South Korea’s Supreme Court has cleared Samsung’s de facto leader Jay Y. Lee of all fraud accusations related to a 2015 merger deal. The case, which drew significant public attention amid widespread concerns over corporate corruption in chaebols, ended with the court ruling the merger and accounting practices lawful. Previously acquitted by lower courts, Lee faced allegations of manipulating share prices to consolidate control but was fully exonerated. This verdict strengthens Samsung’s leadership position in the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

A devastating fire broke out at a resort under construction in the South Korean port city of Busan, resulting in six deaths. According to Reuters, the incident occurred on February 14, with firefighters evacuating around 100 people and rescuing seven injured individuals. South Korea’s acting president has directed authorities to deploy all necessary resources to extinguish the fire and manage the aftermath.