Jay. Y. Lee -- Samsung Group vice chairman, and son of the current chairman -- has said he will work to ensure the top conglomerate avoids becoming entangled in scandals such as the one that's currently surrounding President Park.

"I will make sure to be thorough to prevent any involvement with a shameful scandal in the future. There are often requests from various parts of society including culture and sports. We have never contributed to them seeking quid pro quo. It was the same in this case. I will take all responsibility related to the current situation, legal or ethical, if there are any," said Jay. Y. Lee.

Lee and other heads of domestic conglomerates are testifying at a parliament hearing on whether Park or one of her friend's pressured them to give money to non-profit foundations for preferential treatment. Samsung donated 20 billion won, or over 17 million US dollars to the two foundations controlled by President Park's long-time confidante Choi Soon-sil , the most of any group, and prosecutors raided its offices last month. If Park is impeached, she could become the first democratically-elected South Korean leader to leave office early in disgrace.