Former Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee has regained his membership on the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IOC made the decision during a meeting of its Executive Board in Vancouver, where the Winter Olympics opens on Friday.

Lee’s return to the IOC is expected to help South Korea’s efforts to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Lee gave up his membership in 2008 after he was convicted of tax evasion and breach of trust. In August 2009, he was fined 110 billion won and sentenced to a three-year suspended prison term but was later pardoned by the government.

The former Samsung chairman became a member of the IOC in 1996.

Lee will leave for Vancouver as early as Wednesday to attend this year’s Winter Olympics and to drum up support for South Korea’s bid to host the event in 2018 in the alpine city of Pyeongchang.

The South Korean city is competing with Annecy, France, and Munich, Germany, for the right to host the event. The IOC will make its selection for host city in December 2011.