(아시아) 뇌물혐의 기소

출처: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39112301

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong is indicted on bribery charges 삼성 상속자 이재용 뇌물혐의로 기소되다 (be indicted on: ~로 기소되다) (bribery charges: 뇌물혐의)

• 4 hours ago
 
• From the sectionAsia

Image copyrightAFP

Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong has been formally indicted on multiple charges including bribery and embezzlement.

The case is tied to the scandal which led to the impeachment of the country's president, Park Geun-hye.

South Korea's special prosecutor's office announced the charges against the de-facto Samsung chief, along with four other company executives.

Three of those executives resigned on Tuesday following the announcement.

Samsung also said it was dismantling its corporate strategic office, a unit coordinating the various arms of the huge conglomerate. (dismantle: 해체하다) (corporate strategic office: 그룹전략실)

Samsung is accused of giving donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Ms Park, in exchange for government favours.

He had been arrested earlier this month as prosecutors prepared the indictment.

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What's the accusation?

Prosecutors accused Mr Lee of giving donations worth 41bn won ($36m; £29m) to organisations linked to Ms Choi. They alleged this was done to win government support for a big restructuring of Samsung that would help a smooth leadership transition in favour of Mr Lee, who is standing in as chairman for his ill father, Lee Kun-hee. 아픈 부친을 대신해 李가 회장 대행을 하고 있다.  삼성의 재조직은 李에게 유리한 경영승계가 순조롭게 이뤄질 수 있도록 도움이 되는지라, 정부가 나서서 지원해줄 수 있도록, 410억원을 최순실과 연관된 단체에 기부했다. 검찰측 견해.

The controversial merger required support from the national pension fund - the allegation is that this support was granted in return for the donations.

In a December parliamentary hearing, Samsung admitted giving a total of 20.4bn won to two foundations, but denied seeking favours in return.

Mr Lee also confirmed the firm gave a horse and money to help the equestrian career of Ms Choi's daughter, Chung Yoo-ra, something he said he now regrets.

What's the political scandal?

This centres around President Park's ties to Ms Choi and has brought allegations of cult activities, influence-peddling and leaks of classified information.

Ms Choi is a long term family friend whose father had already had close ties with President Park's father who was president in the 1970s.

Image copyrightAP

Image captionThe scandal is centred on the close relationship between Ms Park and Ms Choi

As well as soliciting donations, Ms Choi is accused of using their friendship to interfere in politics. (solicit: 요청하다)

She is now on trial charged with various offences, including abuse of authority, coercion and attempted fraud, and denies wrongdoing.

Parliament voted in December to impeach President Park. Her case is now being heard by the constitutional court. Meanwhile she has been stripped of her presidential powers.

A friendship too far in Seoul?

What does it mean for Samsung?

Mr Lee is currently vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics. But since his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014, he is considered de facto boss of the entire Samsung Group conglomerate. (de facto: 실질적인)

Regardless of the outcome, a trial is a big blow to the company. His arrest may not affect short term production or the running of the firm but there could be long term implications.

Lee Jae-yong

Samsung's heir apparent

• - Grandson of Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul, son of current chairman Lee Kun-hee.

• - Also known as Jay Y Lee, the 48-year-old has spent his entire career in the company.

• - Is vice chairman of Samsung Electronics and was nominated to join the firm's board in October 2016.

• - Despite his arrest, still widely expected to take overall control of Samsung.

• - Critics say his rise through Samsung has been due to his birth, not his business experience.

Getty Images

Samsung is one of the biggest electronics companies in the world and for the head of a company that thrives on a premium brand image to be involved in a corruption scandal is a huge embarrassment.

Earlier in February, when Mr Lee was first arrested, the firm said it would do its best "to ensure that the truth is revealed in future court proceedings", though it denies wrongdoing.