It's been called the trial of the century by special prosecutors who've put one of South Korea's richest and most powerful men behind bars. Jay Y. Lee, the head of Samsung, charged with bribery, embezzlement and other charges. Embezzlement alone could mean a minimum of five years in prison if found guilty. Four other company executives also indicted. Prosecutors allege that Lee gave tens of millions of dollars to secure government support of a merger he was planning that would help cement his ascension to power, an accusation Lee denies. A blow to the ongoing transition from father to son. Father Lee Kun- hee suffered a heart attack in 2014 and is in ill health. An internal reshuffle could mean the impact to the operational side of things could be minimal. It's just a company that's so big and spread out across all these different groups and product lines and affiliates that it can really get anything done with or without a leader up top. But the image of a chairman with hands bound is not one any company wants. The last year's problem, the battery problem. And this even cannot be good for the image of the company. It's part of a massive corruption investigation in South Korea that's led to the impeachment of President Park Geun- hye in December. Park has been accused of sharing confidential information with a close and analectic confidante. Choi Soon- sil's trial is already underway. She's been charged with abuse of power, coercion and fraud. Charges she denies.

Samsung Exec’s Bribery Trial Begins Today