The current battle for management control of Korea Zinc Inc., the world's largest zinc smelter, is intensifying as private equity firm MBK Partners, in collaboration with major shareholder Young Poong Corp., seeks to acquire a significant stake in the company through a tender offer. Initially, MBK raised its offer price to 750,000 won per share, prompting a rare counteroffer from Korea Zinc's Chairman Choi Yun-beom to repurchase and cancel shares at a higher price of 830,000 won per share. As a result, the stock price of Korea Zinc saw a significant increase, reaching 757,000 won at one point on Friday morning. The conflict arises against the backdrop of a long-standing partnership between Young Poong and Korea Zinc since their founding in 1974. However, tensions escalated when Choi Yun-beom, a descendant of one of the co-founders, assumed the chairmanship of Korea Zinc in 2022 and aimed to break away from Young Poong, leading to the current struggle for control. MBK's bid to acquire a stake in the company has raised speculation about the future direction of Korea Zinc and its leadership amidst the ongoing power struggle between major stakeholders.