Beyond the Gadgets: Uncovering Samsung’s Unexpected Past

This article explores the history of Samsung, a company that started in 1938 and eventually became a tech giant. Before its rise to global prominence, Samsung was a small trading company with 40 employees. It dealt in dried fish, local groceries, and noodles. In 1960, Samsung ventured into electronics, marking a significant turning point. The brand’s initial product was a black and white television. Samsung expanded into other sectors, including insurance, securities, and retail. The founder, Lee Byung Chul, envisioned Samsung as a leader across multiple industries. The company was helped by Lee’s ownership of a private radio and television company, which significantly boosted the sales of its televisions. After the founder’s death, the company was divided into several business groups.