# Korea Zinc management control dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/korea-zinc-management-control-dispute > Updated: 2026-08-25T11:22:06.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. A management dispute has emerged between Korea Zinc and the Youngpoong-MBK Partners group. The conflict initially surfaced regarding controversial promotional activities in the United States. Youngpoong and MBK Partners reportedly promoted ‘Project Crucible’—Korea Zinc’s Tennessee smelter project—by suggesting that personnel and systems from Youngpoong’s Seokpo Smelter could be utilized. Korea Zinc denied involvement in these proposals and filed police complaints alleging violations of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and business obstruction. The situation has escalated into a proxy battle ahead of an extraordinary general meeting. The parties are engaged in a legal dispute over shareholder materials, with MBK and Youngpoong accusing Korea Zinc of using distorted facts to influence public opinion, while Korea Zinc accuses them of attempting a hostile takeover through market manipulation. In a development regarding the upcoming vote, several global proxy advisory firms, including Glass Lewis, ISS, PIRC, and Sustainvest, have recommended that shareholders vote in favor of the candidates proposed by the Korea Zinc board. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Korea Zinc faces legal battle with MBK and Young Poong over management control Korea Zinc, MBK Partners, and Young Poong are locked in a legal and public battle over management control ahead of a September 9 shareholder meeting, with global advisors backing Korea Zinc's candidates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/korea-zinc-faces-legal-battle-with-mbk-and-young-poong-over-management-control ### 2026-08-20: Youngpoong and MBK Partners face controversy over independent U.S. smelter promotion Youngpoong and MBK Partners are under scrutiny for promoting Korea Zinc’s U.S. ‘Project Crucible’ independently, proposing the use of Seokpo Smelter systems without the company's consent. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/youngpoong-and-mbk-partners-face-controversy-over-independent-us-smelter-promotion --- Cite as: Korea Zinc management control dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/korea-zinc-management-control-dispute