Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
Samsung boss to be indicted for bribery, embezzlement and hiding funds abroad
July 10, 2025
Samsung Vice Chairman and current boss Lee Jae-yong will be indicted on charges of bribery, embezzlement and hiding assets overseas, according to a report fromBloomberg.
Lee was arrestedearlier in Februaryafter being accused of bribing South Korean President Park Geun-hye to help him assume control of the Samsung Group. Lee had been the acting chief since 2014 when his father, Samsung’s previous owner, was hospitalized following a heart attack. A controversial merger between Samsung affiliates that Park allegedly aided was key to solidifying his position. (President Park was impeached in December amid corruption allegations and may be removed from office soon.)
Following these developments, Samsung reportedly announced that it would dissolve its Corporate Strategy Office, the unit responsible for the company’s most important decisions, which had been linked to the corruption.
Four Samsung executives have also been charged, including Corporate Strategy Office Vice Chairman Choi Gee-sung and President Chang Choong-ki —who recently left the company— and other are stepping down from their positions, reportsBloomberg.
It’s believed that Lee’s trial could take up to 18 months resolve; the billionaire has admitted to transferring funds to President Park but has denied that it was for political gain.
This may become not only a pivotal moment in Samsung’s history but also South Korea’s: the nation’s major family run corporations — or Chaebol — aresaid to have been involved with political favorsfor many years. If Lee is found guilty, it could shake the whole system.
For more onwhat Lee Jae-yong’s arrest means for Samsung, hit the link.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
