Lee Kun-hee

Lee Kun-hee, born on January 9, 1942, was a prominent South Korean entrepreneur and industrialist, best known for his transformative role as the chairman of Samsung. His leadership spanned from 1987 to 2008 and resumed from 2010 until his passing in 2020. Under his guidance, Samsung evolved into one of the world's largest conglomerates, excelling in sectors such as semiconductors, smartphones, electronics, shipbuilding, and construction.

As the third son of Samsung's founder, Lee Byung-chul, Lee Kun-hee inherited a legacy that he expanded significantly. By the time of his death, he had amassed an estimated net worth of twenty-one billion dollars, making him the richest individual in South Korea since 2007. His tenure saw Samsung rise to become the leading manufacturer of smartphones, memory chips, and home appliances globally.

Despite his business acumen, Lee's career was not without controversy. He faced legal challenges, being convicted twice for corruption and tax evasion in 1996 and 2008, though he was pardoned on both occasions. In 2014, Forbes recognized him as the thirty-fifth most powerful person in the world, highlighting his influence alongside his son, Lee Jae-yong.