History of Samsung in Timeline

Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate, the largest chaebol in South Korea, headquartered in Seoul. It comprises numerous affiliated businesses operating under the Samsung brand. As of 2024, Samsung holds the world's fifth-highest brand value.

1910: Lee Byung-chul was born.

In 1910, Lee Byung-chul, who would later found Samsung, was born.

1938: Lee Byung-chul founded Mitsuboshi Trading Company, or Samsung Sanghoe.

In 1938, Lee Byung-chul founded Mitsuboshi Trading Company (Samsung Sanghoe) in Taikyu, dealing in dried fish, groceries, and noodles.

1938: Samsung was founded as a trading company by Lee Byung-chul.

In 1938, Lee Byung-chul founded Samsung as a trading company.

1947: Cho Hong-jai jointly invested in Samsung Mulsan Gongsa with Lee Byung-chul.

In 1947, Cho Hong-jai, the Hyosung group's founder, jointly invested in a new company called Samsung Mulsan Gongsa, or the Samsung Trading Corporation, with the Samsung's founder Lee Byung-chul.

1947: Samsung's head office moved to Seoul.

In 1947, Samsung moved its head office to Seoul.

1954: Lee founded Cheil Mojik, a textiles company.

In 1954, Lee founded Cheil Mojik, a textiles company, and built the first plant in Chimsan-dong, Taegu.

1964: Byung-chul became the owner of Tongyang Broadcasting Company.

In 1964, Byung-chul also became the owner of the Tongyang Broadcasting Company, a private radio and television company.

1980: Samsung acquired Hanguk Jeonja Tongsin and entered telecommunications hardware.

In 1980, Samsung acquired the Kumi-based Hanguk Jeonja Tongsin and entered the telecommunications hardware market, producing switchboards and later mobile phones.

1980: Tongyang Broadcasting Company was shut down.

In 1980, Tongyang Broadcasting Company, which Byung-chul owned, was shut down after the Korean government reviewed the number of media outlets allowed.

1982: Samsung built a television assembly plant in Portugal.

In 1982, Samsung Electronics built a television assembly plant in Portugal.

1984: Samsung built a television assembly plant in New York.

In 1984, Samsung built a television assembly plant in New York.

1985: Samsung built a television assembly plant in Tokyo.

In 1985, Samsung built a television assembly plant in Tokyo.

1987: Lee Byung-chul died and Samsung was divided into five business groups.

After Lee Byung-chul died in 1987, Samsung was divided into five business groups: Samsung Group, Shinsegae Group, CJ Group, Hansol Group, and JoongAng Group.

1987: Samsung Group was separated into five business groups after Lee's death.

After Lee, the founder's death in 1987, Samsung Group was separated into five business groups – Samsung Group, Shinsegae Group, CJ Group, Hansol Group and the JoongAng Group.

1987: Lee Byung-chul died.

In 1987, Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung, died.

1987: Samsung built a facility in England.

In 1987, Samsung built a facility in England.

1987: Samsung Group unlawfully sold computer chips in the United States.

In 1987, the United States International Trade Commission found that the Samsung Group of South Korea unlawfully sold computer chips in the United States without licenses from the chip inventor, Texas Instruments Inc.

1990: Samsung increasingly globalised its activities and electronics.

Since 1990, Samsung has increasingly globalised its activities and electronics; in particular, its mobile phones and semiconductors have become its most important source of income.

1991: Hansol separated from Samsung Group.

In 1991, Hansol separated from the Samsung Group, severing all payment guarantees and share-holding ties with Samsung affiliates.

1992: Samsung became the world's largest producer of memory chips.

In 1992, Samsung became the world's largest producer of memory chips.

1993: Separation of CJ CheilJedang from Samsung Group

In 1993, CJ CheilJedang separated from Samsung Group.

1993: Lee Kun-hee sold off ten of Samsung Group's subsidiaries.

In 1993, Lee Kun-hee sold off ten of Samsung Group's subsidiaries, downsized the company, and merged other operations to concentrate on three industries: electronics, engineering and chemicals.

1995: Samsung invested in FUBU, an American hip hop apparel company.

In 1995, Samsung's textile department invested in FUBU, an American hip hop apparel company, after the founder placed an advertisement asking for funding in The New York Times. The same year, it created its first liquid-crystal display screen.

1996: Samsung built a facility in Austin, Texas.

In 1996, Samsung built a facility in Austin, Texas.

1996: Samsung Group reacquired the Sungkyunkwan University foundation.

In 1996, the Samsung Group reacquired the Sungkyunkwan University foundation.

1997: Samsung Motor was sold to Renault at a significant loss during the Asian financial crisis.

During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Samsung Motor was sold to Renault at a significant loss.

July 1998: DRAM Price Cartel Begins

From July 1998, Samsung was part of a price cartel of ten companies for DRAMs.

1998: Nokia lost its position as the world's largest mobile phone maker.

In 1998, Nokia lost its position as the world's largest mobile phone maker.

April 1999: DRAM Price Fixing Conspiracy

During April 1999, some DRAM microchip manufacturers conspired to price fix, among the accused included Samsung.

1999: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) was founded.

In 1999 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) was founded, resulting from a merger of the aerospace divisions of Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy Industries, and Hyundai Space and Aircraft Company.

2000: Samsung R&D opened a development center in Warsaw, Poland.

In 2000, Samsung R&D opened a development center in Warsaw, Poland, initially focusing on set-top-box technology.

June 2002: End of DRAM Price Fix Amid Recession

In June 2002, the price fix of DRAM microchips ended, amid a recession, after having started in 1999.

June 2002: DRAM Price Cartel Ends

Until June 2002, Samsung was part of a price cartel of ten companies for DRAMs.

2006: S-LCD was established as a joint venture between Samsung and Sony.

In 2006, S-LCD was established as a joint venture between Samsung and Sony in order to provide a stable supply of LCD panels for both manufacturers.

October 2007: Kim Yong-chul Uncovers Lee Kun-hee's Slush Fund

On 29 October 2007, Kim Yong-chul, former head of the legal department at Samsung's Restructuring Office, uncovered Lee Kun-hee's slush fund.

2007: Kim Yong Chul claimed he was involved in bribing on behalf of the group's chairman.

In 2007, former Samsung chief lawyer Kim Yong Chul claimed that he was involved in bribing and fabricating evidence on behalf of the group's chairman, Lee Kun-hee, and the company.

March 2008: Construction of mobile phone plant in Vietnam

In March 2008, Samsung received an investment certificate and began construction of its first mobile phone manufacturing plant in Vietnam, Samsung Electronics Vietnam (SEV) in Bac Ninh, with the investment capital increasing to 2.5 billion USD.

October 2008: Samsung shares on the KOSPI fell 7.7%.

On 24 October 2008, Samsung shares on the KOSPI fell 7.7%, the largest fall since 24 October 2008, to 1,177,000 South Korean won.

2008: The smartphone platform was developed with partners, officially launched with the original Samsung Solstice line of devices and other derivatives.

In 2008, the smartphone platform was developed with partners, officially launched with the original Samsung Solstice line of devices and other derivatives, which was later developed into Samsung Galaxy line of devices including Notes, Edge and other products.

December 2009: Lee Kun-hee Pardoned

On 29 December 2009, South Korean president Lee Myung-bak pardoned Lee Kun-hee, intending to allow him to remain on the International Olympic Committee.

2009: Consolidated revenues report

In FY 2009, Samsung reported consolidated revenues of 220 trillion KRW ($172.5 billion).

2010: Renault Samsung is 80.1% owned by Renault and 19.9% owned by Samsung.

As of 2010, Renault Samsung is 80.1 per cent owned by Renault and 19.9 per cent owned by Samsung.

2010: Publication of "Thinking about Samsung"

In 2010, Kim Yong-chul published the book "Thinking about Samsung", detailing Samsung's behavior and lobbying efforts.

