Korea's Business Heavyweight Remains Low-profile

For a while it would be difficult to publicly see one of Korea's most powerful men. Samsung's chairman Lee Kun-hee refrains from appearing in public as his company is embroiled in a number of huge scandals which are under the state prosecutor's probe.

Except the meeting hosted by presdient-elect Lee Myung-bak a several days ago, the chairman remains as low profile as possible.

Lee Kun-hee is said not to attend the in-house ‘Proud Samsung Men’ award ceremony, due to be held Jan.9 at the company headquarters, which is the first absence by the chairman since its start where he has been giving the prize to winners by himself.

Given the importance and personal favoritism by Lee of the event, his absence clearly shows the on-going scandals are just as embrassing and serious to the company as the public feels about them.