[DigitalToday reporter Ho-jung Lee] Webzen pushed back against claims by new game 'DragonSword' developer Hound13 that the publishing contract had been terminated.

On March 3, Webzen released an official statement on Hound13's claim that the publishing deal had been terminated.

According to Webzen, the two companies were originally discussing measures to ensure smooth operation of the game's service, including additional investment. It said Hound13 suddenly notified immediate termination without any prior corrective request while discussions were still under way.

Webzen stressed that Hound13's unilateral notice of contract termination was not valid. It said the notice did not meet substantive legal requirements when considering rights it holds under the contract, including the right of defense due to anxiety under Article 536(2) of the Civil Act.

It also pointed to procedural problems. Webzen said Hound13 failed to meet all procedural requirements, including those set out in the publishing contract with Webzen and those in Hound13's articles of incorporation requiring a shareholders' meeting resolution to terminate a contract with a shareholder.

Despite the situation, Webzen said it paid the full remaining balance of the minimum guarantee (MG) to Hound13 as of Feb. 27 to prevent further confusion among 'DragonSword' users and ensure there is no disruption to the game service.

Webzen said, "The publishing contract between Webzen and Hound13 remains valid," and added it would "make every effort to normalise the game service as soon as possible through consultations with Hound13, with a responsible stance until the end."