Samsung eyes new growth engines as legal risks fade

(Kim Ho-young)

South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co. is expected to focus on making key decisions for Samsung Group’s future as legal risks have been lifted following the Supreme Court‘s decision to acquit Chairman Jay Y. Lee of all charges on Thursday.

According to industry sources, bold investments in Samsung Group’s future growth engines had virtually come to a halt over the past 10 years as Lee became entangled in legal risks.

Analysts noted that the company struggled to set a clear strategic direction and missed key opportunities in some business areas.

Though Samsung continued to announce investments in semiconductors, biotech – the group’s two main future industries – as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation communication during Lee’s trials, many view these moves as extensions of existing business lines rather than bold ventures into new territory.

There was growing concern that launching new business initiatives could bring additional legal scrutiny.

One particularly painful miss has been high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other AI infrastructure technologies.

Samsung lost its DRAM industry leadership to SK hynix Inc.

Critics also point to a lack of concrete strategy and execution in the back-end process and packaging sectors, where Samsung lags behind top foundry player TSMC.

Mergers and acquisitions also came to a standstill during this period.

Since acquiring Harman for 9.3 trillion won ($6.7 billion) in 2017, Samsung has made no major deals – until this year.

In 2025, Samsung announced a major acquisition of German auto parts firm FlaktGroup for 2.4 trillion won.

Industry insiders noted that with legal risks now cleared, Lee is expected to begin making key decisions for the group’s future.

In late 2023, Samsung Electronics launched a Future Business Planning Team to scout new group-wide ventures.

Its Device Experience division has identified medtech, robotics, automotive electronics, and eco-friendly HVAC solutions as new growth areas.