Voices grow for pardoning Samsung chief

By Kim Hyun-bin

Voices are growing for the inclusion of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong in the final pardons of President Moon Jae-in, with five business lobby groups as well as a group of Samsung Electronics partner companies calling for Lee's pardon.

Public opinion is also in favor of amnesty for the vice chairman.

Lee Jae-yong

Those demanding his pardon especially stress that the "leadership vacuum" at Samsung Electronics could adversely affect national competitiveness. Lee's absence is cited as a major reason behind Samsung Electronics' sluggish moves in large-scale investments and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

President Moon Jae-in is considering a pardon for Buddha's Birthday holiday on May 8, a day before the end of his term on May 9.

"It is true that there are a lot of requests for pardons. I think that the public's support or consensus is still the criterion based on which we should make a decision," President Moon told reporters.

Last week, five business groups ― the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea International Trade Association, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) and the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea ― submitted a petition to Cheong Wa Dae and the Ministry of Justice calling for Lee's amnesty.

A group of Samsung Electronics partner companies also submitted a petition to Cheong Wa Dae and the Ministry of Justice, Friday, to demand the special pardon and reinstatement of Lee.

Public opinion also supports the pardon. A poll from last May showed 76 percent approval for Lee's pardon, and another poll released two months later showed 71.6 percent support.

"Public opinion on the amnesty of Vice Chairman Lee is favorable, in line with the national consensus required by President Moon," an industry official said.

Public opinion is leaning toward Lee's pardon amid increasing global uncertainty due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, pandemic lockdowns in China and inflation.

In addition, Samsung Electronics has not been able to make notable achievements in large-scale investments and M&As in recent years. Lee was released on parole last year, but he still could not involve himself in management without a full pardon. He also could not go on overseas business trips as he has been summoned for trial every week.

Samsung is in passive mode due to the restrictions on Lee, while its competitors such as Intel and TSMC are making bold M&As and investments.

Lee was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his role in the corruption scandal that placed former President Park Geun-hye behind bars. Lee was given parole last August.

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