I will share a couple posts that were written today in a Korean community that led to this decision. Please note that this was originally written in Korean and also had some additional identifiers, images, chats, and comments which have not been included below.
First post:
Current Situation with ShumiXX (+Suggestions)
Hello, this is [User XX].
It has been about two and a half months since the ShumiXX incident occurred on May 31st. It seems that most people who paid by card have received refunds.
Unfortunately, the company was closed down as of August 5th, so it seems unlikely that those who paid in cash will be able to get a refund...
Although I was not directly affected, some of my acquaintances worked at ShumiXX, and many others were affected. I tried to help as much as I could by gathering and providing information. During this process, I was contacted by the ShumiXX representative, Mr. JoXX, who asked why I was taking the lead even though I wasn’t personally affected. I explained that I detest scams, especially when they are done under the guise of a hobby, and I was motivated to verify various related information despite having my own work to attend to. Interestingly, Mr. JoXX was telling people that I’m a journalist trying to stir up an issue, which made me seriously consider quitting my job to become a journalist.
At one point, I heard that the ShumiXX representative met with the representative of the victims (whose online ID is SUNXX) and the CEO of JND, and they had reached an agreement where JND would compensate the victim representative. I thought that all victims were included in this settlement, so I asked for more details, but I was told that the lawsuit would proceed separately. Then, the victim representative told me to leave the group since I wasn’t a victim myself.
After being asked to leave, I exited the group chat. Later, I heard that after I left, the victim representative invited the JND CEO to the group chat to explain the efforts being made by JND to help the victims. While I appreciate that JND is trying to minimize the damage to the victims, I found it disheartening that the victim representative, who had initially been hostile toward ShumiXX, is now acting as if they’re a JND marketer, even suggesting we collect donations for the CEO. It’s understandable that the victim representative is now a big fan of JND after receiving compensation, but it’s a shame they didn’t share this with the other victims.
Regarding the other victims, while the ShumiXX representative is facing a lawsuit, he has been telling people that the figures from the office were stolen by employees or people who came to provide compensation. However, it turns out he was the one who took them and sold them separately.
If the figures were sold, the amount should have been significant. It’s questionable whether that money was used for compensation or went into his own pocket. During a live broadcast by the JND CEO, he mentioned that the ShumiXX representative promised to buy new product licenses with the money to compensate the employees, but it seems that didn’t happen. The employees haven’t received any compensation, so it’s unlikely that the proceeds were used for that purpose. The CEO’s promise appears difficult to fulfill. Frankly, such serious and hopeful news should only be shared when there’s a solid agreement in place, as the victims may be left waiting and disappointed.
(By the way, individuals like ToriBox, Danjo, and others quietly helped the victims behind the scenes.)
Recently, even the victim representative and some JND viral marketers have been promoting JND products like it’s a group purchase. I find this behavior troubling because it’s no different from a group buy. If a figure is well-made, buyers will naturally purchase it, and it will gain popularity. However, JND’s viral marketing in the community, and the CEO’s constant promotional posts and announcements, make me uneasy. Has anyone ever seen such marketing for Hot Toys or InArt? No one. When they release good products, people buy them. When they don’t, they get criticized, and people don’t buy them.
Of course, if JND does well, it will spur competition, leading to better products from other 12-inch brands like Hot Toys and InArt, but who knows what the future holds?
Who would have guessed that artist Kim Hyun would disappear?
Who would have known that Figure King was a scammer?
Who would have imagined that ShumiXX would commit fraud?
Who would have predicted that T-Mep would fail?
Who would have expected David Yong to be indicted on fraud charges?
No one knows who might be next.
Some people might say I’m writing this because I dislike JND, but I actually like the brand. However, to maintain a safe and transparent community, I believe that all brands and shops should be treated equally within the community.
I’m not saying that JND will scam or fail. But just like other brands and shops, I think it’s only right that direct affiliates use their official website or YouTube for promotion. Since JND is both a manufacturer and a shop owner, if they continuously promote in the community, other manufacturers and shops will surely demand equal treatment, which could lead to real scammers planning to advertise here as well. I believe we should avoid setting such a precedent in the community.
Second post:
I'll write a full summary of the entire situation later, but first, I want to correct the misinformation.
I’ll write a full summary of the entire situation later, but first, I want to correct the misinformation.
Hello, this is [JND CEO].
I’ve read the article written by one person.
I’ve been contemplating where to start and what to address. Up until now, the information I’ve shared in this community, in the Shumi Arts victim chat room, and in my broadcasts has been based on facts that I can confirm.
