Prosecutors Re-summon and Investigate Choi Ji-sung, Former Head of Samsung Future Strategy Office

Choi Ji-sung, former head of Samsung Future Strategy Office. / Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] The prosecution, investigating allegations related to the merger between Samsung C&T Corporation and Cheil Industries, re-summoned Choi Ji-sung, former head of Samsung Future Strategy Office (Vice Chairman), on the 12th for questioning.

As the prosecution's investigation into Samsung's management succession allegations surrounding the merger of the two companies approaches its final stages after one and a half years, Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics (52), is also expected to be summoned next week.

The Economic Crime Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Bok-hyun) called in former head Choi this morning to investigate the decision-making process within the group’s top management during the 2015 merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries.

Choi, who was known as the 'second-in-command' within the group during Chairman Lee Kun-hee's era, served as head of the Future Strategy Office from 2012, leading the office for five years and exerting tremendous influence over the group.

Therefore, the prosecution suspects that Choi, as head of the Future Strategy Office, directed the restructuring of the corporate governance aimed at securing Lee’s management succession.

Ahead of summoning Vice Chairman Lee for questioning, the prosecution has continued additional summonses of related figures, including re-calling Jang Choong-ki, former deputy head of Samsung Future Strategy Office (66, President), on the 8th, and summoning Yoo Sang-ho, Vice Chairman (60) of Korea Investment & Securities, the lead underwriter during the Samsung BioLogics IPO, on the 11th.

The prosecution is reportedly planning to conclude the investigation into the merger allegations within this month and decide on the prosecution of key suspects.

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