNN |date=November 16, 2025 |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Legacy ==

Lee Kun-hee is credited with transforming Samsung from a second-tier electronics manufacturer into a global technology leader. Under his leadership, Samsung became the world's largest maker of smartphones, televisions, and memory chips. The Samsung Group's revenues of 326.7 trillion won ($289.6 billion) in 2019 represented approximately 17% of South Korea's GDP, illustrating the company's profound impact on the national economy.<ref name="cnbc"/>

His Frankfurt Declaration and "New Management" philosophy became touchstones of Korean business culture, emphasizing quality over quantity and continuous innovation. Despite his legal troubles, Lee remained widely respected in South Korea for his role in elevating Samsung—and Korean industry generally—to global prominence.

== See also ==

* [[Samsung Group]]
* [[Lee Byung-chul]]
* [[Lee Jae-yong]]
* [[Chaebol]]
* [[Hong Ra-hee]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.samsung.com/ Samsung official website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Kun-hee}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:South Korean chief executive officers]]
[[Category:Chief executive officers]]
[[Category:Samsung people]]
[[Category:South Korean billionaires]]
[[Category:South Korean businesspeople]]
[[Category:Waseda University alumni]]
[[Category:George Washington University alumni]]
[[Category:People from Daegu]]
[[Category:South Korean white-collar criminals]]
[[Category:People convicted of tax crimes]]
[[Category:Recipients of South Korean presidential pardons]]
[[Category:20th-century South Korean businesspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century South Korean businesspeople]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:52, 22 December 2025
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	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = Lee Kun-hee		\| name = Lee Kun-hee
	\| native_name = 이건희 / 李健熙		\| native_name = 이건희 / 李健熙
	\| native_name_lang = ko		\| native_name_lang = ko
	\| image = Lee_Kun-hee.jpg		\| image = Lee_Kun-hee.jpg
	\| image_size = 300px		\| image_size = 300px
	\| caption = Lee Kun-hee in 2010		\| caption = Lee Kun-hee in 2010
	\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1942\|1\|9}}		\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1942\|1\|9}}
	\| birth_place = [[Daegu]], [[Korea under Japanese rule\|Japanese Korea]]		\| birth_place = [[Daegu]], [[Korea under Japanese rule\|Japanese Korea]]
	\| death_date = October 25, 2020		\| death_date = October 25, 2020
	\| death_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea		\| death_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea
	\| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean		\| nationality = {{KOR}} South Korean
	\| education = [[Waseda University]] (BA Economics)<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)		\| education = [[Waseda University]] (BA Economics)<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)
	\| alma_mater = [[Waseda University]]<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)		\| alma_mater = [[Waseda University]]<br>[[George Washington University]] (MBA)
	\| occupation = Industrialist, businessman		\| occupation = Industrialist, businessman
	\| years_active = ~~1966–2014~~		\| years_active = 1966-2014
	\| known_for = Chairman of [[Samsung Group]], Frankfurt Declaration, transforming Samsung into global leader		\| known_for = Chairman of [[Samsung Group]], Frankfurt Declaration, transforming Samsung into global leader
	\| title = Chairman		\| title = Chairman
	\| organization = [[Samsung Group]]		\| organization = [[Samsung Group]]
	\| spouse = Hong Ra-hee (m. 1967)		\| spouse = Hong Ra-hee (m. 1967)
	\| children = 4 ([[Lee Jae-yong]], [[Lee Boo-jin]], Lee Seo-hyun, Lee Yoon-hyung)		\| children = 4 ([[Lee Jae-yong]], [[Lee Boo-jin]], Lee Seo-hyun, Lee Yoon-hyung)
	\| parents = [[Lee Byung-chul]] (father)		\| parents = [[Lee Byung-chul]] (father)
	\| net_worth = US$21 billion (at death)		\| net_worth = US$21 billion (at death)
	}}		}}

