Kim Jeong-ryeol, LX President: "The name LX Holdings is a choice that does not conform to common sense"

Criticism of LG Group's New Holding Company LX Holdings
Claiming No Problem Due to Different Designs Is Unreasonable
Regarding the One Company Two CEO System, "We Will Manage It"

Kim Jeong-ryeol, President of Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation (LX), is holding a press conference on the morning of the 6th at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport briefing room in the Government Complex Sejong, Sejong City. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Kim Jeongryeol, President of Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation (LX), has repeatedly criticized the newly established holding company led by Advisor Koo Bonjun, which is separating from LG Group, for deciding to use the name LX, calling it "a choice that does not conform to common sense." LX plans to continue legal actions such as filing for a provisional injunction against the use of the name once 'LX Holdings' is launched next month.

At a press conference held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 6th, President Kim said, "It is true that the design presented by LX Holdings differs from LX's design," but added, "Claiming that there is no problem simply because of the design may be permissible under trademark law, but it is a choice that does not conform to general common sense."

He pointed out, "If LG Group creates a holding company called LX Holdings and uses the English abbreviation LX, considerable confusion is expected," adding, "From an international perspective, LX Holdings is a holding company, so (the corporation) could be perceived as a subsidiary. Since it is a newly starting company, it is questionable whether it is necessary to use LX."

Regarding LG Group's claim that the trademark images of LX Holdings and LX are different, he said, "It is not the case that problems do not arise simply because private companies use names like Korail, LH, or Korea Expressway Corporation with different designs." He further explained, "There are small companies named LX, but there is no possibility of confusion among the public with those companies."

President Kim confirmed that the delay in filing the injunction is because "legal disputes can only proceed once LX Holdings is launched on May 1," and stated that legal actions regarding the use of the name by LX Holdings will begin next month.

Regarding the 'one company, two presidents' system following the reinstatement of former LX President Choi Changhak, who was dismissed last year but won a lawsuit to cancel the dismissal in February, Kim explained, "We respect the judiciary's decision and maintain minimum courtesy and treatment towards the former president." Currently, Choi is working at the LX Seoul Regional Headquarters located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, while Kim commutes to the headquarters in Jeonju.

President Kim emphasized, "I believe that management responsibilities cannot be divided," and added, "Most of the board, labor union, and employees do not want confusion within the corporation and believe it is desirable to provide public services under a stable organization and a shared vision." He stated, "The former president's term lasts until July 21, and we will manage the corporation to ensure it can stably perform its original duties for about the next 100 days."