However, seeing someone spread falsehoods and rumors like this makes me wonder whether I should explain in detail why I got involved in the Shumi Arts situation, what I’m doing now, and what my plans are for the future.
In the process of discussing things with the victims in the chat room, I shared updates and mentioned that I’m working on this, so please support our products. To see this taken out of context as if I were promoting something, and then spread further by someone who sees me as a bad person, shows how distorted their perception is. It makes me wonder if there’s any point in addressing this, but if I don’t, these falsehoods might spread as if they were the truth, so I feel I must speak up.
Even though it’s frustrating that the people who need to hear this the most are not listening, I will think things through and provide a detailed explanation when my thoughts are organized.
However, I must address the absurd falsehoods in your article. These statements seriously defame me and the individuals you’ve mentioned, so I need to correct them, and I will write a detailed account of the whole situation later.
- JND met with the Shumi Arts victim representative and compensated only that person, who then engaged in viral marketing for JND out of gratitude.
Source: Excerpt from a post by [User XX] on today’s date.
This is 100% false. I first met the victim representative, Mr. Sunbi, when we rented the studio he operates for a Mera shoot. I only learned that he was the victim representative during the Shumi Arts incident, so when I was handling the situation with Shumi Arts, I suggested a three-party meeting between me, Mr. Jo, the CEO of Shumi Arts, and Mr. Sunbi as the representative of the victims who had already gathered. The reason for this was that it was challenging to negotiate compensation for all the victims at once.
During that meeting, Mr. Sunbi expressed gratitude for the steps I had taken and continues to show his appreciation. His compensation was part of a broader compensation process that also included small amounts for other victims (those who received small compensations, please speak up). When Mr. Sunbi said it might be better for someone else to take over as the victim representative, I asked him to continue helping.
The claim that I met with the victim representative separately and compensated only him is completely false.
- JND is not purchasing any licenses from Shumi. ‘Revolution Girl’ is a brand I created and is not related to Shumi.
Source: Excerpt from a comment by [User XX] on today’s date.
I don’t know how many times I need to explain this.
After this incident occurred, during the chaotic period that followed, many people, including [user], sent individuals to investigate (thank you for the great effort). When I first met Mr. Jo, all the valuable products were gone, and there was nothing left. Fortunately, no one touched Yui and Hikaru. Although the monetary value wasn’t the issue, I took over those two projects because they were connected to many people. Despite being one of the largest creditors, I couldn’t secure anything, so I negotiated with Shumi to acquire those two projects as part of a settlement.
The three-party agreement was reviewed and conducted legally by a lawyer, and I purchased the projects from my acquaintance, who was a creditor, not directly from Shumi. This was done, in part, to compensate the largest victims.
Did Shumi say JND would purchase additional licenses if they compensated their employees? If you don’t know the exact details, please ask me first, or don’t write about it at all.
When I announced that I would acquire Yui and Hikaru, [user] made similar claims, and other people discussed how it might harm JND if things didn’t go well. You have no idea how difficult the negotiation process was for me initially.
Let me emphasize this clearly:
JND and Shumi Arts have two key agreements:
- Compensation for the largest victims through the acquisition of Hikaru and Yui (completed).
- The acquisition of Shumi Arts’ development sources (most of which are unlicensed products and thus practically useless, except for a licensed drama from the XX Days series, which we can use because it belongs to a licensor we work with).
This was part of an agreement I made with Shumi to compensate employees and settle with the victims (hence the three-party meeting). This has already been discussed and agreed upon with the XX Days licensor.
I shared this progress in the Shumi Arts victim chat room. I never interfered with or discouraged the victims from pursuing civil or criminal actions; I only asked them to be aware that other things were happening simultaneously. Why is that considered reckless? Are you worried that things might actually work out? I’m genuinely curious.
The next false statement is beyond absurd… sigh…
Are you saying I paid Shumi Arts for the Revolution Girl license? Revolution Girl is my original IP and has nothing to do with Shumi. Spreading such falsehoods damages a company’s ambitious new business venture. What will people think after reading this? They might assume Revolution Girl belongs to Shumi.
Do you know how much time and money we’ve invested in developing this brand?
This is a serious issue, [User XX]!!!
I’m addressing this because it’s a serious matter. Someone needs to take responsibility for this.
With these kinds of statements, do I have any reason to continue working on this? I seriously don’t want to anymore.
