Former Samsung chief leaves for Vancouver to attend IOC meeting

SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- Former Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, South
Korea's wealthiest man, left Monday for Vancouver to attend the general assembly
of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"I will do my best as I have done until now, and do more," Lee told reporters at
Incheon International Airport, the main gateway from Seoul, before boarding a
personal plane at around 4:00 p.m.
Lee's trip as an IOC member is his first since he voluntarily gave up his rights
and duties as a member of the committee following his conviction for tax evasion
in 2008.
He was sentenced last August to a three-year suspended prison term and a fine of
110 billion won (US$89.2 million) for illegal bond transactions that caused
financial losses to a Samsung affiliate.
According to Samsung officials early Monday, the former chairman regained his IOC
membership following the December pardon granted to him by the South Korean
government.
The IOC made the decision in a committee meeting in Vancouver, where the Winter
Olympics is scheduled to kick off on Friday.
His participation in the IOC meeting is expected to be a boost for South Korea's
latest campaign to host the Winter Olympics. South Korea is making its third bid
after it lost to Vancouver, Canada, and Sochi, Russia, in its two previous
attempts.
Lee was accompanied by his wife and his son Lee Jay-yong, Samsung's heir apparent.
The 67-year-old tycoon stepped down as head of South Korea's largest business
conglomerate in April 2008, which he chaired for 20 years.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
(END)

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