Lee Jae-yong Formally Indicted on Charges of Illegal Propofol Use

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who was summarily indicted for illegal administration of propofol, will face a formal trial.

According to the legal community on the 29th, the Seoul Central District Court decided the day before to refer the case of Vice Chairman Lee, who was summarily indicted for violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), to a formal trial.

Vice Chairman Lee was initially summarily indicted with a fine of 50 million won. The court can, ex officio, refer a case to a formal trial if the matter is serious or if it deems it inappropriate to conclude the case with a summary order.

Vice Chairman Lee was investigated after a public interest report was filed with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission alleging habitual administration of the psychotropic drug propofol at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul.

Lee denied the charges, claiming that he received treatment based on professional medical opinion and that it was not illegal administration, and requested the convening of the Prosecutor’s Investigation Deliberation Committee. The committee recommended suspension of the investigation but was deadlocked on whether to prosecute, resulting in rejection.

Ultimately, the prosecution concluded that Vice Chairman Lee administered propofol for non-medical purposes and summarily indicted him on the 4th.

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