Bonus: Introducing Inheritance: Samsung

Bonus: Introducing Inheritance: Samsung

Author: BBC World Service April 11, 2026 Duration: 26:00

When the Samsung Chairman has a heart attack, his heir is pushed into the spotlight. The complex manoeuvring to secure his succession re-opens old family wounds, prompts one of the biggest scandals in South Korea’s history, and – eventually – helps to bring down a President.

Everyone’s heard of Samsung: more than a billion people have one of their smartphones . This is the drama behind the tech giant that changed the world.

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 rivalries, where power struggles shaped not just the company but South Korea’s economy.

In this brand-new 10-part series from the BBC World Service, we take you behind closed doors- inside the billion-dollar deals and the family power struggles that shape global empires. When your relatives are also your business partners, every decision is personal. In these dynasties, the boardroom isn’t just about profit - it’s about survival.

You can hear episode 1 right here but for the whole series search "Inheritance: Samsung" wherever you get your podcasts.

Host: Elise Hu

Producers: Simon Tulett and Sally Abrahams

Fact-checkers: Matt Toulson and Su-Min Hwang

Music: Thomas Ross Fitzsimons

Mixing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-King.

Series Editor: Matt Willis

With special thanks to Geoffrey Cain, Sojin Lim, Jaeyeon Lee, Jake Kwon and, also, Mary Wilkinson.

Senior Commissioning Producer: Sarah Green

Commissioning Editor: Jon Manel

Inheritance is a BBC Long Form Audio Production


Behind the headlines and market numbers, there’s a human story. Business Daily from the BBC World Service digs into those stories, exploring how the forces of money and work shape lives and communities across the globe. This isn't just a recap of financial news; it’s about the tangible impact of economic decisions, from a factory floor in Vietnam to a tech startup in Nairobi. Each episode focuses on a single, compelling narrative, offering a clear and thorough examination of how business and economics function in the real world. You’ll hear directly from the people involved-entrepreneurs facing unexpected hurdles, workers adapting to new industries, and analysts deciphering local trends with global consequences. The reporting is grounded and precise, reflecting the BBC’s commitment to depth and clarity. By focusing on the daily drama inherent in our economic systems, this podcast makes the vast subject of business feel immediate and personal. Tune in for a thoughtful perspective that connects economic concepts to everyday reality, providing a deeper understanding of the world through the lens of commerce and labor.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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