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{{SHORTDESC:South Korean entrepreneur and founder of Samsung (1910–1987)}}
{{#seo:
|title=Lee Byung-Chull – Founder of Samsung
|title_mode=append
|keywords=Lee Byung-Chull, Lee Byung-Chull biography, Lee Byung-Chull wiki, Lee Byung-Chull Wikipedia, Samsung founder, history of Samsung, South Korea economy founder
|description='''Lee Byung-Chull''' was the visionary founder of '''Samsung''', who transformed a local trading business into a global technological and industrial powerhouse. He played a key role in shaping South Korea’s modern economy.
|image=Lee Byung-Chull.jpg
|image_alt=Portrait of Lee Byung-Chull, founder of Samsung
}}
{| class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left; border-spacing: 0px; background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #aaa; float: right; margin-left: 1em;"
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: larger; padding: 5px 0;" |'''Lee Byung-Chull''' {{Golden Badge}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" |[[File:Lee Byung-Chull.jpg|centre|200x300px]]
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Born'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |February 12, 1910<br>Uiryeong, Korea
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Died'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |November 19, 1987 (aged 77)
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Nationality'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |South Korean
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Occupation'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |Entrepreneur, Industrialist
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Known for'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |Founder of '''Samsung Group'''
|}

'''Lee Byung-Chull''' was a visionary South Korean entrepreneur who founded the '''Samsung Group''', which grew into one of the largest and most influential conglomerates in the world. His strategic insight and pioneering spirit helped transform South Korea into a modern industrial economy.

== Early Life and Education ==

Born on February 12, 1910, in Uiryeong, Korea, '''Lee Byung-Chull''' came from a wealthy landowning family. He attended '''Waseda University''' in Japan, where he studied economics, though he did not complete his degree. His exposure to international business and economics during this time helped shape his future ventures.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Byung-chul</ref>

== Founding of Samsung ==

In 1938, '''Lee Byung-Chull''' established '''Samsung Sanghoe''' in Daegu, Korea. It began as a small trading company dealing in dried fish, groceries, and noodles. The name '''Samsung''' means "Three Stars" in Korean, symbolizing greatness, strength, and eternity.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, '''Samsung''' expanded into sectors such as textiles and food processing. Post-Korean War, Lee foresaw the nation’s need for industrialization and began diversifying into manufacturing and finance.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lee-Byung-Chull</ref>

== Expansion into Electronics and Industry ==

In 1969, '''Lee Byung-Chull''' founded '''Samsung Electronics''', initially producing black-and-white televisions. Over the next decades, the company diversified into semiconductors, telecommunications, and home appliances, establishing itself as a global tech leader.

He also founded '''Samsung Heavy Industries''' and invested in construction, shipbuilding, chemicals, and insurance—helping industrialize post-war South Korea.

== Business Philosophy and Leadership ==

'''Lee Byung-Chull''' led with long-term vision and emphasized:

* '''Diversification''' across industries
* '''Technological innovation''' and R&D
* '''Globalization''' of Korean brands
* '''Investment in talent''' and education<ref>https://www.forbes.com/profile/lee-byung-chull/</ref>

His disciplined approach and emphasis on quality transformed Samsung into an international brand.

== Challenges and Controversies ==

In the 1960s, regulatory scrutiny over Samsung's banking ventures forced Lee to exit financial services. However, his resilience kept Samsung at the forefront of South Korea’s corporate rise.

== Legacy and Impact ==

'''Lee Byung-Chull''' passed away on November 19, 1987. His legacy includes:

* Creating the foundation for South Korea’s modern economy
* Building one of the world’s largest conglomerates
* Inspiring a generation of Korean entrepreneurs

His son, '''Lee Kun-Hee''', succeeded him and further expanded Samsung into a global electronics powerhouse.<ref>http://www.hoamfoundation.org/eng/hoam/hoam_intro.asp</ref>

== Conclusion ==

'''Lee Byung-Chull''' remains one of the most influential figures in business history. His vision, determination, and contributions to industrial development played a key role in South Korea’s rise as a global economic force. Today, the '''Samsung Group''' stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.<ref>https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Byung-chull</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Byung-Chull}}
[[Category:1910 births]]
[[Category:1987 deaths]]
[[Category:Samsung people]]
[[Category:South Korean company founders]]
[[Category:20th-century businesspeople]]
[[Category:South Korean industrialists]]

[[en:Lee Byung-Chull]]