"Samsung Executive Yang Hyang-ja, 'Strong Regret' to Professor Lee Han-sang of Korea University for Defending Former Boss Lee Jae-yong"
[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Yang Hyang-ja, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed regret toward Professor Lee Han-sang of Korea University, saying, "It is unacceptable to talk about falsehoods such as lobbying on a public broadcast without even the minimum verification."
On the evening of the 30th, Yang posted on her Facebook, emphasizing, "If you commit a crime, you must be punished. Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong is no exception," and added, "(My previous remarks) were about the need to eliminate uncertainty for companies and technicians as quickly as possible."
She continued, "The person I defended was not Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. It was the heroes who built the current Samsung and fought alone in the global market, which is like a battlefield, making South Korea known worldwide," and said, "However, today someone said that I received lobbying from Samsung. I feel an unbearable anger."
Yang stated, "I can tolerate reports that misunderstood my true intention. But it is absolutely unacceptable to talk about falsehoods such as lobbying on a public broadcast without even the minimum verification," and urged, "I strongly express my regret toward Professor Lee. I request a sincere apology."
Earlier, on the 29th, regarding the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's decision to not indict and recommend suspension of investigation against Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Yang said, "Is it really normal for Vice Chairman Lee to have been on trial for four years?" and added, "We must respect the decision of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."
In response, Professor Lee appeared on a YTN radio interview that evening, criticizing Yang's remarks by saying, "Samsung executives lobbied member Yang," and added, "Yang is a person with a former executive career at Samsung," further stating, "Yang, as a member of the National Assembly, is blatantly defending the illegal succession of management rights of her former boss Lee Jae-yong."
Meanwhile, Yang joined Samsung Electronics in 1985 as a research assistant in the semiconductor memory design office, working as a lead researcher in the design team, senior researcher, manager, and executive director of the Flash Development Office in the Memory Business Division. She was noted as the first 'high school graduate Samsung Electronics executive' and was recruited into politics by then party leader Moon Jae-in during the 20th general election. She ran for Gwangju Seo-gu E in the April 15 general election, defeating six-term lawmaker Chun Jung-bae of the Minsaeng Party and was elected.
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