Samsung's de facto head questioned again in corruption probe

By Park Sae-jin Posted : February 13, 2017, 11:36 Updated : February 13, 2017, 11:36

Samsung's virtual head J Y. Lee walks into the office of special prosecutors Monday. [Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]


The de facto head of South Korea's top conglomerate, Samsung Group, was questioned again Monday in an alleged bribery case involving President Park Geun-hye who is suspected of pressurizing conglomerates to make illicit cash donations.

The ground outside the office of special prosecutors turned into a pushing and shoving match among dozens of journalists, police officers and protesters as Samsung Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee, 49, appeared for questioning.

"I will faithfully and sincerely tell the truth before special prosecutors," Lee said in brief remarks.

A month ago, a court refused to issue a warrant requested by special prosecutors to arrest Lee on charges of bribery, embezzlement, and perjury.

Lee is accused of providing and pledging a total of 43 billion won (37 million US dollars) in bribes to Park's jailed crony, Choi Soon-sil, who is on trial for meddling in state affairs and pocketing corporate money.

The investigators have insisted Lee played a leading role in Samsung's cash donations, though his attorneys argued no strings have been attached, describing their client as the victim of coercion and blackmailing.

The scandal fanned public sentiment against corporate donations, which have long been a controversial issue in South Korea due to concern about collusive ties between businessmen and politicians.

In a bid to refresh its image, Samsung has announced the withdrawal of membership from the Federation of Korean Industries), an influential business lobby group.

Through the federation, Samsung and other conglomerates are suspected to making cash donations.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
 
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