Samsung Verdict

[Anchor Lead]

With just three days left before verdicts are announced for Samsung Group Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and other Samsung executives, there has been a lot of anticipation regarding whether the trial is broadcast live. The judges have yet to announce their decision.

[Pkg]

Room 417 of the Seoul Central District Court is where the first verdict is to be announced for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. The defendant, Lee Jae-yong, and his attorney will be seated to the left from the judges, while the prosecutors will be seated to the right. Verdicts announced in this courtroom can be broadcast live. Although it requires consent from the defendant, limited live broadcasts are allowed regardless of the defendant's consent for cases of high public interest. The judges, who have the final say on the matter, have yet to decide whether to permit a live broadcast. Even if they do decide to allow the broadcast, there are still some details that must be worked out. If they allow a partial live broadcast of the verdict, only the judges will likely be shown on TV. If the public's right to know is given a priority, only the judges and Lee Jae-yong will be shown. If the entire trial is permitted to be broadcast live, all of the Samsung executives standing trial will be revealed as well.

[Soundbite] Kim Hyun(Korean Bar Association (in favor of live broadcast)) : "The people have the right to know exact facts about important cases and learn from them."

[Soundbite] Jwa Se-jun(Lawyer (opposes live broadcast)) : "The defendant's rights must be adequately protected as well."

Unpredictable behavior in court, such as the disruptions caused by spectators at former President Park Geun-hye's trials, could also influence the judge's decision.