Samsung’s Top Boss Faces Final Showdown in High-Stakes Court Case

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its final verdict Thursday for Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong in a controversial merger case dating back to 2015.

The sentencing hearing, scheduled for 11:15 a.m., will conclude a trial that began four years and 10 months ago. Lee faces charges of unfair trading, stock price manipulation, and accounting fraud related to the 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates, Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T Corp.

Lee was acquitted of all 19 charges in both the initial trial and subsequent appeal.

Prosecutors have appealed the appellate ruling, arguing that the merger and other alleged irregularities were designed to help Lee consolidate control over South Korea’s largest conglomerate at minimal personal cost. (Yonhap)