Lee Kun-Hee Quotes

Powerful Lee Kun-Hee for Daily Growth

About Lee Kun-Hee

Lee Kun-hee (이건희, born January 9, 1942) is a South Korean business magnate who served as the chairman of Samsung Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the world. Born in Daegu, Korea, he was the eldest son of Lee Byung-chul, founder of Samsung. Lee Kun-hee's early life was marked by adversity. During the Korean War, his family had to flee their home in Daegu and start anew in Seoul. He attended Hankuk University of Foreign Studies but did not graduate, instead joining Samsung in 1968. Lee Kun-hee's influence on Samsung began in earnest in the late 1970s when he returned to the company after studying at Seoul National University and receiving further education in the United States. Under his leadership, Samsung diversified into areas such as electronics, shipbuilding, and construction. One of Lee's most significant contributions was transforming Samsung Electronics into a global giant. In the 1980s, the company struggled financially due to poor-quality products. Under Lee's guidance, it underwent a transformation, focusing on research and development, and eventually becoming a leader in the global electronics industry. In 2008, a heart attack left Lee Kun-hee bedridden for several years. Despite this setback, he continued to exercise leadership over Samsung, albeit from a less active role. Quotes attributed to Lee Kun-hee reflect his ambitious and pragmatic approach to business: "If you want to do something, you have to be absolutely persistent," and "The most important thing in business is to survive." Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies, Lee's impact on Samsung and the South Korean economy is undeniable. As of 2021, Lee Kun-hee remains the Honorary Chairman of Samsung Group, with his son, Lee Jae-yong, currently serving as the de facto leader. His legacy continues to shape both Samsung and the broader business landscape in South Korea.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Change brings opportunities, and opportunities bring progress."

This quote by Lee Kun-hee underscores the power of change as a catalyst for progress. Change signifies an alteration or transformation, often associated with uncertainty or discomfort. However, in this context, it is seen as a positive force because it opens up new possibilities and opportunities that were previously unavailable or unexplored. These opportunities can then be harnessed to drive forward movement and growth, i.e., progress. In essence, the quote encourages embracing change, understanding its potential benefits, and using those benefits to create advancements.


"The secret of success lies in consistency."

The quote suggests that maintaining consistent effort, actions, and focus is crucial for achieving success. Consistency implies persistence over time, which eventually leads to mastery and progress. In other words, the path to success isn't about occasional brilliance or random acts of genius but rather the unwavering dedication to one's goals and the daily actions that support them.


"Dream, but don't dream alone. Dream with others."

This quote emphasizes the importance of collective dreams and collaborative efforts in achieving success. It suggests that individual ambitions should not be isolated; instead, they should be shared and pursued together with others. By working in unison, individuals can pool their resources, skills, and ideas to realize their common goals more effectively than if they were working alone. In essence, Lee Kun-Hee encourages us to combine our dreams with those of others, creating a stronger foundation for the realization of our shared aspirations.


"In order to move forward, you have to be willing to take risks."

This quote by Lee Kun-hee emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks in order to achieve progress and growth. It suggests that being static or fearful of change can hinder personal development and success. By embracing the unknown, individuals can challenge themselves, innovate, and ultimately make significant strides forward. However, it's crucial to understand that risk-taking should be thoughtful, strategic, and well-informed to minimize potential negative consequences.


"We need to change the way we think about risk-taking: it's not something negative, it's an opportunity for success."

This quote by Lee Kun-hee encourages a shift in perception towards risk-taking, viewing it as a positive aspect rather than a negative one. He suggests that taking risks should be seen as an opportunity for success instead of something to avoid due to potential failure or loss. This perspective can foster innovation and growth in personal and professional life by encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones, embrace change, and seize opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.


There's an ongoing competition by global companies across all areas from products, technology development and hiring talented people to patent disputes. The market is big and opportunities are wide open, so we should find out new businesses that Samsung's future will hinge on.

- Lee Kun-hee

Big, Patent, Hinge, Global

Samsung's future hinges on new businesses, new products and new technologies. We should make our corporate culture more open, flexible and innovative.

- Lee Kun-hee

New, More, New Products, Flexible

Top-rank global corporations are collapsing. That could happen sometime, and somehow even to Samsung.

- Lee Kun-hee

Happen, Sometime, Samsung, Collapsing

With the sincere devotion of our employees, Samsung has achieved stellar performances since its foundation.

- Lee Kun-hee

Devotion, Stellar, Achieved, Samsung

Korea can't become a 'first-class' nation unless regulation and 'a sense of power' disappear. The nation's politics is the fourth-class, bureaucratic are the third-class, and business is the second-class.

- Lee Kun-hee

Business, Politics, Nation, First-Class

If the children of a group's founder are to take over that group, they need the endorsement of society.

- Lee Kun-hee

Society, Over, Take, Founder

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