Samsung to expedite chip plant investments after chief’s parole

Samsung Group, the country’s largest conglomerate, is likely to ramp up its investment in chip plants amid the global shortage and merger and acquisition (M&A) with the parole of its leader despite controversy over the legitimacy, industry insiders said on Monday.

The parole board under the justice ministry approved Lee Jae-yong’s release from jail after hours of review, making him free from Friday.

The Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman has been behind bars since January after he was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison by the Seoul High Court in a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye.

Lee’s parole comes at a time when Samsung is reviewing its investment and M&A plans. With the tech giant’s top decision maker soon to be released,