The Korea Herald

피터빈트

CJ chairman drops reappeal seeking for Aug. 15 presidential pardon

By Choi He-suk

Published : July 19, 2016 - 10:58

    • Link copied

[THE INVESTOR] CJ Group chairman Lee Jay-hyun has decided to drop the reappeal in his embezzlement case in an apparent bid to be included in the special presidential pardon. According to reports citing CJ Group officials, Lee’s defense team will drop the case on July 19.

On July 11, President Park Geun-hye said that special presidential pardons will be granted to coincide with the Aug. 15 Liberation Day. Her comments regarding the need for a “revival” has fueled speculations that businesspeople will be included in this year’s pardon. 


CJ Group chairman Lee Jay-hyun CJ Group chairman Lee Jay-hyun


To be eligible for presidential pardon, Lee must drop the suit and accept the 2 1/2 year prison term he was given for embezzlement.

However, with his health having deteriorated to the point that incarceration could pose an immediate danger, Lee’s defense team also plans to file for a stay of execution.

Lee suffers from a chronic hereditary condition, and has been receiving medical treatment with his sentence temporarily stayed. 

In addition to Lee, SK Group vice chairman Chey Jae-won, Hanwha Group chief Kim Seung-youn and LIG Nex1’s Koo Bon-sang are said to be among the businesspeople hoping for a pardon this year. 

Lee suffers from a chronic hereditary condition / CJ Group Lee suffers from a chronic hereditary condition / CJ Group
 

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)