Inheritance: Samsung
BBC World Service
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About This Podcast
When you’re born into a powerful business dynasty, what comes first: the family or the firm? Inheritance explores the family dynasties behind some of the biggest names in global business. Many brands are controlled by families through the generations. But who gets the top job? And how do they hold onto power?
In this brand-new 10-part series from the BBC World Service, we look behind closed doors- inside the billion-dollar deals and the family power struggles that shape global empires.
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Recent Episodes
S1E10 10. The good son
Samsung faces an uncertain future after its chairman, JY Lee, is jailed. In the final part of the series, Samsung is uncharted territory. The company – and the family – must survive.In this brand-new…
S1E9 9. Leverage
JY Lee steps into the biggest role of his life, but quickly learns the role comes with added complications. Will a deal struck with the South Korean President, or a faulty new phone model, destroy…
S1E8 8. Scapegoat
An old feud comes back to haunt the Lee family. A seed sown decades ago blossoms into a fraternal battle, putting the carefully planned succession at risk. But it’s not the only front on which…
S1E7 7. The crown slips
The Lee family suffers a devastating personal loss, quickly followed by claims of professional wrongdoing. Samsung is left without a Lee family member in charge. Can it be brought back under their…
S1E6 6. Octopus
Samsung finds global recognition through a relentless focus on quality and a little help from Hollywood. But in the mid-2000s, its leaders come under pressure about alleged bribery.In this brand-new…
S1E5 5. Cinderella and the prince
Things are changing at Samsung as the business looks to the internet for success. But when the dot-com bubble bursts, the company is left exposed to some awkward questions.In this brand-new 10-part…
S1E4 4. Shoes to fill
In the 1980s KH Lee takes charge of Samsung, but the business is struggling in a competitive global electronics market. It’s up to him to turn it around, and secure its future for the next generation…
S1E3 3. The princes’ rebellion
When Samsung’s chairman has to choose who will take over the business once he’s gone, he looks to his three sons. But a betrayal from within the heart of the family shakes up the succession. Which…
S1E2 2. Move fast and break things
Samsung started as a fruit and vegetable business, but growth in the 1950s leaves it vulnerable to political interference. Its chairman makes a deal to ensure its survival, but is instead hit with a…
S1E1 1. My kingdom for a horse
In 2017, the heir to South Korea’s biggest company is facing jail, leaving it with an uncertain future. After 80 years of business, how did Samsung get here? And how did a deal meant to secure family…
S1E1 Introducing Inheritance: Samsung
From a fruit and vegetable store to a global empire, Samsung’s story is more than business - it’s an epic family saga. Behind the success lies a dynasty driven by ambition, wealth, tradition and…
Frequently Asked Questions
Inheritance: Samsung has published 11 episodes since March 2026, covering topics in Documentary, Society & Culture.
Inheritance: Samsung is currently moderate with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 22m.
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