"It's impossible that we are propping up Hyundai companies, " insists Lee.

CNN: DREAMS AND CONTROVERSY

Lee has a hold on Hyundai because it remains dependent on semiconductors.

CNN: The Chips Are Still Down

Also accompanying Ms. Park to the U.S. will be a 52-member delegation of business leaders, including Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo.

WSJ: South Korea's Park Travels to U.S. to Bolster Alliance

"The enthusiasm has been beyond our expectations, " says Lee Ik Chi, chairman of Hyundai Securities.

CNN: DREAMS AND CONTROVERSY

Mr Roh's efforts while in office to redistribute wealth were reversed by his successor, Lee Myung-bak, a former boss of the Hyundai Group.

ECONOMIST: South Korean politics

But Jon and Lee believe that LG Semicon poses more risks than either Samsung or Hyundai.

CNN: The Chips Are Still Down

But Finance Minister Lee Hun Jai admits that this edict has been ignored - as demonstrated by Hyundai's recent family feud over succession.

CNN: Evaluating Kim

Lee Myung-bak, who became president in 2008, is a former chief executive from within the Hyundai extended family of firms.

ECONOMIST: South Korea's industrial giants