Samsung boss returns to work

By Kim Yoo-chul

Lee Kun-hee

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee returned to work Tuesday after a three-month trip to Japan and Hawaii.

Lee went to the firm’s headquarters in Seocho, southern Seoul, and was briefed by Choi Gee-sung, head of Samsung’s corporate planning office, on key business issues.

It was his first appearance at the office in 137 days, after he participated in an internal event on Nov. 30, 2012.

``The chairman will directly handle several key issues. But it’s too early to say that Samsung will see a major change in the near future,’’ said an official at Samsung.

``Lee will present challenging goals to the top management to find next growth engines, which he has prepared during his trip.’’

Samsung said the chairman will fly to the United States next month on a private jet to join President Park Geun-hye’s working visit, during which Park will meet U.S. President Barack Obama on May 7 in Washington.

It will be the first time in nine years Lee will accompany a president on an overseas trip.

``It’s expected the chairman will hold top business meetings with politicians but it’s too premature to say whether or not the chairman will announce big investment plans in the United States,’’ said a Samsung source.