Asia-Pacific

S Korea to grant special pardon to ex-Samsung chief

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-29 11:23

SEOUL: The South Korean government has decided to grant a special pardon to former Samsung chief Lee Kun-hee, who had been found guilty on illegal securities transactions, the justice minister said on Tuesday.

Lee Kun-hee, former Samsung Group chairman, listens to questions from reporters upon departing a Seoul court after his trial August 14, 2009.?[Agencies]

Related readings:  Founder's son gets key Samsung post  Samsung ex-boss guilty over bond deal

The government, at a Cabinet meeting, decided to grant Lee with the pardon, which will take effect on December 31.

The decision came after business and sports circles have repeatedly demanded Lee's pardon for the need to boost economic revitalization and PyeongChang's ongoing bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Lee currently sat as an IOC member before he gave up his rights in 2008.

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