Former Samsung boss Lee Kun-hee offered a public apology yesterday at the first session of his trial on tax evasion and other charges.

Lee's court appearance came less than two months after his stunning resignation from the helm of South Korea's biggest industrial conglomerate.

"I am truly sorry for causing this trouble," the gray-suited Lee said in a calm voice in the packed courtroom. "I will take full responsibility for it and assume a sincere attitude in court."