Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong marked four years in the role on Tuesday as the company forecast its largest quarterly profit on record, reversing the semiconductor downturn that defined his early tenure. Third-quarter operating profit is expected to reach 107.4 trillion won ($81.1 billion), positioning Samsung as the first global technology firm to exceed 100 trillion won in quarterly earnings.
From Downturn to Turnaround
Lee assumed the chairmanship on October 27, 2022, just as the semiconductor industry entered a steep decline. Samsung’s chip division reported losses exceeding 14 trillion won in 2023, falling behind SK hynix in the high-bandwidth memory market critical to AI processors. Legal challenges over a 2015 affiliate merger and a 12 trillion won inheritance tax bill compounded the pressure, though those issues have since eased following his acquittal and tax payments.
The recovery began with a leadership overhaul: veteran executive Jun Young-hyun took charge of the semiconductor division in May 2024 and assumed direct oversight of the memory business. Samsung regained the global DRAM market lead in late 2024 and started mass shipments of HBM4 in February, followed by announcements of 12-layer HBM4E samples in May.
Beyond Chips: AI, Robotics, and New Frontiers
On Tuesday, Lee visited Samsung’s research campus in southern Seoul to review humanoid robot development, according to industry sources. The company plans to introduce specialized robots into production lines as part of its transition to AI-driven factories by 2030. Last week, he visited a gas-fired power plant construction site in the UAE, demonstrating his hands-on approach to operations.
These moves signal a shift toward robotics, automotive electronics, and artificial intelligence-powered manufacturing as growth engines beyond memory chips. Samsung’s contract chipmaking division has secured orders from Google, Nvidia, and Broadcom, while its mobile division promotes the Galaxy Z Fold8. Affiliates across biotechnology, electronic components, and insurance have also reported improved earnings.
Analysts project full-year operating profit to reach approximately 372 trillion won, roughly nine times the 2022 level. Detailed quarterly results are due Thursday.
AI Integration Across Operations
Throughout the recovery, Lee has maintained close contact with major customers and partners. Over the past year, he has met with Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, Tesla’s Elon Musk, AMD’s Lisa Su, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. A fried-chicken dinner with Huang and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung in Seoul last October exemplified his informal engagement strategy.
Looking Ahead: Investments and Challenges
Industry observers expect Samsung to pursue major investments and acquisitions in robotics, automotive electronics, and other emerging fields, seeking more stable earnings beyond semiconductors. Restoring profitability in loss-making non-memory chip and consumer-device businesses remains a priority, even as competition from Chinese chipmakers adds pressure to maintain technological leadership.
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