Samsung Electronics leaves major business lobby www.nhk.or.jp
Samsung Electronics has left a major South Korean business lobby group that was criticized as a hotbed of cozy relationship between political and business worlds.
The flagship company of Samsung Group filed its intention to withdraw with the Federation of Korean Industries, or FKI, on Monday. The lobby consists of about 600 companies.
The federation came under fire over allegations that its senior officials lobbied Samsung to pay money to 2 foundations linked to President Park Geun-hye's close friend Choi Soon-sil.
After Samsung's announcement, FKI officials said they have nothing to say about any decision by a member company.
Firms of the conglomerate LG Group have already withdrawn from the federation.
South Korean media say Samsung Group alone accounted for one-fourth of the total membership fees.
Observers say the chance that the federation will survive is slim, as other affiliates of Samsung Group are expected to follow suit.
Published Date:2017-02-07