Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong has been attending weekly court hearings in Seoul since Oct. 2020 for alleged financial crimes. The outcome of his trial will determine the future of the Lee family's hold over Samsung. (Photo by Jean Chung)

The trials of Samsung: Vice Chairman Lee's legal troubles could threaten tech dynasty

Jae-yong's court hearings illuminate entanglement of South Korean politics and conglomerates

KIM JAEWON, Nikkei staff writer

March 9, 2022 06:05 JST

SEOUL -- Every Thursday since October 2020, a cortege of black Genesis and Mercedes sedans arrives at Seoul Central District Court, dropping off and, after a day of testimony, picking up a group of former and current executives of Samsung, South Korea's electronics giant.

Among them, the six foot frame of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong stands out amid the others, who treat him with the fealty of servants to a lord.