Paroled Samsung heir apologies for causing public concern

Embattled Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong apologized for causing public concern upon being paroled from prison with a year left on his sentence for crimes related to the corruption scandal that toppled South Korea’s previous president

SEOUL, South Korea -- Embattled Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong apologized for causing public concern upon being paroled from prison Friday with a year left on his sentence for crimes related to the explosive corruption scandal that toppled South Korea’s previous president. His release at 10 a.m. from a prison near the capital makes Lee just the latest in a long line of South Korean corporate bosses receiving lenient punishment for corruption and financial crimes. Wearing a gray suit and a mask, Lee stepped out of the prison gates in Uiwang to a barrage of camera flashes. Hundreds of demonstrators standing behind police lines simultaneously shouted slogans denouncing or welcoming his release. “(I) caused too much concern to our people. I am very sorry,” Lee said before bowing. He added that he was keeping close attention to the “concerns, criticism and huge expectations” about him and then walked into a black sedan without answering reporters’ questions.