One employee at Samsung Electronics’ chip division said colleagues were unsettled that prosecutors had singled-out Samsung.
“The mood is that people are worried,” said the employee.
However, another Samsung Electroncs employee described the situation as business as usual.
“It wouldn’t make sense for a company of that size to not function properly just because the owner is away.”
Both declined to be identified, given the sensitivity of the matter.
Lee’s incarceration comes as Samsung Electronics tries to get past the disastrous rollout last year of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, which were prone to fires. It is under pressure for the upcoming launch of its next flagship phone, the Galaxy S8, to be a success.
Some worried about the impact on Samsung, a flag-bearer for South Korea’s technological and manufacturing prowess.
“We express concern and regret that South Korea’s leading company, which is at the forefront of global competition, faces a management vacuum,” the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry said.
Zeroing-in
Lee’s arrest gives a boost to prosecutors who have zeroed-in on Samsung Group to build their case against President Park and her close friend Choi Soon-sil, who is in detention and faces charges of abuse of power and attempted fraud.
Both Park and Choi have denied wrongdoing.
Prosecutors have focused on Samsung’s relationship with Park, 65, accusing the group of paying bribes totaling KRW 43 billion ($37.74 million) to organizations linked to Choi to secure government backing for the 2015 merger of two Samsung units.
