South Korean President-Samsung Bribery Scandal: Jay Y. Lee Denies' Role In Park Geun-hye's Corruption Case

Jay Y. Lee, the head of Samsung, South Korea's biggest conglomerate, has denied all charges against him in a corruption scandal, his lawyer said Thursday at the opening of a hearing, Reuters reported. The special prosecutor referred to the hearing as "trial of the century" as it created a massive political uproar in the country that led to the impeachment of South Korea's President Park Geun-hye.

Lee was arrested Feb. 13 over his alleged role in a corruption scandal, which was a fresh blow to the technology giant for Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Lee, currently the vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, is also the de facto boss of the entire Samsung Group conglomerate since his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014.

He is accused of bribing Choi Soon-sil, a close friend of Park Geun-hye, to get government favors for getting big restructuring done of the company that would help a smooth transition in his favor, as was reported in several media publications.

Read: https://www.ibtimes.com/samsung-corruption-scandal-heir-lee-jae-yong-indicted-bribery-embezzlement-hiding-2498664

During the preliminary hearing, Lee was not present, but his lawyer denied all charges on his behalf. Lee is being detained at Seoul Detention Centre. The presence of the defendant is not required during a preparatory hearing.

Four other Samsung executives who are facing trial have also also denied wrongdoing.

"It is unclear what kind of order Lee Jae-yong is supposed to have given," a lawyer defending Lee said during the hearing, using his Korean name. "The indictment cannot have statements that can create prejudices in the court about the case," Song told reporters while leaving court, Reuters reported.

The courtroom was packed with 150 people, including press and spectators, with some waiting in line to get a seat since morning. There was chaos as well during the hearing, which lasted about an hour, when an elderly woman in the audience started yelling who was dragged out by court officers. It was not clear what she intended to say.

A decision is due Friday, Reuters reported.

After Lee's detention, the company's day-to-day operations have not been affected, however, experts pointed out that it could hinder strategic decision-making at South Korea's biggest conglomerate, Reuters had reported in Feb. 2017