Lee Kun-hee was chosen over his two elderly brothers by his father and founder Lee Byung-chull as the heir to Samsung Group in September 1976.

The announcement made by the group founder a day before his departure to Japan for cancer surgery came as a surprise in Korea as the helm usually went to the eldest son in the conservative society.

Lee Byung-chull had three sons – Lee Maeng-hee, late Saehan Group chairman Lee Chang-hee and Lee Kun-hee - and five daughters. Although how the third son ended up as the heir remains a mystery, some believe the two elders lost favor for the smuggling report that caused major damage to Lee’s business and dignity.

In 1966, Samsung’s Korea Fertilizer was reported to have smuggled saccharin from Japan. Lee had to resign from office and hand over the company to the state and resignation.

Lee reportedly suspected his eldest as the whistle-blower.

The unprecedented power succession to the third son Kun-hee in the Confucianism-based society is often compared to Joseon Dynasty’s third king Taejong’s naming of his third son Chungnyeong Crown Prince to take the throne as King Sejong. Both of the fathers did not turn over the throne to the unqualified eldest son but picked one who seemed to have potential to be a great leader.

Lee Byung-chull stressed ‘listening to other people with respect and patience’ as the most important trait of a leader. He also always tried to keep his composure and not to fall over at others’ provocation, according to sources. The tradition has been implanted onto the heirs.

By Noh Hyun and Choi Mira

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]