Samsung was founded by Lee Byung-chul in 1938 as atrading company. Over the next three decades, the group diversified into areas including food processing, textiles, insurance, securities and retail. Samsung entered theelectronics industry in the late 1960s and the construction and shipbuilding industries in the mid-1970s; these areas would drive its subsequent growth. Following Lee’s death in 1987, Samsung was separated into four business groups – Samsung Group, Shinsegae Group, CJ Group and HansolGroup. Since 1990, Samsung has increasingly globalized its activities and electronics; in particular, its mobile phones and semiconductors have become its most important source of income.