[비즈한국] Shin Dong-guk, Chairman of Hanyang Precision and the largest shareholder of Hanmi Science008930, has strongly denied recent allegations surrounding him regarding unfair management interference and claims that he shielded an executive at the Paltan plant involved in a workplace sexual harassment case. Instead, he revealed that Hanmi Pharmaceutical128940 CEO Park Jae-hyun had requested a reappointment, signaling a brewing battle over the truth.
Chairman Shin held a press conference at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, at 1:40 PM on the 24th, where he systematically refuted the allegations raised against him. Also present at the press conference were Representative Attorney Jung Jin-soo of the law firm Hwawoo, who serves as Shin's advisor, and Representative Attorney Lee Byung-joo of the law firm Ilmak.
Chairman Shin first asserted that his role is not that of an executive manager at Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group. He stated, "My role is to monitor and check professional managers from the perspective of all shareholders to maintain balance," adding, "While this may be uncomfortable for professional managers, I believe it is necessary for the development of the professional management system." He further added, "I promise once again that I will continue to support the professional management system."
He also clarified the controversy regarding alleged unfair management interference. Since becoming a non-executive director at both Hanmi Science and Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Chairman Shin has been accused of interfering by pressuring the company to select low-cost active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to cut costs. He explained, "At the request of Hanmi Science Vice Chairman Kim Jae-gyo and the 'Four-Party Alliance' early last year, I did conduct an overall inspection of purchasing and manufacturing," adding, "Since then, I have not been involved in any capacity." He retorted, "Some claim I told them to use Chinese raw materials, but as a person in manufacturing, how could I say such a thing?"
Chairman Shin also strongly denied allegations that he shielded an executive involved in a workplace sexual harassment case. Recently, Hanmi Pharmaceutical CEO Park Jae-hyun released a transcript alleging that disciplinary procedures against the offending executive were not properly carried out due to pressure from Chairman Shin. Regarding this, Attorney Jung Jin-soo explained, "I was overseas for most of January, so I was unaware of the specific details regarding the internal sexual harassment case or the disciplinary procedures," adding, "I was later reported that the executive had been fired and had gone home."
The disciplinary process for the executive involved in sexual harassment, as stated by Chairman Shin's side, is as follows: A report was filed at the end of December last year, followed by victim interviews during the year-end holiday period, witness interviews the following week, and the perpetrator's investigation the week after. To prevent secondary victimization, Hanmi Pharmaceutical instructed the executive to work from home, despite his central role in drug production as a plant manager. Subsequently, a disciplinary committee was held, and the executive resigned at the end of January. This is the timeline of events according to Chairman Shin's side.
Chairman Shin instead revealed that Hanmi Pharmaceutical CEO Park Jae-hyun had asked for a reappointment. CEO Park's term is set to expire on March 29 this year. Chairman Shin disclosed, "Around the 9th, CEO Park visited my room at Hanmi Science without prior notice and asked me to reappoint him, mentioning that Hanmi Pharmaceutical's stock price was rising," adding, "I did not know he had brought a recording device at the time."
However, some observers believe that the fact that Chairman Shin maintains a private office at the Hanmi Science headquarters could influence company management. It is rare for a non-executive director, rather than an executive director, to be allocated a separate space by a company.
Meanwhile, Chairman Shin also explained the process of his additional acquisition of Hanmi Science shares, which was disclosed on the same day. Chairman Shin purchased 4,410,032 shares of Hanmi Science for 213.7 billion won on the 13th, raising his stake to 29.83%. As this news broke, Hanmi Science's stock price surged, closing at 50,700 won, up 18.6% (7,950 won) from the previous day. Chairman Shin stated, "I received a request from Lim Jong-yoon, Chairman of Core Group (the eldest son of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group), to help him out because he was in a difficult situation and to purchase the shares at a good price," adding, "I borrowed the funds using assets other than my Hanmi Science shares as collateral."