Legal Circles: "Negotiation Seems Impossible Between Cho Hyun-ah and Her Husband"
[Hans Economic Daily, Byung-Dong Jin] Will marriage ultimately culminate in the destinationof divorce, akin to a flight returning to its origin?
"It appears they are proceeding directly to litigation, as negotiations are essentially impossible."
Amid the unfolding divorce crisis of Cho Hyun-ah (44), the former Korean Air executive and eldest daughter of Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho, after eight years of marriage, a legal expert provided this explanation regarding her husband, Mr. A's decision to bypass mediation procedures and initiate legal proceedings directly.
According to legal circles on the 30th, Mr. A, the husband of former executive Cho, recently filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Family Court seeking divorce and the designation of a custodial parent.
It is reported that around mid-month, Cho received the relevant documentation concerning the lawsuit. However, she has yet to take steps in response, including appointing legal representation. A court date has also not been set.
Drawing attention in business circles regarding the Cho couple's divorce is Mr. A's decision to circumvent mediation procedures and proceed directly to litigation.
Typically, in divorce cases involving chaebol families, mediation precedes litigation. This is to avoid the exposure of personal matters in court battles and the potential for public attention to extend to the couple's children.
For instance, in the highly publicized "Divorce of the Century" involving former Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Bu-jin, former Samsung Electro-Mechanics advisor Im Woo-jae, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and art museum director No So-young, all parties underwent mediation.
Legal experts interpret Mr. A's choice to bypass mediation as indicative of a "strong intent to divorce," suggesting that "negotiations have already become impossible, leading to the decision for a legal battle." Furthermore, they note that the decision to litigate aligns with the Cho family's precarious position amid controversies surrounding allegations of arrogant behavior.
Attorney Jo Dae-jin, who represented Im Woo-jae in his divorce proceedings, stated, "Bypassing mediation is evidence that negotiations are not possible." He added, "Prior to filing the lawsuit, it's highly likely that Mr. A conveyed his stance regarding asset division and child custody, but Cho took an adamant 'unacceptable' position."
Jo emphasized, "Above all, the Cho family is currently in a corner due to controversies over arrogant behavior. Despite this, the fact that they have ignited litigation can only be seen as Cho's unyielding stance being conveyed to her husband."
He continued, "An extended period of separation, rendering communication impossible, cannot be ruled out. Ultimately, it appears Mr. A made this choice as there was no other option besides litigation."
Kim Bo-ram, a divorce specialist at Law Firm Haeon, commented, "Mediation is sought when amicable agreement is desired." She added, "Of course, even if a lawsuit is filed, the court can refer it to mediation, but in this case, the possibility of negotiation seems absent."
Furthermore, she elaborated, "In chaebol families, mediation is typically pursued due to concerns over privacy exposure and the impact on children. However, the decision to bypass mediation suggests a strong determination to proceed with divorce, regardless of the consequences."
Source: Korean Sports Economic Daily
