S.Korea's Yoon pardons Samsung's Jay Y. Lee to counter 'economic crisis'


FILE PHOTO: Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee arrives at a court in Seoul, South Korea, October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol pardoned Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee on Friday, with the justice ministry saying the business leader was needed to help overcome a "national economic crisis".

The pardon is largely symbolic, with Lee already out on parole after serving 18 months in jail for bribery in a scandal that led to massive protests and brought down then-President Park Geun-hye in 2017.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Rescuers search for survivors after landslide at New Zealand campsite
Trump reversal on Greenland followed push by aides against military option, sources say
After vanishing from view, two US-seized Venezuela oil tankers reappear near Puerto Rico
Australia begins day of mourning for victims of Bondi Beach attack
Vietnam's Lam edges closer to new leadership term after decisive congress cut short
Riga hosts int'l conference on combating financial crime
Two killed by high waves, floodwaters as severe weather hits Greece
Rising conflict in Sudan's North Darfur traps civilians, limits aid access: UN
U.S. stocks close higher
Roundup: EU-Mercosur trade deal faces delay as EU lawmakers send it for judicial review

Others Also Read