Photos: biography timeline of the late Lee Kun-hee

Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, credited with transforming South Korea’s small television maker into a global tech giant, passed away on Oct. 25 at the age of 78. Born in 1942 as the youngest son of the late founder Lee Byung-chul, Chairman Lee took the helm of the group in 1987 and led the group’s rise as a global brand during his 26-year tenure. Under his leadership, the group’s market capitalization swelled by more than 300 times to top $266 billion. These photos capture key moments of his life, from his life as a young child to his development into a legendary business tycoon.

Photo slide: Legacy timeline of the late business titan

Lee Kun-hee in his youth

Lee Kun-hee with his parents

1978

Samsung Lee Kun-hee (far left) at a Samsung track meet in 1978

1980

With his father and Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul at the Samsung headquarters in Seoul in 1980

1987

Lee Kun-hee’s inauguration ceremony when he became Samsung Group chairman in 1987

1993

Unveiling the group’s New Management Initiative in Frankfurt in 1993

2004

Celebrating 30 years of semiconductor business in 2004

2004

Visiting Samsung's semiconductor factory in Kiheung in 2004

2005

Visiting Samsung Electronics Gumi factory in 2005

2006

Receiving The Korea Society's Van Fleet Award in New York City in 2006 for his contributions to South Korea-U.S. relations

2010

Visiting the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in Jan 2010

2010

Visiting Consumer Electronics Show or CES in Las Vegas in Jan 2010

2010

Groundbreaking ceremony for 16th semiconductor line in 2010

2011

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces Pyeongchang, Korea as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. As an IOC member, Lee Kun-hee played a key role in securing Pyeongchang’s bid

2011

With Samsung employees in 2011

2012

Visiting the Vietnam factory in January 2012

2012

Vietnam visit, January 2012

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