Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee dies aged 78

Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee has died aged 78 (Schalk van Zuydam, File/AP)

Lee Kun-hee, the ailing Samsung Electronics chairman who transformed the small television maker into a global giant of consumer electronics, has died aged 78.

A Samsung statement said Lee died on Sunday with his family members, including his son and de facto company chief Lee Jae-yong, by his side.