Shin Dong-kuk, chair of Hanyang Precision Co. and the largest shareholder of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group, flatly refuted CEO Park Jae-hyun's allegation that there was "Shin's involvement in the disciplinary process of executive A at a Hanmi Pharmaceutical plant who sexually harassed a company employee."
Chair Shin said at a press briefing held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan-gu on the afternoon of Feb. 24, "I did not exercise any interference or pressure related to the disciplinary process of executive A over sexual misconduct, nor was I involved."
◇ "Stayed abroad in January… after returning, the resignation had already been accepted"
Regarding the controversial recording, Shin argued, "That conversation is unrelated to A's investigation or the disciplinary process."
Shin explained, "I stayed abroad for the month of Jan., and after returning at the end of Jan., I heard that A had already left the company, and I understood that all related procedures had concluded."
According to Shin's account, around Feb. 9, Park visited Shin's office without prior notice and asked for help to be reappointed at the shareholders meeting.
In response, Shin raised various issues that had occurred in the purchasing and production institutional sectors and said he conveyed that it would be difficult to support Park's reappointment, as Park bore responsibility for those matters.
During this process, a past discussion about an investigation into the purchasing and production institutional sectors was mentioned, and Shin claims there was an exchange noting that both the advisor identified as the key figure and A had submitted resignations and left the company.
◇ "A meeting where Park asked for reappointment… I reflect on parts of my remarks that were inappropriate"
Shin also argued that the meeting at which the problematic recording was made was a conversation Park initiated to seek cooperation for his reappointment. He emphasized that the recording captured a conversation about 10 days after A had left the company.
Shin said, "For the head of a listed company to secretly record for the purpose of reappointment and then give an interview as if it were evidence that I ordered obstruction during the investigation is deeply regrettable." He added, "Distorting facts to criticize the largest shareholder harms the company's reputation and value."
Shin added, "Even if the remarks were made after A had already left and when I did not fully know the details of the case, if there were expressions that were inappropriate, I deeply reflect on that."
Shin said, "While a professional management system is maintained, there must also be a structure in which checks and balances operate," adding, "As one of the shareholders, I will do my best for the company's development."
Earlier, Hanmi Pharmaceutical CEO Park Jae-hyun said in an interview with ChosunBiz that "there was improper involvement by Chair Shin related to the investigation and disciplinary process of A's sexual misconduct case," and revealed details of Shin's meeting with him.
According to the recording, Shin defended the perpetrator, saying, "That person isn't someone who would rape a woman," and, cutting off Park's explanation of the need for discipline, also rebuked him by saying, "Make sense." In the recording, Shin said things like "I didn't know," and when Park asked, "Didn't you have a call with the perpetrator executive?" Shin acknowledged the call and said, "I asked why (the person) quit."