한국 재계를 이끈 이건희 삼성 회장 별세…향년 78세<br /><br />Our top story this evening the death of Lee Kun-hee, the chairman of South Korea's biggest conglomerate, Samsung Group.<br />At the age of 78, he died this morning reportedly with his family by his side.<br />With more, our Kim Jae-hee is at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul.<br />Jae-hee?<br />Devin, I'm standing in front of the Samsung Medical Center in Gangnam-gu District, where Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee died this morning, at the age of 78.<br />The hospital has been packed with reporters all day, waiting for any updates regarding his funeral.<br />Lee's death was announced by Samsung in statement shortly before 10 this morning.<br />Lee reportedly died with his family members by his side, including his son the de facto company leader Lee Jae-yong.<br />Samsung says Lee's funeral will be small, in keeping with the wishes of the late Lee Kun-hee and his family.<br />It'll be limited to fewer than 50 people as a precaution amid the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />Lee's son Lee Jae-yong was seen entering the hospital about an hour ago.<br />The presidents of Samsung's affiliates are expected to come to pay their respects from 10 AM tomorrow.<br />Floral tributes were also seen today, but most are reportedly being returned at the family's request.<br />The funeral is likely to be four days long, ending with Lee's burial on Wednesday.<br />Jae-hee, Lee Kun-hee spent the last six year in the hospital. Tell us about that, and how is the world reacting to the news of his death?<br />Yes, Devin, the late Lee Kun-hee had been hospitalized in May 2014 when he had a heart attack.<br />He'd battled health problems before then, too, including lung cancer from the late 1990s to early 2000.<br />His son, Lee Jae-yong, has been the de facto leader of Samsung since his father's hospitalization more than 6 years ago.<br />Politicians have been expressing their condolences today Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun sending a floral tribute, and President Moon Jae-in also said he would send flowers and a condolence message to the family.<br />Global media outlets were also quick to report the news of Lee's death.<br />AP said Lee transformed a small television maker into a global giant of consumer electronics.<br />The New York Times said that Lee had been Samsung's big thinker and the provider of grand strategic direction.<br />That's all I have at this hour, back to you, Devin.<br />
