Samsung Electronics Co Ltd(KRX:005930) has apologized annual shareholder meeting in Seoul for its involvement in scandals that’ve led to the ouster of South Korea’s president and the recall of its Note 7 smartphones, and has pledged to improve the governance in the face of pressure from investors. The fire-prone Note 7 was eventually killed off, due to the debacle over its batteries estimated to cost the company about $6 billion.

Former South Korean president Park Geun Hye is accused of colluding with her civilian friend Choi Soon Sil to extort millions of dollars from big conglomerates under the guise of donations to two foundations controlled by Choi. Ms Park is also accused of abusing her power to allow Choi to meddle in the state affairs and leaking official documents to her. If found guilty, she could face up to 45 years in jail, as per some legal experts.

Further, a key point of contention is whether the millions of dollars that she is alleged to have requested from the major conglomerates amounts to bribery. Samsung’s Lee, who has been arrested on bribery and embezzlement charges, has insisted that the money was given as a goodwill donation, and not in return for government support for a merger of two Samsung subsidiaries to pave the way for his succession. Her powers had been suspended since she was impeached by parliament in December. The scandal has dogged South Korea for months, with those opposing and supporting her rule staging massive rallies

In addition, Ms Park apology drew criticism and the main opposition Democratic Party said Ms Park demonstrated “no remorse” but the ruling Liberty Korea Party urged prosecutors to show respect for the former president.

It was a dramatic fall for Park, the daughter of assassinated dictator Park Chung-hee, who had become the country’s first female president in early 2013 with the backing of conservatives who remembered her father as a hero who pulled the country up from poverty despite his suppression of civil rights.

A special investigation team headed by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office chief Lee Young-ryeol is currently investigating the allegations involving Park, her inner circle and large business groups.

The country is set to choose a new president on May 9th, with the Democratic Party’s front runner Moon Jae In leading in all opinion polls.

The trial has overshadowed the unveiling of Samsung’s flagship S8 smartphone next week that the company hopes will revitalize its mobile business after the recall of the Note 7 last year.