Samsung confirms it will disband corporate strategy office after corruption probe ends

The South Korean special prosecutor's office continues its investigation into the scandal which had already led to the impeachment of the country's president. Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong and head of the company's corporate strategy office Choi Gee-sung have been classified as suspects in the bribery investigation. Samsung allegedly paid money to organizations run by a friend of the president for influence. The company's corporate strategy office has come under much scrutiny in the past as well and it's often viewed as a key organ through which the founding Lee family can exert its control over the conglomerate's affiliates.

Samsung said in a brief statement that preparations are underway to shut down the office, adding that “action will be taken following the conclusion of the special prosecutor's investigation.” The company hasn't said how it's going to handle tasks that are currently under the strategy office's domain. The special prosecutor's investigation is due to conclude by February 28 but a 30-day extension might be sought if more work needs to be done.