	'''Lee Kun-hee''' ({{Korean\|hangul=이건희\|hanja=李健熙\|labels=no}}; January 9, 1942 – October 25, 2020) was a South Korean business magnate who served as chairman of [[Samsung Group]], South Korea's largest [[chaebol\|conglomerate]]. Under his leadership from 1987 to 2020, Lee transformed Samsung from a manufacturer of low-cost electronics into the world's largest producer of smartphones, memory chips, and televisions, with group revenues accounting for approximately 17% of South Korea's gross domestic product.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kun-hee \|title=Lee Kun-hee - Wikipedia \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		'''Lee Kun-hee''' ({{Korean\|hangul=이건희\|hanja=李健熙\|labels=no}}; January 9, 1942 - October 25, 2020) was a South Korean business magnate who served as chairman of [[Samsung Group]], South Korea's largest [[chaebol\|conglomerate]]. Under his leadership from 1987 to 2020, Lee transformed Samsung from a manufacturer of low-cost electronics into the world's largest producer of smartphones, memory chips, and televisions, with group revenues accounting for approximately 17% of South Korea's gross domestic product.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kun-hee \|title=Lee Kun-hee - Wikipedia \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	At the time of his death, Lee was the richest person in South Korea, a position he had held since 2007, with an estimated net worth of US$21 billion. His death triggered the largest inheritance tax bill in history, totaling 12 trillion won ($10.78 billion).<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/south-koreas-lee-kun-hee-who-made-samsung-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-78.html \|title=South Korea's Lee Kun-hee, who made Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78 \|publisher=CNBC \|date=October 26, 2020 \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		At the time of his death, Lee was the richest person in South Korea, a position he had held since 2007, with an estimated net worth of US$21 billion. His death triggered the largest inheritance tax bill in history, totaling 12 trillion won ($10.78 billion).<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/south-koreas-lee-kun-hee-who-made-samsung-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-78.html \|title=South Korea's Lee Kun-hee, who made Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78 \|publisher=CNBC \|date=October 26, 2020 \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Lee is perhaps best known for his 1993 "Frankfurt Declaration," in which he urged Samsung executives to "change everything except your wife and kids"—a rallying cry that initiated the company's dramatic transformation from quantity-focused manufacturing to quality-centered innovation.<ref name="koreaherald-frankfurt">{{cite web \|url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3140834 \|title=Samsung's iconic Frankfurt declaration marks 30th anniversary \|publisher=The Korea Herald \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Lee is perhaps best known for his 1993 "Frankfurt Declaration," in which he urged Samsung executives to "change everything except your wife and kids" - a rallying cry that initiated the company's dramatic transformation from quantity-focused manufacturing to quality-centered innovation.<ref name="koreaherald-frankfurt">{{cite web \|url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3140834 \|title=Samsung's iconic Frankfurt declaration marks 30th anniversary \|publisher=The Korea Herald \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	== Early life and education ==		== Early life and education ==
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	=== Early Samsung career ===		=== Early Samsung career ===

	After completing his MBA, Lee joined the Samsung Group in 1966 through the Tongyang Broadcasting Company, a Samsung affiliate headed by Hong Jin-~~ki—who~~ would later become his father-in-law. Lee subsequently worked for Samsung's construction and trading divisions, gaining experience across the conglomerate's diverse operations.<ref name="koreatimes">{{cite web \|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2024/08/135_298152.html \|title=Biography timeline of late Samsung head Lee Kun-hee \|publisher=The Korea Times \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		After completing his MBA, Lee joined the Samsung Group in 1966 through the Tongyang Broadcasting Company, a Samsung affiliate headed by Hong Jin-ki - who would later become his father-in-law. Lee subsequently worked for Samsung's construction and trading divisions, gaining experience across the conglomerate's diverse operations.<ref name="koreatimes">{{cite web \|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2024/08/135_298152.html \|title=Biography timeline of late Samsung head Lee Kun-hee \|publisher=The Korea Times \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	In 1979, Lee was elevated to vice chairman of Samsung Group, consolidating his position as the designated successor to his father. He assumed the chairmanship on December 24, 1987, two weeks after Lee Byung-chul's death.<ref name="wiki"/>		In 1979, Lee was elevated to vice chairman of Samsung Group, consolidating his position as the designated successor to his father. He assumed the chairmanship on December 24, 1987, two weeks after Lee Byung-chul's death.<ref name="wiki"/>
Line 60:		Line 60:
	=== The bonfire incident ===		=== The bonfire incident ===

	In 1995, Lee dramatically demonstrated his commitment to quality by ordering the destruction of approximately 150,000 defective mobile phones and other inventory, valued at around $50 million. The products were burned in a bonfire before assembled ~~executives—a~~ deliberate spectacle designed to underscore that Samsung would no longer tolerate substandard products.<ref name="kedglobal-bonfire">{{cite web \|url=https://www.kedglobal.com/lee-kun-hee-s-legacy/newsView/ked202010260003 \|title=Why Lee set fire to over 150,000 mobile phones \|publisher=KED Global \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		In 1995, Lee dramatically demonstrated his commitment to quality by ordering the destruction of approximately 150,000 defective mobile phones and other inventory, valued at around $50 million. The products were burned in a bonfire before assembled executives - a deliberate spectacle designed to underscore that Samsung would no longer tolerate substandard products.<ref name="kedglobal-bonfire">{{cite web \|url=https://www.kedglobal.com/lee-kun-hee-s-legacy/newsView/ked202010260003 \|title=Why Lee set fire to over 150,000 mobile phones \|publisher=KED Global \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	=== Transformation of Samsung ===		=== Transformation of Samsung ===
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	=== Marriage and family ===		=== Marriage and family ===

