[비즈한국] It has been confirmed that IMS Mobility, which was embroiled in the 'Butler Gate' controversy involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee, has changed its name to A1 Mobilsoft. Since its establishment in 2013, A1 Mobilsoft has maintained sales growth and announced plans last year to pursue an initial public offering (IPO). However, its public image deteriorated significantly due to its involvement in the 'Butler Gate' scandal. Attention is now focused on whether A1 Mobilsoft can successfully restore its image through this name change.
According to the corporate registry, IMS Mobility changed its name to A1 Mobilsoft in April of this year. On its website, A1 Mobilsoft stated, “We have changed our company name to expand our business and enhance brand value,” adding, “We will continue to show growth based on unwavering trust.”
A1 Mobilsoft operates various automotive-related businesses, including car rentals, vehicle transport and management, and automotive insurance solutions. After recording losses for several years following its establishment, it succeeded in turning a profit last year with an operating profit of approximately 1 billion won. Its revenue is also on an upward trajectory, rising 37.43% from 39.5 billion won in 2024 to 54.3 billion won in 2025.
However, the environment surrounding A1 Mobilsoft is far from easy. Kim Ye-seong, known as First Lady Kim Keon-hee's butler, participated in the company's founding and was listed on its board of directors. As a result, past investments received from companies were suspected of being “quid pro quo” arrangements. That said, the Kim Keon-hee special counsel team (Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki) was unable to clearly establish whether First Lady Kim Keon-hee was involved in A1 Mobilsoft's investment attraction.
Instead, the special counsel demanded a 10-year prison sentence and a forfeiture of approximately 2.59 billion won for A1 Mobilsoft CEO Jo Young-tak this May, on charges including violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes. The special counsel explained, “The damage from breach of trust and embezzlement amounts to 6.8 billion won, and there are many victims, yet no recovery of damages has taken place.” A1 Mobilsoft is currently operating under a co-CEO system with Jo Young-tak and a Mr. Park. If CEO Jo is sentenced to prison, CEO Park is expected to lead the actual management of A1 Mobilsoft for the time being.
A1 Mobilsoft announced in June of last year that it would pursue a KOSDAQ listing, driven by strong performance growth. However, it seems unlikely that it will be able to actively push for an IPO in the current atmosphere. Most importantly, it will not be easy to attract large-scale investment after being embroiled in such a controversy. From the perspective of institutional investors, there is no reason to invest in a company with high uncertainty (Related Article: 'Kim Keon-hee Butler Suspicion' Immediately After IPO Plan Disclosure... IMS Mobility's 2026 IPO 'In the Fog').
There is a possibility of long-term change as A1 Mobilsoft is actively working to enhance its brand value, such as by recently changing its name. There are also positive elements, such as maintaining a sales growth trend despite the chaos. Attention is on whether A1 Mobilsoft can overcome this turmoil, succeed in improving its image, and ultimately reach an IPO.