He was convicted in 1996 of bribing former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo but pardoned a year later by then-president Kim Young-sam.

WSJ: South Korea Plans to Pardon Former Samsung Chairman

During Mr Kim Young Sam's presidency, two former presidents, Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo, were jailed for treason, insurrection and taking bribes.

ECONOMIST: South Korea