Lee Jae-yong said, "Heavy responsibility..."Give me a chance to focus on my calling".

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who was handed over to trial on charges of unfair merger and accounting fraud, was found not guilty in the first trial, but he appealed for an opportunity to focus on his calling, saying he felt a heavy responsibility.

Chairman Lee made a final statement for about five minutes at the appeal hearing held at the Seoul High Court today (25th).

Chairman Lee said he recalled the time when he was sentenced to the first trial earlier this year as he prepared for his final statement, adding that he was acquitted after a long trial, but he felt a heavier responsibility than a sense of relief.

At the same time, the other defendants appealed for leniency, saying that if there is a mistake to be held accountable by the standards of the law, it is up to them.

He also appealed for an opportunity to focus on his calling, saying that he is well aware of the recent concerns about Samsung's future.