This file photo taken Feb. 3, 2025, shows Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong arriving at the Seoul High Court in southern Seoul for a trial. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 29 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong on Tuesday departed for the United States, raising speculation that he may support ongoing trade talks between Seoul and Washington ahead of a key negotiation deadline this week.
Lee arrived at Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center in western Seoul around 3:50 p.m. and boarded a flight to Washington. He offered a short “Hello” to the media but declined to comment further on the purpose of his trip.
It marks Lee’s first overseas schedule since the Supreme Court acquitted him on July 17 in connection with a controversial 2015 merger case.
Industry watchers say Lee may propose new semiconductor investment plans and artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships in the U.S., potentially as part of efforts to support the South Korean government’s position in the high-stakes tariff talks.
Samsung Electronics earlier announced plans to invest US$37 billion to build new foundry facilities in Taylor, Texas, by 2030. The tech giant operates a separate chip factory in Austin, Texas.
Just a day earlier, Samsung unveiled a $16.5 billion deal to supply AI semiconductors to Tesla Inc., with production of the chips expected to begin next year at the new Taylor plant.
Key South Korean officials, including Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, have departed for Washington for last-minute discussions with their U.S. counterparts before President Donald Trump begins imposing “reciprocal” tariffs on major South Korean exports as scheduled from Friday.
(Yonhap)
