There are more articles stating that it is likely that JY Lee, the head of Samsung, will be pardoned on 15 August. The articles also claim that due to his conviction, Samsung cannot do M&A deals and prepare large investment plans for the future.
Apparently testing the waters. If there is public outrage, then no pardon. If less outrage than expected, then pardon.
SK 159곳 투자할 때 삼성은 5곳뿐…"JY 사면땐 M&A 재시동" (Translated - While SK invested in 159 companies, Samsung invested in only 5... "If JY Lee is pardoned, M&As will resume")
Republic of Samsung
The pardons were just announced.
Lee Jae-yong: Why did South Korea pardon the Samsung 'prince'?
Heads of Lotte Group, Dongkuk Steel, and STX Group were also pardoned. Lots of business heads convicted of crimes, almost always pardoned. Same with their companies. Fined and barred for bid rigging and such, then re-allowed to resume business.
Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon
Alas, all is not perfect. Time to listen to music. :)
