Samsung Electronics’ head Lee Jae-yong was acquitted by a South Korean court regarding allegations linked to a 2015 merger, according to his legal team. The court found no evidence of intent to harm shareholders or that the merger, criticised for allegedly facilitating Lee’s succession and undervaluing Samsung C&T’s stock to benefit Cheil Industries, was solely for Lee’s benefit. This ruling dismisses various charges, including stock manipulation and fraud, against Lee, who has previously been convicted in a separate high-profile case. Critics had accused the merger of undermining market integrity for Lee’s personal gain, a claim Lee and his defense strongly denied. The acquittal marks a significant legal victory for Lee and may positively impact Samsung Electronics’ future strategic initiatives.