2010: Samsung Heavy Industries is the world's second-largest shipbuilder.

In 2010, Samsung Heavy Industries was the world's second-largest shipbuilder by revenues.

2010: Samsung announced a ten-year growth strategy centered around five businesses.

In 2010, Samsung announced a ten-year growth strategy centered around five businesses, including a focus on biopharmaceuticals, committing ₩2.1 trillion.

2010: Consolidated revenues and profits report

In FY 2010, Samsung reported consolidated revenues of 280 trillion KRW ($258 billion) and profits of 30 trillion KRW ($27.6 billion).

April 2011: Samsung Group company listings

As of April 2011, the Samsung Group was composed of 59 unlisted companies and 19 listed companies, all of which had their primary listing on the Korea Exchange.

August 2011: KRW-USD exchange rate

In August 2011, the spot KRW-USD exchange rate was 1,084.5 KRW per USD.

October 2011: Samsung Fined for Price Cartel

On 19 October 2011, Samsung companies were fined €145,727,000 for being part of a price cartel for DRAMs.

December 2011: Lee Kun-hee filmed with prostitutes

In December 2011, footage was captured of Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee paying a group of prostitutes for sex acts at his residence.

December 2011: Samsung acquired the stake of Sony in S-LCD joint venture.

On 26 December 2011, it was announced that Samsung had acquired the stake of Sony in the S-LCD joint venture.

August 2012: Samsung Electronics had to pay Apple $1.05 billion in damages for violating patents.

On 24 August 2012, nine American jurors ruled that Samsung Electronics had to pay Apple $1.05 billion in damages for violating six of its patents on smartphone technology.

December 2012: Washington Post article: "In South Korea, the Republic of Samsung"

On 9 December 2012, a Washington Post article titled "In South Korea, the Republic of Samsung" featured Woo Suk-hoon, who claimed Samsung's chairman was more powerful than the South Korean president, reflecting on criticisms of Samsung's influence and practices.

2012: Samsung has invested more than US$13 billion in the Austin facility.

As of 2012, Samsung has invested more than US$13 billion in the Austin facility, which operates under the name Samsung Austin Semiconductor.

2012: Complaints about child labor in supply chain

From 2012 to 2015, Samsung was the subject of several complaints about child labor in its supply chain.

2012: Cheil Worldwide is the world's 15th-largest advertising agency.

In 2012, Cheil Worldwide was the world's 15th-largest advertising agency by revenues.

2012: World's biggest advertiser

In 2012, Samsung became the world's biggest advertiser, spending $4.3 billion compared to Apple's $1 billion.

2012: Formation of Samsung Strategy and Innovation Center (SSIC)

In 2012, Samsung formed the Samsung Strategy and Innovation Center (SSIC) for incubation, investment, partnerships, and acquisitions.

2012: Samsung Electronics became the world's largest mobile phone maker by unit sales.

In the first quarter of 2012, Samsung Electronics became the world's largest mobile phone maker by unit sales, overtaking Nokia.

June 2013: Lee Kun-hee filmed with prostitutes

In June 2013, footage was captured of Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee paying a group of prostitutes for sex acts at a secret rental home.

2013: Advertising and marketing spending

In 2013, Samsung Electronics spent an estimated $14 billion (U.S.) on advertising and marketing, representing 5.4% of its annual revenue.

2013: Formation of Samsung NEXT

In 2013, Samsung formed Samsung NEXT for incubation, investment, partnerships, and acquisitions.

2013: The Fair Trade Commission of Taiwan is investigating Samsung for false advertising.

In 2013, the Fair Trade Commission of Taiwan investigated Samsung and its local advertising agency for false advertising, alleging the hiring of students to attack competitors in online forums.

July 2014: China Labor Watch criticizes HEG for using underage workers

In July 2014, China Labor Watch (CLW) criticized one of Samsung's Chinese supplier factories, HEG, for using underage workers. HEG denied the charges and sued CLW.

