November 23, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong on June 10 returned from his 11-day business trip to Hong Kong and Japan, according to industry sources on June 11.

The 50-year-old Samsung heir has mostly stayed abroad after being released from prison on Feb. 5. He has visited Europe, Canada, China and Japan over the past months. 

Lee Jae-yong

His latest destination was Japan where he reportedly held several meetings with local partners like Ushio, the semiconductor photolithography equipment maker that supplies to Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Yazaki, the maker of automotive parts like wire harness and head-up displays.

While his previous trips were accompanied by other Samsung executives, he visited Japan alone this time possibly to have more private meetings.

Before visiting the country, he also visited Hong Kong. Considering Samsung operates a sales unit only there, he is more likely to have meetings with investment firms there.

Amid his father Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s hospitalization for years, the nation’s Fair Trade Commission in May designated the son as head of Samsung Group. Even though the designation requires no formal changes to its management, the junior Lee will be responsible for any regulatory violations committed by Samsung units.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)