Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his willingness to resign from the post, chamber officials said Monday.

Chairman Sohn delivered his intention to a group of chamber leaders, saying it is difficult for him to carry on his duty as he must devote himself to managing CJ Group, the officials said.

Sohn is co-chairman of CJ Group, along with Lee Jay-hyun, who was arrested last week on charges of embezzlement and tax evasion. Sohn currently leads CJ Group as head of the conglomerate’s crisis-management committee.

But chamber leaders are trying to persuade him not to resign, according to the officials. Sohn has served as KCCI chairman since 2005.

(jemmie@heraldcorp.com)