July 2014: Contract cut with Shinyang Electronics

In July 2014, Samsung cut its contract with Shinyang Electronics after receiving a complaint about the company violating child labor laws and discovering evidence of underage workers.

August 2014: CLW claims HEG employed underage workers; Samsung denies findings

In August 2014, CLW claimed that HEG employed over ten children under the age of 16. Samsung conducted an investigation and found no evidence of child labor, but CLW responded that HEG dismissed the workers before Samsung's investigation.

2014: Number of Vietnamese businesses in Samsung's supply chain

In 2014, 25 Vietnamese businesses were first- and second-tier suppliers in Samsung's global supply chain.

2014: Lee Kun-hee Suffers Heart Attack

In 2014, Lee Kun-hee suffered a heart attack and lapsed into a coma.

2014: Unveiling of Samsung Sharp Sans font

In 2014, Samsung unveiled its Samsung Sharp Sans font.

2014: Reopening of DRAM Price Fixing Case

In 2014, the Canadian government reopened the DRAM price fixing case and investigated silently.

2015: Complaints about child labor in supply chain

From 2012 to 2015, Samsung was the subject of several complaints about child labor in its supply chain.

2015: Discontinuation of audio logo

In 2015, Samsung discontinued its audio logo, which consisted of the notes E♭, A♭, D♭, E♭ and was produced by Musikvergnuegen and written by Walter Werzowa.

2015: Samsung has been granted more U.S. patents than any other company.

In 2015, Samsung was granted more U.S. patents than any other company, receiving 7,679 utility patents through 11 December.

July 2016: Video Appears to Show Lee Kun-hee Paying Prostitutes

In July 2016, KCIJ-Newstapa released a video appearing to show Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee paying a group of prostitutes for sex acts.

July 2016: Unveiling of SamsungOne font

In July 2016, Samsung unveiled its SamsungOne font, a typeface designed to provide a consistent visual identity across Samsung products, supporting 400 languages with over 25,000 characters.

August 2016: The Galaxy Note 7 smartphone went on sale.

On 19 August 2016, the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone went on sale.

September 2016: Samsung suspended sales of the Galaxy Note 7.

In early September 2016, Samsung suspended sales of the Galaxy Note 7 and announced an informal recall due to battery defects causing fires and explosions.

October 2016: Samsung recalled all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones worldwide and ceased production.

On 10 October 2016, Samsung recalled all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones worldwide and permanently ceased production of the phone the following day due to continued battery defects.

2016: Samsung Advertises Water Resistance Feature

During 2016, Samsung advertised its Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, A5, A7, S8, S8 Plus and Note 8 devices as able to survive short immersion in water.

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2016: Samsung Funds Pro-Government Demonstrations

In 2016, special prosecutors announced that the Blue House received money from Samsung and other chaebols to fund pro-government demonstrations.

February 2017: Lee Jae-yong Arrested for Bribery

In February 2017, de facto Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong was arrested for bribery, embezzlement, hiding assets overseas and perjury.

2017: Samsung Electronics is the world's largest information technology company, consumer electronics maker and chipmaker.

In 2017, Samsung Electronics was the world's largest information technology company, consumer electronics maker and chipmaker by revenues.

2017: Samsung NEXT creates USD 150 million fund

In 2017, Samsung NEXT created a USD 150 million fund for early-stage software and services startups.

April 2018: Former CJ CheilJedang Employee Sentenced for Blackmail

On 12 April 2018, the Supreme Court of Korea sentenced a former employee of CJ CheilJedang to four years and six months in prison for blackmail and intimidation.

2018: Start of period for export revenue contribution to Vietnam

From 2018 to 2022, Samsung contributed over 306 billion USD in export revenue to Vietnam, significantly impacting the country's economy.

