Local media said Park could face a lengthier prison term because courts handling a case with multiple charges typically do not impose all the maximum sentences for each charge.

Although Park, Choi and Lee were all embroiled in the same Samsung bribery scandal, rulings by lower courts were inconsistent.

An appeal court found the total amount of bribes Park and Choi received from Samsung was 7 billion won (US$5.7 million), including 3.6 billion won Samsung sent to Choi’s German-based firm to sponsor her daughter Chung Yu-ra’s equestrian training and another 3.4 billion won used to buy three expensive horses.

However, a different appeal court where Lee stood trial acknowledged only the 3.6 billion won as bribes, accepting Samsung’s argument it merely allowed Chung to use the horses and did not transfer ownership to her. With the 3.4 billion won used to buy the horses deducted from the total bribery amount, Lee was freed from prison with a suspended jail sentence.

The Supreme Court overturned the appeal court decision that the 3.4 billion won paid for the horses was not a bribe, returning Lee’s case to an appeal court for a retrial, where he risks being imprisoned again.

Under South Korean law, offering bribes of 5 billion won or more would land the provider in jail for at least five years.

“Samsung Electronics deeply regrets that this case has created concerns across the society,” the company said in a statement. “We will renew our commitment to carrying out the role of a responsible corporate citizen and will avoid a recurrence of past mistakes.

“During the past few years, Samsung has faced significant challenges from external and internal uncertainties and we have been constrained in our efforts to focus on leading new businesses for the future.

“In this increasingly uncertain and difficult economic environment, we ask for support and encouragement so we can rise above the challenges and continue to contribute to the broader economy.”

Additional reporting by agencies