	In 1967, Lee married Hong Ra-hee, the daughter of Hong Jin-ki, the former chairman of the [[JoongAng Ilbo]] newspaper and Tongyang Broadcasting Company. The couple likely met through their families' business ~~connections—Lee~~ had joined Tongyang Broadcasting in 1966, the same company where Hong's father served as chairman.<ref name="namuwiki">{{cite web \|url=https://en.namu.wiki/w/홍라희 \|title=Hong Ra-hee \|publisher=NamuWiki \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		In 1967, Lee married Hong Ra-hee, the daughter of Hong Jin-ki, the former chairman of the [[JoongAng Ilbo]] newspaper and Tongyang Broadcasting Company. The couple likely met through their families' business connections - Lee had joined Tongyang Broadcasting in 1966, the same company where Hong's father served as chairman.<ref name="namuwiki">{{cite web \|url=https://en.namu.wiki/w/홍라희 \|title=Hong Ra-hee \|publisher=NamuWiki \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Hong Ra-hee graduated from [[Seoul National University]] with a degree in Applied Arts. She became one of South Korea's most powerful art collectors and served as director of the Samsung Museum of Art, known as [[Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art\|Leeum]], and the Ho-Am Art Museum until her resignation in 2017.<ref name="peoplepill">{{cite web \|url=https://peoplepill.com/i/hong-ra-hee \|title=Hong Ra-hee: Wife of Lee Kun-hee \|publisher=PeoplePill \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Hong Ra-hee graduated from [[Seoul National University]] with a degree in Applied Arts. She became one of South Korea's most powerful art collectors and served as director of the Samsung Museum of Art, known as [[Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art\|Leeum]], and the Ho-Am Art Museum until her resignation in 2017.<ref name="peoplepill">{{cite web \|url=https://peoplepill.com/i/hong-ra-hee \|title=Hong Ra-hee: Wife of Lee Kun-hee \|publisher=PeoplePill \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>
Line 103:		Line 103:
	* [[Lee Boo-jin]] (born 1970), president of [[Hotel Shilla]]		* [[Lee Boo-jin]] (born 1970), president of [[Hotel Shilla]]
	* Lee Seo-hyun (born 1973), president of Samsung Welfare Foundation		* Lee Seo-hyun (born 1973), president of Samsung Welfare Foundation
	* Lee Yoon-hyung (~~1979–2005~~), who died by suicide at age 26<ref name="wiki"/>		* Lee Yoon-hyung (1979-2005), who died by suicide at age 26<ref name="wiki"/>

	=== Heart attack and coma ===		=== Heart attack and coma ===
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	Lee Kun-hee is credited with transforming Samsung from a second-tier electronics manufacturer into a global technology leader. Under his leadership, Samsung became the world's largest maker of smartphones, televisions, and memory chips. The Samsung Group's revenues of 326.7 trillion won ($289.6 billion) in 2019 represented approximately 17% of South Korea's GDP, illustrating the company's profound impact on the national economy.<ref name="cnbc"/>		Lee Kun-hee is credited with transforming Samsung from a second-tier electronics manufacturer into a global technology leader. Under his leadership, Samsung became the world's largest maker of smartphones, televisions, and memory chips. The Samsung Group's revenues of 326.7 trillion won ($289.6 billion) in 2019 represented approximately 17% of South Korea's GDP, illustrating the company's profound impact on the national economy.<ref name="cnbc"/>

	His Frankfurt Declaration and "New Management" philosophy became touchstones of Korean business culture, emphasizing quality over quantity and continuous innovation. Despite his legal troubles, Lee remained widely respected in South Korea for his role in elevating ~~Samsung—and~~ Korean industry ~~generally—to~~ global prominence.		His Frankfurt Declaration and "New Management" philosophy became touchstones of Korean business culture, emphasizing quality over quantity and continuous innovation. Despite his legal troubles, Lee remained widely respected in South Korea for his role in elevating Samsung - and Korean industry generally - to global prominence.

	== See also ==		== See also ==