Tax evasion rap compels Samsung chair to quit post

The move, announced to reporters by Lee himself, was both welcomed as a possible sign of more openness at the troubled business group, but also as a cause for worry that Lee's absence may harm South Korea's economy.

The 66-year-old Lee, with about 30 Samsung executives standing nearby, apologised for "troubles to the nation" over an independent counsel investigation into the conglomerate's operations that resulted in the indictment of himself and other Samsung executives last week.

Until recent weeks, South Koreans were unaccustomed to hearing much publicly from Lee, who has been described as a loner with a fascination for gadgets and how they work. During the independent counsel investigation, however, Lee spoke to reporters after undergoing hours of questioning twice in a week - and even hinted he might resign.

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