The woes of Jay Y: can the Galaxy S6 save Samsung’s crown prince?

Question marks still hang over Samsung vice chairman Lee Jae-yong's ability to lead the tech giant in his father's absence. Will the Galaxy S6 change all that?

Ever since Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee suffered a stroke in May 2014, industry watchers have speculated about the future of one of South Korea's most important and influential companies.

With Lee Kun-hee hospitalised but technically still in charge, a committee of his top lieutenants is believed to be steering the company in his stead, led by Lee Kun-hee's son and Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong, who goes by the name Jay Y. As is customary for chaebols, or family-owned business conglomerates, leadership of Samsung is hereditary and therefore makes Jay Y the heir apparent. Yet very little is known about Jay Y, and many South Koreans are apprehensive at the prospect of this enigmatic figure taking control of a company that represents one-fifth of the country's economy.