Samsung Bribery Scandal 2017 Case Study

Samsung is a multinational company that was originally founded in the 1930’s as a trading company; however, now its focus has shifted to globalized electronics. Since 1987, Samsung has been divided into four groups – Samsung group, Shinsegae group, CJ group, and Hansol group. In 2014, Samsung’s chairman Lee Kun-hee, fell ill and his son, Lee Jae-Yong started running the company. By that time, he was the vice-chairman of the company. During his tenure is when the corruption scandal came around (Choi). The initial reason for the bribery claim was that the vice-chairman wanted to inherit control from his father. He, therefore, wanted to buy another company which will increase his voting right in the Samsung group. He needed the government to approve the purchase and so bribed the president using a close confidant named Choi, to the president, Park Geun-hye (Burgess).

The information regarding the purchase of the other company, Samsung CT, was private information only available to the company. Therefore, accessing such information is a breach of privacy which could be used against the plaintiff. The bank account statements that show where the money went would also be a potential risk (Burgess). Another cause of action is fraud. As the CEO I can argue that Choi, who was the close confidant to the president, transferred funds from him fraudulently without my consent. This cause of action will imply that I had no malicious intention. I can argue my idea from the implication that the company is highly respected and thought of. co. uk/article/samsung-boss-arrest-lee-president-park. Accessed 10 Oct 2018. Choi, Hansoo. "Samsung, Lee Jae-Yong's Conviction, And How Business In South Korea Is Changing.