Lee Jae-yong, who has led Samsung since 2014 and is the grandson of the company's founder, faced accusations of employing fraudulent accounting practices to enhance the value of Samsung Biologics and facilitate his succession within the corporation. Following a series of trials and allegations that included bribery associated with the prior administration, Lee was initially arrested in 2017. His legal challenges also involved reduced jail terms, attributed to presidential pardons in response to economic strife exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pivotal case revolved around the merger of Samsung C&T and Samsung Biologics, valued at approximately $8 billion. Initially acquitted in 2024 by a district court, Lee's previous verdicts were upheld despite prosecutor appeals. His attorneys hailed the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing the legality of the merger and the significance of the court's comprehensive five-year analysis.

Market experts view this resolution favorably, anticipating that it may stabilize leadership within Samsung. As South Korea's largest corporation, Samsung Electronics faces competitive pressures and declining sales, particularly within its smartphone and computer chip divisions.

The Federation of Korean Industries expressed optimism regarding the verdict, noting that it would enable quicker decision-making within Samsung and aid the South Korean economy amid ongoing trade challenges, particularly relating to U.S. tariffs.

In previous comments, Lee acknowledged the hurdles facing the company but expressed determination to navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape.