South Korea’s corrupt system of business and politics is going on trial—again.
On Thursday a court case dubbed “the trial of the century” began, with the heir apparent to the Samsung empire facing charges of bribery and embezzlement. The case is inextricably linked to that of disgraced President Park Geun-hye, whose own future will be decided this week when an eight judge panel decides whether she should be removed from office.
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While the trial of Samsung vice chairman Lee Jae-yong will be closely scrutinized by the hundreds of thousands of people who crowded Seoul’s streets late last year to call for the impeachment of their president, experts believe that this is simply history repeating itself.
There may be some short-term impact, including bringing shame on the company and its founding family, but ultimately, business and politics in Korea will continue as normal.
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