Min Young-jin, who headed cigarette maker KT&G until corruption charges prompted his resignation in 2015, was acquitted by a Seoul court, Yonhap News Agency said.

Min was cleared of charges that he received kickbacks and that he paid money to a government official in return for favourable treatment, the news agency said. Lack of credibility by witnesses testifying against Min was cited by Seoul Central District Court in its verdict, Yonhap reported. Min, who had been in custody since late last year, was released following the acquittals.
Proceedings continue against current and former top executives of the country’s leading cigarette maker on charges similar to those Min faced, Yonhap said.