[THE INVESTOR] The authorities summoned former celebrity designer Lee Chang-ha, 60, for a second straight day of questioning on July 12 for earning illegal profit based on his ties with Daewoo Marine Shipbuilding’s construction affiliate.

During 2006 to 2009, Lee was head of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Construction.

In 2007, Lee set up his own company -- DSON, an interior decorating business. He allegedly pocketed 4 billion won (US$3.47 million) of illegal funds from contracts he attained from companies related to DSME Construction.

The construction company may also have given Lee decorating contracts involving multipurpose buildings in Seoul between 2007 and 2008. From this, Lee allegedly pocketed 8 billion won of illegal profit.

Lee was also questioned on whether he offered kickbacks to former Daewoo Shipbuilding CEO Nam Sang-tae for the favors. Nam was arrested in May for 2.5 billion won worth of corruption charges that include taking kickbacks from HUMAX Shipping & Air Freight and embezzling money from Daewoo’s overseas branches. 


Lee has so far denied all the allegations, according to those close to the matter.

The DSON CEO gained nationwide popularity here in the early 2000s as a consultant on TV programs that provided free interior decorating for low-income households or shop owners.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)