Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom Supports Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong's Early Return to Management

Prime Minister Kim's Interview with Major Foreign Media
"Restrictions on Business Activities After Parole Are Inappropriate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has reportedly expressed support for Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, to return to management promptly.

On the 31st, Prime Minister Kim conveyed in an interview with major foreign media that he sympathizes with the public opinion calling for Lee's swift return to management.

In the interview, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Legal procedures must be followed for Lee's return to management," but added, "It is inappropriate to impose restrictions on his management activities despite his parole."

During the interview, Prime Minister Kim emphasized that Samsung and the Korean economy are facing various economic challenges, and "there is public opinion that reducing Lee's opportunities for management activities is unfair."

He continued, "I recognize the criticism that Lee was exempted from legal responsibility too early," but cautioned against a 'narrow-minded' approach to Lee's situation.

When asked whether management and control over conglomerates are insufficient, Prime Minister Kim stressed, "There is no need to doubt the rule of law in Korea."

He added, "Excessive privileges for the third and fourth generations of chaebols are disappearing. Although it will take time, reforms to enhance transparency and strengthen accountability of chaebols are ongoing."

Earlier, Lee was re-incarcerated after his 2 years and 6 months prison sentence was confirmed in the retrial of the state affairs manipulation case in January, but was paroled on August 13th as part of Liberation Day parole.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, parole is a 'conditional release,' and employment restrictions applied to economic offenders also apply to Lee. Therefore, in principle, Lee finds it difficult to return to the management field, and as a parolee, overseas business trips are also restricted.

In response, the business community has been urging for the relaxation of Lee's parole conditions so that he can fully devote himself to management activities.

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