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Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who was indicted for a 50 million won fine on charges of illegally receiving propofol, will face a formal trial. The prosecution applied for a formal trial saying that there was one more case of propofol administration by Vice Chairman Lee, and the court accepted it.
Reporter Ahn Hee-jae reported.
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Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, which investigated the allegation that Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong illegally administered propofol, a sleep anesthetic, made a summary indictment on the 4th with a fine of 50 million won.
Initially, the investigation team was of the opinion that Vice Chairman Lee should be brought to a formal trial, but the Supreme Prosecutor's Office took a negative stance, and in the end it was settled as a compromise.
In summary indictment, the court orders a fine based solely on the investigation record, so Vice-President Lee does not have to appear in court.
But things have changed.
After the prosecution's summary indictment, the charge of propofol administration, which the police had been investigating separately, was transferred to the prosecution.
The two charges have the same content but different timing.
Accordingly, the prosecution applied for a formal trial with the court on the 17th, saying that the facts of the indictment can be changed or the sentenced amount can be changed depending on the results of the investigation into the case transferred by the police.
As a result, it is the same as the opinion of the investigative team to request a formal trial.
As the court accepted this, Vice Chairman Lee went through the same process as a general trial.
A judge is expected to be appointed soon.
However, the first trial may be postponed for the time being until the prosecution reveals the results of the investigation into Lee's other drug charges.
Samsung, who expected a fine of 50 million won, was embarrassed even though there was no special position.
In particular, there is an atmosphere of concern that it may adversely affect the discussion of amnesty for Vice Chairman Lee.
(Video editing: Hwang Ji-young)