On February 3, Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee was implicated in accounting fraud and stock manipulation by a Seoul appeals court, potentially alleviating longstanding legal concerns stemming from criminal cases he has faced.
Over the past decade, Lee, the head of South Korea's largest conglomerate, has been entangled in various legal battles, notably regarding a controversial 2015 merger that facilitated his rise to leadership but also raised corporate governance issues.
Here is a concise timeline of key events involving Lee:
- Nov. 13: Lee is questioned by South Korean prosecutors in connection with a political scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye and her associate, Choi Seo-won. - Dec. 9: President Park is impeached by South Korea's parliament amid the scandal. - Feb. 17: Lee is accused of bribery and manipulation to secure support for the 2015 merger. - Feb. 28: Samsung dismantles its corporate strategy office over bribery allegations. - Aug. 25: Lee is sentenced by the Seoul Central District Court for bribery and embezzlement. - Feb. 5: Lee's sentence is reduced, and he is released from jail pending further appeals. - Oct. 25: A trial related to accounting fraud and stock manipulation is initiated. - Feb. 3: Lee is acquitted of all charges linked to the 2015 merger.