Samsung Chiefs Converge on Tokyo During Jay Y. Lee’s Japan Stay in Rare Gathering

Jay Y. Lee Draws Samsung Leadership to Japan

Semiconductor, mobile businesses likely discussed

Jay Y. Lee, executive chairman of Samsung Electronics, traveled to Japan earlier this week and remains there, while the company’s key executives have also headed to Tokyo. In South Korean business circles, it is considered highly unusual for not only the heads of Samsung’s semiconductor and device businesses, but also senior officials handling broader group management issues, to gather in Japan at the same time. The move is also fueling speculation that Samsung could expand its local operations.

According to business-industry officials on October 14, Vice Chairman Chung Hyun-ho, Lee’s chief aide, President Park Hark-kyu, head of the business support office, Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun, who leads the Device Solutions, or DS, division, President Roh Tae-moon, who heads the Device eXperience, or DX, division, and President Kim Yong-kwan of the DS division left for Tokyo the previous day. The meeting is understood to have covered key management issues and response measures related to Samsung’s semiconductor and mobile businesses.

Jun, Roh and Kim are Samsung Electronics board members and part of its core leadership. Jun oversees semiconductors, Roh leads the device business, and Kim is responsible for business strategy in the DS division. Chung, who works closely with Lee, and Park, who handles key group management issues, also made the trip to Japan. Their simultaneous visit suggests Samsung is discussing matters of unusual importance.

In business circles, the gathering of Samsung’s top leadership is seen as a potential catalyst for faster cooperation in Japan on semiconductors and materials, parts and equipment, as well as broader expansion of its local operations.

Kim Chae-yeon, Hankyung.com reporter why29@hankyung.com