2018: Inauguration of mobile manufacturing facility in Noida, India

In 2018, Samsung inaugurated the world's largest mobile manufacturing facility in Noida, India, in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

2018: Advertisements on Water Resistance

In 2018, the company continued advertising its Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, A5, A7, S8, S8 Plus and Note 8 devices as able to survive short immersion in water.

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May 2020: Lee Jae-yong Apologizes for Union-Busting Scandals

On 6 May 2020, Samsung vice chairman Lee Jae-yong apologized for the union-busting scandals.

2020: Lee Kun-hee's Death

In 2020, Lee Kun-hee died after being in a coma since 2014.

2020: Samsung Accused of Connection to Forced Labor

In 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute accused Samsung of being connected to alleged forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang.

August 2021: Lee Jae-yong Released Early From Prison

In August 2021, Lee Jae-yong was released early from prison after serving 10 months of his sentence as part of South Korea's yearly tradition of clemency on Liberation Day.

August 2022: Lee Jae-yong Receives Presidential Pardon

In August 2022, Lee Jae-yong received a presidential pardon, which was supported by 70% of the Korean public.

2022: Increase in Vietnamese suppliers in Samsung's supply chain

By the end of 2022, the number of Vietnamese first- and second-tier suppliers in Samsung's global supply chain had increased tenfold, from 25 businesses in 2014 to 257 businesses.

2022: Samsung Fined for Misleading Water Resistance Claims

In 2022, Australia's competition and consumer commission fined Samsung AU$14 million for misleading water resistance claims for over 3.1 million smartphones.

2022: Export revenue contribution to Vietnam reaches 65 billion USD

In 2022, Samsung contributed 65 billion USD in export revenue to Vietnam, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to the total export value exceeding 700 billion USD.

2022: Samsung's revenue as percentage of South Korea's GDP

In 2022, Samsung's revenue was equal to 22.4% of South Korea's $1.67 trillion GDP, highlighting the company's significant impact on the nation's economy.

2022: Top two applicant for PCT filled patents

In both 2022 and 2023, Samsung has been among the top two applicant for PCT filled patents worldwide. In 2023, Samsung announced a decision to reduce memory chip production due to a projected 96% decline in quarterly operating profit.

2023: Reduction in memory chip production

In 2023, Samsung announced a decision to reduce memory chip production due to a projected 96% decline in quarterly operating profit. Despite this, the company's shares increased by more than 4%. In both 2022 and 2023, Samsung has been among the top two applicant for PCT filled patents worldwide.

2023: Samsung files 544 industrial design applications

In 2023, Samsung filed 544 industrial design applications under the Hague System, leading to a first-place ranking in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s Hague Yearly Review in 2024.

March 2024: European patent revocation

In March 2024, Samsung's European patent EP 2963515 was revoked following opposition proceedings. The patent was initially granted alongside U.S. Patent No. 9,675,229, both of which faced challenges.

2024: Landfall Spyware Active on Samsung Galaxy Phones

According to reports, since 2024 a type of spyware called Landfall has been active on Samsung Galaxy phones in the Middle East.

2024: Samsung has the world's fifth-highest brand value.

In 2024, Samsung was reported to have the world's fifth-highest brand value.

2024: WIPO ranks Samsung 1st in industrial design applications

In 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s Hague Yearly Review ranked Samsung first globally for the number of industrial design applications filed under the Hague System, with 544 applications submitted during 2023.

June 2025: U.S. patent ceases to be in force

In June 2025, Samsung's U.S. Patent No. 9,675,229 ceased to be in force due to non-payment of maintenance fees, approximately ten years before the end of its full statutory term. This patent, along with its European counterpart EP 2963515, had been challenged in respective regions.

2025: Samsung Electronics launches a business support division

In 2025, Samsung Electronics launched a business support division with a dedicated mergers and acquisitions team.

February 2026: Shipping of advanced HBM4 chips

On 12 February 2026, Samsung started shipping its most advanced HBM4 chips to unnamed customers, in an effort to narrow the gap with rivals in supplying critical parts for Nvidia’s AI accelerators.