Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee said Friday that he will consider structural and management changes -- including his own position -- over a corruption scandal that has rocked South Korea's biggest industrial conglomerate.
Lee Kun-hee has led Samsung Group for 20 years.
1 of 2 "I will deeply think about reshuffling the corporate management structure and the management lineup, including myself," Lee told reporters after a second round of questioning by an independent counsel probing allegations of bribery and other wrongdoing.
Asked if that meant he would resign, Lee said he "will think about it."
The independent counsel, sanctioned by South Korea's National Assembly and former president, began its probe in January. Investigators have until April 23 to collect evidence.
Kim Yong-chul, a former top lawyer for Samsung, claimed in November that the conglomerate had 200 billion won ($205 million) in a slush fund and used it to bribe prosecutors and judges.
He also alleged that Lee's wife, who heads a Samsung art museum, used some of the money to buy expensive paintings from abroad.
Samsung denied Kim's allegations when they were raised.
Lee, 66, was summoned the first time a week ago and questioned for almost 11 hours. Friday's questioning lasted about five hours.
Lee also said he assumed blame for the scandal and would "take full responsibility, either morally or legally," in remarks similar to ones he made upon emerging from questioning last week.
Samsung Group is a massive conglomerate consisting of dozens of businesses. It has interests in industries including electronics, shipbuilding, construction, insurance and leisure.
Lee, who has led the group for 20 years, is credited with turning Samsung Electronics Co., its flagship enterprise, into a top global brand. His late father established the conglomerate 70 years ago.
Besides the slush fund, bribery and art claims, investigators are looking into long-simmering allegations of murky dealings involving the family-run group's complex ownership structure.
South Korean conglomerates, known as "chaebol," have long been accused of influence-peddling as well as dubious transactions between subsidiaries to help controlling families evade taxes and transfer wealth to heirs.
Special prosecutors questioned Lee's wife for more than six hours last week. His son, an executive at Samsung Electronics, brother-in-law and senior Samsung Group officials have also endured hours of questioning.
No comments:
Post a Comment