Lee Jae-yong's second trial is also in the "Samsung Merger" battle... "For the purpose of succession" vs. "All profits."

In the trial of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong's "unfair merger" trial, the prosecution and Chairman Lee's side fought over the purpose of the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries.

The Seoul High Court held a hearing on Chairman Lee's appeal today (28th) and heard issues such as the background and purpose of the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries.

The prosecution claimed that even though the merger was carried out for the purpose of succession of Chairman Lee Jae-yong, it hid such facts and pretended that Samsung C&T's business necessity was the purpose.

The merger between the two companies took place at a clear disadvantage to Samsung C&T.

On the other hand, Chairman Lee refuted that the prosecution has failed to claim that there was no business need, saying that the original trial could not conclude that the purpose of the merger was only for succession.

He also emphasized that the merger was beneficial to both Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries.

Earlier, Chairman Lee was indicted on charges of engaging in various fraudulent transactions, market manipulation, and accounting fraud promoted by the Future Strategy Office with the aim of stably inheriting management rights and strengthening control at a minimum cost during the merger process.

In February, a first trial court acquitted Lee of all 19 charges.