South Korea: Samsung boss embroiled in sex-for-hire scandal

Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee. Pic: AP

28th July 2016

INVESTIGATORS in South Korea have opened a probe into an alleged sex scandal involving billionaire Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee, who has been accused of soliciting the services of prostitutes several times between 2011 and 2013.

Although Lee is been in a comatose state since 2014, after suffering a heart attack, an official from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office said Wednesday the case is being handled by a division specializing in crimes against women and children. He refused to be named, citing office rules.

The allegations emerged last week after internet news outlet Newstapa released footage purportedly showing a man who appeared to be Lee interacting with women who might have been prostitutes on several occasions.

Selling or buying sex is a crime punishable by up to a year in prison or a fine of 3 million won (US$2,600) in South Korea.

After receiving the footage from an anonymous source in April, Newstapa reported that the makers of the video allegedly attempted to blackmail Lee and the group.

The company reportedly received demands for money in exchange for the video, but chose to ignore it as it found the credibility of the video to be questionable.

According to the Korea Times, the Samsung Group on Friday expressed discomfort over the scandal involving Lee, who is currently hospitalized.

SEE ALSO: Samsung chairman hospitalized after heart attack

“We are discomforted by the stir involving Chairman Lee Kun-hee,” it was quoted as saying.

“However, the issue is a personal matter of Chairman Lee, so on behalf of the group we have nothing to say.”

Filmed at what appears to be Lee’s residence in Samseong-dong and another reisence in Nonhyeon-dong in southern Seoul, the videos stretched over seven hours and were taken on five occassions between December 2011 and June 2013.

The women featured in the video were said to be in their 20s and 30s and worked at bars and entertainment outlets. They were paid 5 million ($4,000) for their services, it was reported.

Additional reporting by Associated Press