Qualcomm Says Samsung Scandal Weakens Korea Antitrust Ruling
- U.S. company is fighting record fine imposed by South Korea
- Chipmaker highlights influence on agency by rival Samsung
South Korea’s Family-Run Conglomerates Are Under Pressure
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The corruption scandal rocking South Korea has given Qualcomm Inc. another way to challenge a big antitrust fine threatening its most profitable business.
Jay Y. Lee, heir to the top job at Samsung Group, was arrested last week on allegations he was involved in paying billions of won to a friend of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, in exchange for government support of his succession. Prosecutors are also investigating Samsung’s influence on the Korea Fair Trade Commission and have questioned Kim Hak-hyun, who until January was vice chairman of the antitrust watchdog.