Samsung Electronics is one of the largest companies in South Korea and globally. To be honest, Samsung Electronics is so massive that it's challenging to cover everything in this blog.
Samsung
Before Samsung Electronics, there's Samsung Group, a conglomerate whose description would fill multiple books. It's not an exaggeration to say that Samsung Electronics has had a profound impact on various aspects of South Korea's history, society, culture, politics, and economy.
Before Samsung Electronics, there's Samsung Group, a conglomerate whose description would fill multiple books. It's not an exaggeration to say that Samsung Electronics has had a profound impact on various aspects of South Korea's history, society, culture, politics, and economy.
Youtube Wendover Productions Thumbnail
Today, let's briefly explore Samsung Electronics, the largest affiliate within the Samsung Group. While many people are familiar with Samsung Electronics' products, they may not know much about the company's overall profile.
Samsung
CNET
Samsung Electronics serves as the flagship company of the Samsung Group and ranks among the world's top 100 companies.
According to the Forbes Global 2000 list, which ranks the world's largest public companies based on revenue, profit, assets, and market value, Samsung holds the 24th position globally.
According to the Forbes Global 2000 list, which ranks the world's largest public companies based on revenue, profit, assets, and market value, Samsung holds the 24th position globally.
Forbes
Let's delve into a brief history of Samsung. Established as Samsung Electric Industries in 1969, it later changed its name to Samsung Electronics in 1984. Its primary businesses include semiconductors, displays, mobile devices, and consumer electronics.
Samsung
Samsung's roots trace back to Samsung Sanghoe, founded by the late Lee Byung-chul in 1938 in Daegu. Initially, it traded in groceries, dried fish, and noodles.
The name "Samsung" symbolizes strength and prosperity, with "sam (三)" representing big, numerous, and strong, while "seong (星)" signifies brightness, height, and eternal shining.
In 1968, Samsung Group Chairman Lee Byung-chul declared the group's entry into the electronics industry through a column in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. This declaration led to the founding of Samsung Electronics in January 1969.
Samsung Founder Lee Byung-chul
During the 1970s, Samsung Electronics experienced growth centered around household appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, fans, microwaves, and washing machines. In 1974, it acquired Korea Semiconductor, positioning itself for entry into the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors would later become instrumental in Samsung's transformation into a global corporation.
Samsung
The 1980s witnessed Samsung's diversification into computers, video equipment, and air conditioners, with core business areas identified as consumer electronics, telecommunications, and semiconductors.
SPC-1000 made in 1982, Samsung's first domestic computer
In 1983, Samsung made significant strides in the semiconductor industry by developing the world's third 64K DRAM, following the United States and Japan. This achievement narrowed South Korea's technological gap with advanced countries from over 10 years to approximately three years.
64K DRAM
Since 2010, Samsung Electronics has solidified its position as the world's leading smartphone manufacturer, overtaking Intel to become the top player in the semiconductor industry as well. In the late 2000s, Samsung shifted its focus to future-oriented businesses such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, biotechnology, and autonomous driving.
Samsung's roots trace back to Samsung Sanghoe, founded by the late Lee Byung-chul in 1938 in Daegu. Initially, it traded in groceries, dried fish, and noodles.
The name "Samsung" symbolizes strength and prosperity, with "sam (三)" representing big, numerous, and strong, while "seong (星)" signifies brightness, height, and eternal shining.
In 1968, Samsung Group Chairman Lee Byung-chul declared the group's entry into the electronics industry through a column in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. This declaration led to the founding of Samsung Electronics in January 1969.
Samsung Founder Lee Byung-chul
During the 1970s, Samsung Electronics experienced growth centered around household appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, fans, microwaves, and washing machines. In 1974, it acquired Korea Semiconductor, positioning itself for entry into the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors would later become instrumental in Samsung's transformation into a global corporation.
Samsung
The 1980s witnessed Samsung's diversification into computers, video equipment, and air conditioners, with core business areas identified as consumer electronics, telecommunications, and semiconductors.
SPC-1000 made in 1982, Samsung's first domestic computer
In 1983, Samsung made significant strides in the semiconductor industry by developing the world's third 64K DRAM, following the United States and Japan. This achievement narrowed South Korea's technological gap with advanced countries from over 10 years to approximately three years.
64K DRAM
Since 2010, Samsung Electronics has solidified its position as the world's leading smartphone manufacturer, overtaking Intel to become the top player in the semiconductor industry as well. In the late 2000s, Samsung shifted its focus to future-oriented businesses such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, biotechnology, and autonomous driving.
Samsung
Samsung's most renowned product is arguably its smartphones, as the company competes fiercely with Apple for dominance in the global smartphone market. In the first quarter of 2024, Samsung Electronics reclaimed its position as the world's top smartphone shipper, although Apple remains the dominant leader in terms of revenue share.
Vanity Fair
The war between Apple and Samsung is a legendary saga in the realm of technology and intellectual property rights. It's a tale of fierce competition, legal battles, and shifting market dynamics that has captivated audiences around the world.
ZDNET
The rivalry between Apple and Samsung dates back to the early days of the smartphone revolution when both companies emerged as leading players in the burgeoning mobile market. Apple, with its iconic iPhone, and Samsung, with its Galaxy lineup, quickly became synonymous with innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Forbes
However, as competition intensified, so did tensions between the two tech giants. In 2011, Apple fired the first shot in what would become a protracted legal battle by suing Samsung for patent infringement. Apple accused Samsung of copying the design and functionality of its iPhone and iPad devices, alleging that Samsung's Galaxy smartphones and tablets bore striking similarities to Apple's products.
In recent years, the intensity of the rivalry between Apple and Samsung has somewhat subsided, as both companies have shifted their focus to other areas of growth and innovation. However, the legacy of their epic battle continues to loom large in the annals of tech history, serving as a cautionary tale of the perils and pitfalls of cutthroat competition in the digital age. 'Apple vs Samsung phone' is still a big debatable subject on the Internet.
Samsung
Samsung Electronics is deeply involved in patent matters, consistently filing patents to enhance its technological capabilities while preserving its intellectual property rights. It ranks first in patent competitiveness among companies based on patents filed and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Samsung
Among Samsung's numerous competitors, its rivalry with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is particularly prominent. TSMC's dominance in the foundry industry stems from the growing demand for AI chips, with the company projecting a 50% annual growth in AI semiconductor revenue until 2028.
Counterpoint
As a large corporation, Samsung Electronics offers its employees some of the highest salaries among South Korean companies. Employee welfare is also noteworthy, with significant discounts on Samsung products and comprehensive health check-ups.
연합뉴스
Samsung Electronics' advertising is handled by Cheil Worldwide, an affiliate of Samsung Group and one of South Korea's largest advertising agencies, known for its exceptional talent and expertise in the field.
Despite its success, Samsung Electronics has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of government collusion, conflicts, legal issues, and labor disputes. In May 2024, Samsung witnessed its first labor strike in its history, following controversies surrounding bribery allegations against Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who was convicted and sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison.
연합뉴스
Undoubtedly, amidst various controversies surrounding Samsung Electronics, there are elements of truth and falsehood. Consequently, South Koreans harbor complex emotions toward Samsung Electronics, which is both a source of pride and criticism.
Samsung
Samsung, including Samsung Electronics, undoubtedly holds a significant place in the hearts of South Koreans, serving as both a source of pride and a subject of scrutiny.
As mentioned earlier, controversies surrounding Samsung Electronics are numerous, ranging from allegations of product copying, media manipulation, product-related issues, customer management, labor issues, to political ties. While the truth behind every incident may remain elusive, controversies involving Samsung Electronics often become hot topics domestically.
