[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] The prosecution has maintained its demand for a 5-year prison sentence and a fine of 500 million KRW for Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong during the appeals trial over alleged unfair merger and accounting fraud charges. Samsung has remained silent on the matter, refraining from issuing an official statement on November 25.

Despite the calm public stance, internal reports indicate the company is closely monitoring the court’s proceedings with a sense of unease.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Lee’s actions undermined fundamental economic principles and the constitutional values underpinning the capital market, warning that acquittal could encourage illegal practices in corporate governance. To bolster their case, the prosecution introduced approximately 2,300 new pieces of evidence and adjusted charges to reflect a recent administrative court ruling related to Samsung Biologics’ accounting practices.

Samsung, however, has maintained that the merger between Cheil Industries and Samsung C&T was not solely aimed at consolidating Lee’s control but was a legitimate corporate decision. The company hopes the appeals court will uphold the first trial’s ruling, which found no evidence of unfair practices or harm to shareholders.

In February, the lower court acquitted Lee of all 19 charges, stating that the merger was not demonstrably unfair nor designed solely to benefit Lee’s succession plans. The court also dismissed claims that the merger caused harm to Samsung C&T’s shareholders.
 

 

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