Chairman Robinson's Will Revealed
All Assets Left to Lover Without Family's Knowledge
Bereaved Family Shocked... "Considering Legal Action" Backlash
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] A will revealing that Richard Robinson, the owner of the American publishing company Scholastic, famous for the novel series 'Harry Potter,' decided to leave his entire inheritance to a lover 30 years his junior has caused a stir.
In particular, the bereaved family is opposing the decision, stating they will consider legal action, as Robinson chose to leave all his assets worth over 1 trillion won solely to his lover without informing his family, signaling a potential inheritance dispute.
On the 2nd (local time), major foreign media quoted the will left by Robinson, who passed away on June 5, reporting that he bequeathed all his assets worth $1.2 billion (approximately 1.4 trillion won) to his lover, Eol Luces, who is 30 years younger.
According to the will written in 2018, Robinson described Luces, his heir, as "my partner and closest friend."
Foreign media reported that among the assets Robinson planned to transfer to his lover were Class A shares that hold management rights of Scholastic.
If the contents of the will are realized, Luces will secure 53.8% of Scholastic's Class A shares.
Additionally, Robinson stipulated in the will that "the decision on whether to distribute my inheritance to my son is up to Luces."
Robinson's close associates previously said that Robinson often expressed that he had devoted his life to increasing Scholastic's corporate value, but his sons had made no effort.
Unlike Robinson's sons, Luces joined Scholastic in 1991 and has been with the company for 30 years.
Upon the revelation of the will's contents, the bereaved family could not hide their bewilderment. The family expressed significant dissatisfaction with the will, opposing Robinson's decision to hand over the company owned by the Robinson family entirely to an outsider, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Morris Robinson, the youngest son of Robinson, told WSJ in an interview, "(The will leaving all assets to Luces) was unexpected and shocking." The 25-year-old Morris Robinson added, "I want us all to reach a satisfactory outcome."
Robinson's eldest son, Ben Robinson, explained that he has never personally met Luces and has no acquaintance with him.
Furthermore, Robinson's brother, William Robinson, emphasized that the family's goal is to keep Scholastic as an independent company, stating, "Our family's principle is not to sell the company if Scholastic's future is not guaranteed."
According to the media, the bereaved family is currently considering various legal measures. WSJ also reported that the family is exploring the possibility of negotiating with Luces to receive some of the management shares of Scholastic.
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