4. Shoes to fill

K.H. Lee’s leadership transformed Samsung from a struggling family business into a global technology powerhouse by prioritizing radical quality improvements over mass production. Following his father’s death in 1987, Lee overcame initial skepticism regarding his competence by implementing the "Frankfurt Declaration," a mandate that forced executives to abandon sloppy manufacturing habits and adopt a culture of innovation. This shift was heavily influenced by Japanese industrial practices, specifically the ethos of continuous refinement. Beyond operational changes, the Lee family maintained control over the sprawling conglomerate through a complex, circular ownership structure anchored by the theme park Everland. This intricate arrangement allowed the family to retain influence across dozens of subsidiaries with minimal shareholdings, effectively navigating succession challenges and inheritance tax regulations while cementing their long-term grip on the empire.