Gwangju Civic Groups Urge Special Pardon for Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

The Gwangju Citizens and Social Organizations Federation held a press conference at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council on the morning of the 3rd, urging a special pardon for Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Civic groups in the Gwangju region have called for a special pardon for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The Gwangju Citizens and Social Organizations Federation (hereinafter Gwangju Federation), composed of 523 organizations, held a press conference at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council this morning, stating, “The absence of Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong confines the power and potential of Samsung, recognized not only domestically but also worldwide.”

They said, “Samsung Group laid the cornerstone for South Korea’s economic development and played a leading role in being recognized as a first-class nation globally,” adding, “In particular, we must acknowledge that Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, along with Samsung Group members and their families, have made significant contributions beyond personal interests to the economic survival and prosperity, cultural welfare, and spiritual fields for all citizens of South Korea.”

They also emphasized Samsung’s contribution to Korea’s K-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gwangju Federation stated, “When South Korea faced another crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic and international order, large corporations like Samsung renewed their efforts and took the lead in K-quarantine, enhancing national competitiveness.”

Furthermore, they said, “The Samsung family has supported 1 trillion won for overcoming infectious diseases and has played a dedicated role in social service, such as donating the collection that the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee amassed throughout his life to the nation, which should be positively understood,” adding, “With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic triggering a global semiconductor shortage crisis affecting key industries like automobiles and home appliances, and changes in the international economic environment for high value-added semiconductor industries, a magnanimous decision of inclusion is necessary to allow Samsung to respond as a leading company.”

They cited public opinion that the judiciary’s ruling against Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong was “excessive” as a reason for the special pardon. The Gwangju Federation emphasized, “According to a Realmeter survey conducted last January, over 70% responded that the retrial ruling against Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong was ‘too harsh,’” adding, “Moreover, the majority of the public, regardless of political affiliation?including the 25 head monks of the Jogye Order’s district temples, religious circles, economic sectors, civic groups, and the Korean Senior Citizens Association?support the special pardon for Vice Chairman Lee.”

The Gwangju Federation stated, “Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s global network should be actively utilized to secure additional vaccines,” and added, “During President Moon Jae-in’s scheduled visit to the United States this month, Vice Chairman Lee should be able to act as a special envoy for semiconductors and vaccines. Samsung should not be sacrificed as a political scapegoat due to selective justice called fairness.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.