Choi Seung-ho, the leader of the Samsung Group's union at Samsung Electronics, is facing controversy after reportedly notifying his deputy of a job suspension and a return to regular duties following a request for an audit of a contract with a company represented by Choi's father-in-law. Evidence has emerged that Choi directly instructed a staff member to take action 'immediately' and demanded that the union's accommodations and vehicles be organized, raising concerns that he may be using his authority to suppress the audit against him.
According to a transcript of a conversation obtained by this agency, when Deputy Lee Song-i stated, 'This is not a resignation; we will conduct an internal audit,' Choi responded, 'Let’s remove your work exemption as soon as possible, and you should go to Gwangju.' He further emphasized, 'I will remove your work exemption by my authority, so please go to Gwangju and respond accordingly.'
The work exemption allows union officials to receive a salary while performing union duties. If revoked, Deputy Lee would have to cease his union activities and return to his original workplace at Samsung Electronics' Gwangju facility. This action effectively cuts off the deputy's operational base before the audit even begins. Choi did not stop there; he reportedly called a staff member on the spot, instructing them to ensure the exemption was removed 'by tomorrow.'
The demands did not end with the work exemption. Choi also ordered Deputy Lee to vacate the union accommodations and organize vehicles. When Deputy Lee questioned, 'Aren't you going to undergo the audit?' he was told, 'You are currently in a state of job suspension.'
The situation arose from a contract between the union and a company represented by Choi's father-in-law. When Deputy Lee pointed out, 'It was wrong for Chairman Choi to enter into a contract with your father-in-law,' Choi retorted, 'We contracted at a low price of 85 million won.' However, the National Samsung Electronics Union countered that the transaction with the company amounts to 370 million won, arguing that Choi's explanation is inaccurate.
Choi has previously acknowledged the existence of the transaction but claimed that he selected the company based on price and delivery conditions, asserting that he did not personally gain any financial benefit. However, critics argue that this explanation only addresses the contract price and fails to clarify why a contract with clear conflict of interest was made without a competitive process and why he attempted to obstruct the audit.
There are growing calls both within and outside the union to examine whether this action adhered to regulations and procedures. If it is determined that the notification of job suspension was intended to obstruct the audit, it could lead to legal scrutiny for coercion.
A labor official stated, 'Choi's remarks revealed in the transcript seriously undermine union democracy,' adding, 'The current leadership, which has completely lost the trust of union members, should resign immediately, and a thorough investigation into all allegations of misconduct should be conducted by an independent committee, including external accounting firms.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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