Overview

• The Supreme Court cleared Lee Jae-yong of all charges over the 2015 $8 billion merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries in an unappealable verdict.
• Prosecutors had alleged that Lee manipulated stock prices, spread false market information and lobbied the National Pension Service to secure merger approval.
• Lower courts acquitted Lee in 2024, and Thursday’s decision concludes a legal battle that began with his 2020 indictment.
• Samsung’s legal team said the ruling affirms the merger’s legitimacy and removes a major distraction for the company.
• With criminal proceedings behind him, Lee is now positioned to refocus on AI chip competitiveness and pursue delayed mergers and acquisitions.