Lee Chan-hee, Chairperson of the Samsung Compliance Committee, noted that after the Supreme Court's acquittal of Lee Jae-yong, Chair of Samsung Electronics, he should return as a registered director to strengthen responsible management.
The Chairperson met with reporters ahead of the regular meeting of the third-term Compliance Committee held on the 23rd at the Samsung Life Insurance office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and said, "I believe that Samsung can develop and the national economy, which depends on Samsung, has a chance to grow only through aggressive management, prepared to risk everything, breaking away from the burdens of the trial."
The Chairperson stated, "In terms of responsible management, many Commissioners agree on the part regarding the return of the Chair to a registered director," adding, "Personally, I think the swift return of registered executives is needed." He further remarked, "To become a registered executive, a shareholders' meeting must be held under the Commercial Law, so the timing and method require management judgment by the company."
The Chair is the only non-registered executive among the heads of the four major groups. Registered executives bear legal responsibilities for corporate management as members of the board of directors. Observers believe that as the judicial risks surrounding the Chair ease, the possibility of the control tower being reinstated for enhancing Samsung Group's competitiveness is high.
The Chairperson mentioned, "Personally, I believe that a control tower is necessary in terms of the position of a large corporation like Samsung in the national economy and for strengthening national competitiveness," but added, "It is a difficult issue to the extent that we cannot reach a unified opinion within the committee."
The Chairperson emphasized, "More than 5 million people are shareholders of Samsung Electronics, and the relationship between the entire Samsung Group and the public is interconnected," adding, "Now, I want to stress that Samsung should take on the entrepreneurial responsibility of a corporation that is responsible for the national economy, not just as a single corporation."
He added, "I will ensure that we have time to convey our opinions soon," and stated, "I respect the judiciary's judgment."