Samsung has finally closed the chapter on a long-running legal drama. On Thursday, the Supreme Court of South Korea cleared Samsung boss Jay Y Lee of all charges. This ends years of tension that had surrounded the country’s biggest tech company.
The case involved the 2015 merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries. Prosecutors said the deal was designed to help Lee gain control of the Samsung Group. They also accused the company of accounting fraud.
But the court didn’t agree.
South Korea’s top judges backed a lower court’s decision. That court had already said Lee and other Samsung officials were not guilty. In total, Lee faced 19 different charges. Now, he is free.
Samsung’s legal team said the ruling proved that the merger and accounting were done by the book.
A New Start for Samsung
The timing couldn’t be better for Samsung. The company is trying to get back on top in the chip-making business. Rival SK Hynix has moved ahead in supplying AI chips. This verdict lets Samsung focus again on business without distractions.
After the court ruling, Samsung shares jumped. Electronics stocks rose 2.3%, and Samsung Biologics shares went up by 3.1%. Investors clearly approved.
Also Read TSMC Posts Record $13.5 Billion Profit in Q2 on Strong AI Chip Demand
The Battle Since 2020
The legal drama started in 2020. In 2023, prosecutors wanted Lee to be jailed for five years. They also wanted him to pay a fine. But in February 2024, a Seoul court cleared him. Later, a high court agreed. And now, the Supreme Court has given the final word.
Jay Y Lee, who is 57, has faced a lot in recent years. He was once jailed for bribery. That case was linked to a political scandal which led to the fall of South Korea’s former president Park Geun-hye. Lee was later pardoned in 2022. That allowed him to lead Samsung again.
Pressure from the US
At the same time, South Korea is worried about new US trade plans. President Trump may put taxes on chip exports. This could hurt Samsung, one of Korea’s biggest exporters. The Trade Minister has warned that it would be a huge blow to the economy.
Now that the legal cloud is gone, Lee and Samsung can focus on the future. They aim to lead again in chips, AI, and global tech. After years of courtroom stress, it’s time to build again.
Also Read ChinaAMC Hong Kong Launches World’s First Renminbi-Backed Token Fund
