Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee dies at 78

Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee died at the age of 78 on Sunday, the company said.

Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee is recovering in a Seoul hospital after suffering a heart attack. (AAP) Source: AAP

Lee, who turned the South Korean firm into a global tech giant, was left bedridden by a heart attack in 2014.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kun-hee Lee, Chairman of Samsung Electronics," the company said in a statement.

"Chairman Lee passed away on October 25 with his family, including Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee, by his side."