June 30 (Cointime) - Choi Jinseog, a South Korean chip executive who was imprisoned for industrial espionage, has refuted allegations that he attempted to construct a replica chip factory in China using sensitive information from Samsung Electronics.

In a handwritten letter to Reuters, Choi explained that the Xian plant accusations were unfounded and that the factory was intended for Taiwan's Foxconn to test produce DRAM memory chips, while Samsung's plant in Xian was designed for NAND flash memory chips.

According to semiconductor industry experts interviewed by Reuters, there are differences in processes and equipment used for NAND and DRAM production. Choi, who denies allegations of illegal acquisition and use of sensitive information, is scheduled to stand trial on July 12, and his lawyer intends to request bail due to his client's health condition following a heart procedure earlier this year.