Lee Kun-Hee, the ailing Samsung Electronics chairman who transformed the small television maker into a global giant of consumer electronics is dead at the age of 78.
Samsung announced the death but did not specify the cause. Mr Lee had been incapacitated since a heart attack in 2014.
The company said in a statement “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kun-hee Lee, Chairman of Samsung Electronics. Chairman Lee passed away on October 25 with his family, including Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee, by his side. Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business. His legacy will be everlasting.”