S Korea’s ruling party chief hints at Samsung scion Lee Jae-yong’s pardon

The chairman of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) has hinted at the potential parole of Lee Jae-yong, the de facto head of Samsung Group.

Business conglomerates have recently called for Lee to be pardoned, especially ahead of the August 15 Liberation Day, an anniversary on which South Korea’s presidents have often used their right to grant a special pardon as part of efforts for promoting national unity.

“(Lee) could possibly be freed on parole, not limited only to a pardon,” Rep Song Young-gil said during an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Sunday.

It is his first press interview since taking the party leadership.