Samsung chief denies all charges as trial begins

Top court to rule on Friday to remove or reinstate impeached president

SEOUL - The head of Samsung, Lee Jae-yong, denies all charges against him, his lawyer said on Thursday, at the start of what the special prosecutor said could be the "trial of the century" amid a political scandal that has rocked the country.

Lee has been charged with bribery, embezzlement and other offenses in a corruption scandal that has already led to the impeachment of Republic of Korea's President Park Geun-hye.

On Friday, the Constitutional Court was scheduled to rule on whether impeached Park should permanently leave office over a corruption scandal or be reinstated, a decision that could radically reshape the country's political landscape.

If the court formally unseats Park, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. For Park to be removed, at least six of the court's eight remaining justices need to support the impeachment motion filed by lawmakers, which accuses the president of a wide range of charges including extortion, bribery, abuse of power and leaking government secrets.

Park has apologized but has denied any legal wrongdoing.

Lee, who is being detained at Seoul Detention Center, did not attend court. A defendant does not have to turn up during a preparatory hearing, held to organize evidence and set dates for witness testimony.

Lee's defense denied all charges against him on his behalf, saying that the special prosecution's indictment cites conversations, evidence or witnesses the prosecution did not actually hear, investigate or interview according to the rules - or states opinions that are not facts.

Wrongdoing denied

"It is unclear what kind of order Lee Jae-yong is supposed to have given," Song Wu-cheol, defending Lee, told the court.

"The indictment cannot have statements that can create prejudices in the court about the case," Song told reporters as he left court.

Samsung has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Among the charges against Lee, 48, are pledging bribes to a company and organizations linked to a friend of Park, Choi Soon-sil, the woman at the center of the scandal, to cement his control of the smartphones-to-biopharmaceuticals business empire.

Lawyers for defendants being tried with Lee - former Samsung vice-chairman Choi Gee-sung, former Samsung President Chang Choong-ki and former Samsung Electronics president Park Sang-jin - also denied all charges.

The courtroom, seating more than 150, was packed with press and spectators with some who had waited in line since morning to get a seat.

At one point during the hearing, which lasted about an hour, an elderly woman in the audience began yelling and was dragged out by court officers. It was unclear what she was saying.

The courtroom, seating more than 150, was packed with press and spectators with some who had waited in line since morning to get a seat.

At one point during the hearing, which lasted about an hour, an elderly woman in the audience began yelling and was dragged out by court officers. It was unclear what she was saying.