Business tycoons dragged into parliamentary investigation into corruption

By Park Sae-jin Posted : December 6, 2016, 10:40 Updated : December 6, 2016, 10:40

The heads of South Korea's nine powerful conglomerates make an oath at the witness stand in parliament on Tuesday. [Joint Press Pool]


The heads of South Korea's nine powerful conglomerates were dragged into a parliamentary investigation Tuesday to testify about their role in a corruption scandal engulfing President Park Geun-Hye who faces a humiliating impeachment vote this week.

The televised investigation focused on whether the business leaders have sent corporate money for Park's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, against their will or in return for favors.

Despite her persistent claims that she has never received any personal gains in the scandal, the president is accused of colluding with or helping Choi and her relatives amass great treasures and of passing over their illegal activities.

The parliamentary hearing, which drew widespread public attention, came on the heels of huge weekly anti-government demonstrations calling for Park's ouster and arrest. It's the first time South Korea's top business tycoons, including Samsung's media-shy de facto leader Jay Y. Lee, have been grilled together in public.

No business leaders have been charged in an extensive probe by state prosecutors, but the scandal fanned public resentment over their alleged relationship with the administration of Park Geun-hye who took office in early 2013 as South Korea's first female president.
 

Samsung Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee walks into the parliamentary building to face questioning by lawmakers on Tuesday. [Yonhap Photo]


The conglomerate chiefs who took the witness stand included Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo, CJ Group co-chairman Sohn Kyoung-sik, LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and GS Group Chairman Huh Chang-soo.

The youngest of all was Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee, who has virtually ruled the country's largest conglomerate on behalf of his bedridden father and group patriarch Lee Kun-hee.  

At the center of questioning is Samsung which allegedly donated the biggest amount of money estimated at 30 billion won to foundations and firms controlled by Choi, her relatives, and associates. The group is also suspected of bankrolling an equestrian training program for Choi's daughter in Germany.

SK and Lotte face allegations that they had asked for favors to win back duty-free licenses they lost last year.

Choi, indicted on charges of coercion and abuse of power, is accused of collecting some 70 million US dollars fo her dubious non-profit foundations, with the help of Park.  But questions remain whether corporate donations were made voluntarily without strings attached.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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