Lee Kun-hee, who transformed Samsung into Smartphone giant passes away at 78

Lee Kun-hee, the man who transformed Samsung into the world’s largest consumer product maker, specifically into smartphones, televisions, and memory chips maker, passed away at the age of 78.

Samsung said Lee passed away on October 25 with his family by his side. However, the cause of death is not revealed.

Lee who told employees to “change everything except your wife and children” during his drive to foster innovation and challenge rivals such as Sony Corp., was South Korea’s richest person.

“Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business,” the company said. “His legacy will be everlasting.”