April 25, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] An independent counsel team allegedly plans to summon Chang Choong-ki, head of Samsung Group’s Future Strategy Office, for questioning in its ongoing probe into the influence-peddling scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye and her long-time confidante Choi Soon-sil. 

The investigator will question the Samsung strategy chief who heads the de facto control tower of the nation’s largest conglomerate over the group’s dubious funding worth 44 billion won (US$36.9 million) to Choi and her paper companies possibly in return for favors.

Choi is suspected of forcing the state-run National Pension Service to support the controversial merger of two Samsung units -- Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries -- last year. The deal was facing opposition from some Samsung C&T investors, including US hedge fund Elliott Management, due to an unfavorable merger swap ratio.

But Samsung is denying the allegations, saying the funding was offered for nurturing the nation’s sports and cultural sectors.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)