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Samsung Group Chairman
Lee Kun-hee |
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee said Saturday that he was partially responsible for the key allegations on the nation's largest conglomerate.
He made the remark early Saturday morning (00:50 a.m.) as he was moving out of the special prosecutor's office in Seoul after undergoing 11 hours of interrogation.
He was not specific on which allegations he was ready to take responsibility. He has been interrogated on three key allegations, including the wealth and management transfer to his only son Jae-yong through shady methods, creation of slush fund and bribery of prosecutors.
Asked whether he acknowledged the allegation that he instructed the group to sell Samsung Everland convertible bonds to his son at below market prices to ensure father-to-son management transfer , ``I have not instructed it."
He said, ``I am very sorry to the people for causing this trouble.'' ``I will humbly accept the investigation result to be announced by the special prosecutors.'' `` I will do my best in the future to ensure that Samsung will be run trouble-free.'' ``It is my fault that this types of fuss occurred.'' `` I will take responsibility for these types of troubles.''
He said he partially acknwledged his responsibility for the three key allegations. But he was not specific.
Before he underwent interrogation Friday afternoon, he denied all Samsung allegations.
``I do not have any memory of the alleged irregularities of the group,'' Lee told reporters. ``I am so sorry about all the fuss.''
Lee's summoning indicates that a three-month investigation into the group is nearly over. His wife, Hong Ra-hee, and his only son Jae-yong have also been questioned. The three are currently banned from traveling overseas. It is still unclear whether the most influential businessman in Korea will face criminal charges or not.
It is the second time that the reclusive 66-year-old chairman has reported to an independent counsel investigation, following his 1995 indictment in a slush fund scandal involving former President Roh Tae-woo.
The probe can continue until April 23 as the special prosecutor asked President Lee Myung-bak for a second extension. The counsel has up to 105 days to complete an investigation including the two extensions.
One of the main focuses of the summons was to determine if the group stashed slush funds under borrowed-name accounts and lobbied government officials, judges and prosecutors. The counsel also questioned Lee over his involvement in the allegedly illicit transfer of control of the group to his son.
It is alleged that Jae-yong bought convertible bonds in Everland, Samsung's de facto holding company, at below-market prices to take over managerial control of the group.
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