# data[].attributes.body
The origins of the current Samsung group date back to March 1, 1938. That day the businessman Lee Byung-chul opened a perishable goods import and export company in Daegu which he called Samsung Sanghoe During the time that Korea was occupied by Japan , the main business was the sale of dried fish and fruits to Manchukuo. At the end of World War II, Korea regained its independence and Samsung prospered by expanding its business to food processing and textile manufacturing.

In 1948, Lee formed an alliance with businessman Cho Hong-jai to create the Samsung Moolsan subsidiary, dedicated to commerce and construction; however, the company established its official foundation in 1951, when the alliance was broken by disagreements between the two parties While Lee took over the Samsung brand, Cho founded the Hyosung group a decade later.

During the Korean War, Lee would flee Seoul to temporarily settle in Busan and open the Cheil Jedang sugar refinery there. The presence of US troops in the south of the peninsula allowed it to restart its commercial activity. At the end of the conflict, he would become one of the key entrepreneurs, benefiting from numerous public works contracts during the Syngman Rhee government.

After the rise to power of Park Chung-hee in 1961, Samsung became one of the main conglomerates that would support the private sector in South Korea. According to this economic plan, companies had to invest in strategic businesses if they wanted to benefit from aid. state, so they began by diversifying into insurance companies and electronic components

# data[].attributes.headline
how important is samsung to south korea?

# data[].attributes.subject
how important is samsung to south korea?

# data[].attributes.body
Samsung has had a great influence on the economic, political, media and cultural development of South Korea. It is estimated that all its affiliated companies represent a fifth of the country's exports, while its income represents 17% of the national gross domestic product (GDP).

# data[].attributes.headline
Lee Byung-chul creator and founder of the samsung group

# data[].attributes.subject
Lee Byung-chul creator and founder of the samsung group

# data[].attributes.body
Samsung (in Hangul, 삼성; in Hanja, 三星) is a conglomerate of multinational companies based in Seoul, South Korea. It is the largest South Korean business group, with numerous subsidiaries that cover businesses such as consumer electronics, technology, finance, insurance, construction, biotechnology and services.

# data[].attributes.body
Lee Byung-chul was the youngest of two children from one of the largest landowning families in Uiryeong County, South Gyeongsang region. Although in 1929 he was able to enter Waseda University, two years later he would leave his studies to return to Korea and focus on family businesses
The businessman was married to Park Du-eul and had eight children: three boys and five girls. Most of their descendants have worked or held positions within the Samsung group

In addition to his professional pursuits, Lee was known to be an enthusiastic calligraphy and Korean art enthusiast. Part of his collection is on public display at the Yongin Museum of Art.

He died on November 19, 1987 in Seoul at the age of 77, a victim of lung cancer.