Samsung Director Does Not Appeal Against Imprisonment in Bribery Case

52-year-old Samsung driver Lee Jae-yong is no longer planning to challenge his 2.5-year prison sentence for corruption. His lawyer said that Monday morning.

 

The lawyer said his client respected the court’s decision, South Korean broadcasters and Yonhap news agency said. Prosecutors also waive their right to appeal.

Since the 52-year-old has been in jail for a year after an initial ruling in the case, he could be released in July 2022.

The case goes back to a corruption scandal involving former South Korean President Park Geun-hye. The Samsung CEO is said to have given horses as a gift to gain government support for a merger of two Samsung subsidiaries. Prosecutors had demanded nine years in prison.

Lee Jae-yong formally holds the position of Vice Chairman at Samsung, but de facto directs the company.

His father Lee Kun-hee was the authentic chairman till his death in October. Lee has been wearisome to protect his “succession” with Samsung for over ten years.