'Illegal Propofol Injection' Lee Jae-yong First Trial Sentencing Today… Prosecution Seeks 70 Million Won Fine

Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial sentencing hearing for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who has been indicted on charges of illegally administering the sleep anesthetic 'Propofol,' will be held.

According to the court on the 26th, Judge Jang Young-chae of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 11 will conduct the sentencing hearing at 11:30 a.m. on the same day for Vice Chairman Lee, who was indicted for violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances). During the previous closing arguments, the prosecution requested the court to impose a fine of 70 million won. They also asked for an order to collect a supplementary fine of 17.02 million won.

Earlier, Vice Chairman Lee was brought to trial on charges of repeatedly administering Propofol for non-medical purposes 41 times at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, from January 2015 to May of last year.

In court, Lee’s defense attorney emphasized, "At that time, Samsung Group employees were going through great hardships due to the investigation and trial of the state affairs manipulation case," adding, "The defendant spent each day with self-reproach, believing that all these difficulties were due to his own shortcomings." This implies that Lee turned to Propofol because of the state affairs manipulation case. The defense also appealed, saying, "Since being imprisoned and released due to the state affairs manipulation case, he has completely stayed away from drugs," and requested a chance to make amends through social contribution.

Vice Chairman Lee also expressed in his final statement, "I apologize for causing trouble and worry due to personal matters," and said, "This incident happened because of my shortcomings, and although it was for treatment, I deeply reflect on it." He continued, "I will take this opportunity to look back on myself and ensure that such an incident never happens again, and that no suspicion arises." When the court asked if there had been any issues related to drug use since his recent release, he confidently replied, "Yes, I can say that with confidence."

Initially, the prosecution filed a summary indictment against Vice Chairman Lee in June, seeking a fine of 50 million won. However, the court referred the case to a formal trial, and the police, who were investigating another Propofol administration charge against Lee, also handed the case over to the prosecution. Subsequently, the prosecution amended the indictment to increase the number of Propofol administrations from the original 38 to 41 times, and extended the period from 4 years to 6 years.

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