Founder's Divorce Hearing Concludes in 12 Minutes

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First Hearing in Divorce Lawsuit Between Kwon Hyuk-bin and His Spouse

The Seoul Family Court’s Family Division 3, presided over by Judge Jeong Dong-hyeok, held the first hearing for a divorce lawsuit filed by Lee, the spouse of Kwon Hyuk-bin, 51, who is the chairman of Hope Studio and founder of Smilegate Group. This marks the third year since Lee initially submitted the divorce petition in November 2022. The hearing took place in a closed session, starting around 5:03 p.m. and lasting approximately 12 minutes.

Following the trial, Lee’s legal team met with reporters to provide some insights into the proceedings. They stated, “There were no specific discussions, and we summarized the key issues for how to proceed.” They also mentioned that details regarding the grounds for fault could not be disclosed, adding that Kwon’s side is seeking the dismissal of the divorce.

In response to Kwon’s claim that Lee did not substantially participate in the management of the company, Lee’s representatives asserted, “His position as CEO is clearly recorded in the registry,” and emphasized, “He holds all the shares, which can be verified.”

Earlier, the court conducted an asset appraisal process to evaluate the corporate value of Smilegate Holdings, an unlisted company. It was reported that Kwon’s assets were assessed at approximately 8 trillion won.

Lee has been known to assert her co-founder status in Smilegate and has demanded half of the shares in Smilegate Holdings that are currently held by Kwon. Alongside the divorce lawsuit, Lee applied for a provisional injunction to prevent the disposal of these shares, which the court accepted. However, Lee’s side clarified, “No full-scale debate on contribution has occurred in court yet.”

Kwon, born in 1974, graduated from Sogang University’s Department of Electronic Engineering in 1999. He founded Smilegate in 2002. After serving as the CEO of Smilegate Holdings, the holding company, he assumed the role of chairman of Hope Studio, a public interest foundation, in 2017. In 2020, he also became the Chief Vision Officer (CVO) of Smilegate.

Key Points from the Hearing

  • The first hearing in the divorce case between Kwon Hyuk-bin and his spouse took place at the Seoul Family Court.
  • The trial was conducted in a closed session, lasting only 12 minutes.
  • Lee’s legal team indicated that there were no significant discussions during the session.
  • Details about the grounds for fault in the case remain undisclosed.
  • Kwon’s side is reportedly seeking the dismissal of the divorce.
  • Lee’s representatives countered claims about her involvement in the company's management.
  • The court previously evaluated the assets of Smilegate Holdings, estimating Kwon’s wealth at around 8 trillion won.
  • Lee has claimed to be a co-founder of Smilegate and has requested half of the shares owned by Kwon.
  • A provisional injunction to prevent the disposal of shares was granted by the court.
  • Kwon has held various leadership roles in different companies, including CEO of Smilegate Holdings and chairman of Hope Studio.

Background on Kwon Hyuk-bin

Kwon Hyuk-bin, born in 1974, pursued his education in electronic engineering at Sogang University, graduating in 1999. He went on to found Smilegate in 2002, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Over the years, he has taken on several key roles within the company structure.

In 2017, Kwon transitioned to the role of chairman of Hope Studio, a public interest foundation. This shift highlighted his growing involvement in broader social initiatives. Additionally, in 2020, he assumed the position of Chief Vision Officer (CVO) at Smilegate, further solidifying his influence in the company's strategic direction.

Kwon’s career trajectory showcases his ability to navigate both the corporate and philanthropic sectors, reflecting a multifaceted approach to business and community engagement.

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