*This content was translated by AI.
The Joie Works Employees' Emergency Response Committee (hereinafter "Ad Hoc Committee") strongly opposed the new partnership agreement between Land and Deca for HOKA, urging Land to respond to their public inquiry.
Regarding the announcement by Land and Deca on August 20 of a "new partnership agreement," the Ad Hoc Committee argued that it was inappropriate for Land, a third party, to publicly announce a new contract without any agreement with Joie Works—the disputing party—while international arbitration between Joie Works and Deca is ongoing.
Furthermore, the committee pointed out that even 20 days after the announcement, Land has failed to clearly specify the effective date and implementation timeline of the new distribution contract, thereby threatening the business operations of Joie Works, which is currently operating normally, and endangering the livelihoods of its employees.
The Ad Hoc Committee emphasized that Joie Works has spent approximately eight years since HOKA's initial entry into Korea to develop the market, building brand awareness, distribution networks, and a consumer base. With the determination of Joie Works' existing rights currently underway through international arbitration (ICDR), the committee stated that Land should cease unilateral public opinion campaigns before the results are announced and provide sincere answers regarding the relevant facts.
The Ad Hoc Committee submitted a public inquiry to Land covering the following points: whether Land verified the original ICDR order prior to the HOKA distribution contract; what measures exist for liability and compensation in case of market, consumer, or employment damage should Joie Works' existing rights be recognized in the future; whether securing the HOKA distribution aligns with Land's "Post New Balance" strategy; and how Land evaluates the economic value accumulated by Joie Works over eight years in terms of domestic market development and brand awareness for HOKA.
The chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee stated, "This is not intended to defame a specific company but to clarify the facts of the ongoing distribution dispute and protect the legitimate interests of members and consumers."
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*This content was translated by AI.
