[Yonhap Photo]
South Korea's business community was in shock over a five-year prison sentence for Samsung's de facto leader, but online communities were flooded with angry comments and dissatisfaction.
The high-profile trial of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee has been a matter of great public interest as it was closely related a corruption scandal that sparked widespread public fury and street demonstrations for months, leading to the ouster of ex-president Park Geun-hye.
Since Lee, 49, was arrested in February, Samsung and other business bodies have appealed for mercy, citing the gravity of its impact on South Korea's economy. They argued Lee was forced to make cash contributions under "irresistible" pressure.
Shares of Samsung Electronics and other key group units fell on concerns that the verdict on Friday would prolong a leadership vacuum at a time when group head Lee Kun-hee has been bed-ridden.
"The ruling is a matter that drew global attention. I believe the people will be satisfied with the verdict that gave a hard blow to a collusive alliance of government and business," Choo Mi-ae, head of the ruling Democratic Party, said in a statement. "I hope Samsung will be a transparent company with this opportunity and a company that fulfills its social responsibilities."
Online communities and web portal sites were abundant with calls for heavier punishment. Some users scolded the court with cynical comments. "For embezzling an unimaginable amount of money, the man received a five-year jail term," said "cliche", a user from the second-largest web portal, Daum.
"Jay. Y Lee should be given a jail sentence of at least 12 years," said "barkingcat", another Daum user. "This is our only chance to sever ties between politics and business."
A user "Squinny" from an online community "Clien" demanded a change in Samsung's management structure: "Regardless of Lee's sentence, Samsung should take this occasion as an opportunity to adopt professional executives."
However, there were minority opinions. A Naver user, "this", said, "Who would dare to stand against president's request? I am not saying Samsung did the right thing."
The verdict on Friday would seriously affect Samsung's efforts to focus on futuristic businesses like bioengineering, smart auto parts, batteries.
Lee has controlled group management from behind since his father was hospitalized in May 2014 after being hit by a stroke. The group has raised a huge amount of money in reserve for his smooth power succession. Samsung has promised to improve corporate governance and introduce a holding company.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
cwlim34@ajunews.com
