'Illegal Propofol Use' Lee Jae-yong Fined 70 Million Won… Court Says "Hope He Sets an Example for His Children"

Fine of 70 million won, additional penalty of 17.02 million won

Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who was indicted on charges of illegal propofol administration, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 26th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who was indicted for the illegal administration of the sedative 'Propofol,' was sentenced to a fine of 70 million won in the first trial.

At 11:40 a.m. on the 26th, Judge Jang Young-chae of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 11 sentenced Vice Chairman Lee, who was charged with violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), saying, "Please break away from Propofol, be healthy, set an example for your children, and show a respectable appearance," in accordance with the prosecution's demand. A fine of 17.02 million won was also ordered.

The court stated, "Like other narcotics crimes, Propofol also causes considerable harm due to its addictive and dependency effects, so there is a strong need for strict sanctions on habitual administration in this case," and pointed out, "Considering the social status and influence, he should have shown compliance and been a role model, but the number and amount of administrations are considerable, and the nature of the crime is not light." However, it added, "The defendant confessed to all criminal facts, has no prior record of punishment for similar crimes," and "considered the fairness when punished simultaneously with the confirmed bribery offense," explaining the sentencing reasons.

Earlier, Vice Chairman Lee was brought to trial on charges of habitually administering Propofol for non-medical purposes 41 times at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, from January 2015 to May last year.

During the trial, Lee’s defense attorney emphasized, "At that time, Samsung Group employees were going through great hardships due to the investigation and trial of the state affairs manipulation case," and "the defendant spent each day with self-reproach, believing all these difficulties were due to his shortcomings." This implied that Lee turned to Propofol because of the state affairs manipulation case. The defense also appealed, "Since being imprisoned and released due to the state affairs manipulation case, he has completely stayed away from drugs," and "please give him a chance to make amends through social contribution."

In his final statement, Vice Chairman Lee said, "I apologize for causing trouble and worry due to personal matters," and "this incident happened because of my shortcomings, and although it was for treatment, I deeply reflect on it." He continued, "I will take this opportunity to look back on myself and ensure that such incidents never happen again and that no suspicions arise." When asked by the court if there had been any problems related to administration since his recent release, he answered, "Yes, I can say that confidently."

Initially, the prosecution filed a summary indictment against Vice Chairman Lee in June, seeking a fine of 50 million won. However, the court referred the case to a formal trial, and the police, who were investigating another Propofol administration charge against Lee, also handed the case over to the prosecution. Subsequently, the prosecution amended the indictment, increasing the number of Propofol administrations from the original 38 to 41 times and extending the period from 4 years to 6 years.