Your article is full of nonsense, so I’m addressing it point by point.
The fact is that compensation has been made to reduce the damages for the largest victim, at least partially. The Shumi Arts wage arrears issue is still being negotiated. It’s currently in the process of being settled after the labor office’s investigation, and this is also a fact.
You expressed dissatisfaction with discussing sensitive topics that haven’t been finalized (the Hikaru and Yui issues are settled, so that’s a fact). Why is this considered ironic? What is ironic? Is this part of some sophisticated promotional strategy? You said it would be great if things worked out, but the Shumi Arts employees haven’t been compensated yet (didn’t I say it’s in progress? This isn’t something that happens overnight, you know).
You mentioned that if things done with good intentions don’t work out, it’s a failure? (Yes, it might not work out, but isn’t it worth trying? I’m not UNICEF, as someone pointed out.)
Suddenly promoting additional lineups in the victim chat room? (Sigh… Seriously, shouldn’t someone in the victim chat room speak up about this?)
Please, point out the specific people or posts you claim are doing viral marketing for us, apart from the victim representative. What exactly is viral marketing here? If you provide clear examples, I can respond appropriately or take legal action for spreading false information.
Last time, you claimed that you dislike me because I disparaged custom works. When I asked for evidence, you said it was just the nuance. Now, I’d like you to provide that evidence.
Also, just because you deny something after it’s done doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
First, I’ve addressed the misinformation and public manipulation in your article.
I’ll say this again: please clearly present the basis for your claim that JND is engaging in viral marketing within [the community]. Don’t just say it’s the nuance this time.
Your repeated spread of falsehoods is now crossing the line.
I would appreciate it if you could apologize for this and stop such activities.
To those reading this:
It may seem like JND and its fans are the ones stirring up these issues, but in reality, it’s not the case. Please consider why these repetitive patterns continue.
I always ask JND fans to be patient. But why are they the only ones who have to be patient? Why are they the only ones getting hit?
Voting isn’t everything, but in a place where over 85% are in favor, why does it always seem like the opposing voices are louder?
It’s because many people are staying silent and being patient.
Do you know the story of Solomon? What reactions did the real mother and the fake mother have to King Solomon’s judgment? The real mother was willing to give up her baby to save its life. But the fake mother didn’t care if the baby died.
What is your real concern?
Should I expose all the unjust things happening in this industry? Should I reveal the facts I’ve confirmed about what really caused the downfall of Shumi Arts, rather than the CEO’s lies? Should I disclose how much misinformation has distorted the essence of this situation?
You claim many people are anxious because they’re afraid these things will be revealed, but I’m not saying anything. Even if everything I’ve confirmed is true, I don’t say it because I think of those who would suffer from it.
Are you uncomfortable because of our promotions? Are you uncomfortable with our success? Are those who accuse me of promotion really hoping for the best for this community? Why do they feel it’s okay to say whatever they want, but when I try to clarify things, they get so angry? I’m honestly upset about this.
Finally,
Source: Excerpt from a comment by another user on today’s article by [User XX]
When your statements get distorted, they turn into strange and twisted narratives like in this article. I’m sure the two of you didn’t agree to this, but when these stories get distorted and transformed, they can become something big enough to determine the fate of a company.
You said my claim was on the level of a welfare foundation. It seems you wrote as if I misled people by saying these two things wouldn’t be kept.
- It was 100% achieved.
- My staff initially responded poorly to an inquiry last week, but after it was reported to me, I corrected it and assured those who had cash reservations with Shumi Arts that their reservations would be maintained. The Shumi Arts representative, Mr. Jo, also agreed to compensate the remaining Hikaru Artist Line victims first, and when we finalize our contract, we will compensate those who reserved the Hikaru Artist Line as part of a mutual agreement. This process is still ongoing.
You expressed dissatisfaction with discussing matters that aren’t finalized.
After I wrote my initial two posts, where else did I continue to speak? Are you referring to sharing updates in the victim chat room? Isn’t that between me and the victims? Did I make things public and cause anxiety, or did you?
I can’t help but ask.
I would like to end this post with a request.
I’m going to close the comments on this post. Today’s events will likely heat things up, so I ask those who might want to defend me to refrain from posting anything today and just watch.
I don’t want [the community] to become a place of conflict because of this, and I don’t want the many silent members to feel exhausted.
I’m sorry for the unintended difficulties that arose this morning and for being involved in this.
Thank you for reading this long post.
I feel like the vendors probably don't know much more than we do lol
