Samsung has announced the return of its former chairman, Lee Kun-hee. Lee was convicted of tax evasion and later pardoned by South Korea's president.

68-year-old Lee is a South Korea corporate icon, credited with turning the company into a major force in the global electronics industry. He was indicted on charges including tax evasion in April 2008 and resigned before being convicted.

The amnesty was given to allow the billionaire to rejoin South Korea's efforts to host the Winter Olympics. Lee is a member of the International Olympic Committee. Presidential pardons for convicted tycoons are common in the country. Critics say judges in South Korea are too tolerant of crimes committed by heads of industrial conglomerates.