The prosecution has officially indicted the corporate entity of Ironmace and its key figures on charges of leaking trade secrets. Following a thorough supplementary investigation, prosecutors stated they have confirmed that data allegedly pilfered from Nexon was indeed utilized in the development of Dark and Darker.

On the 2nd, the Criminal Division 3 of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch, led by Chief Prosecutor Kang Myeong-hun, indicted three individuals—including the CEO of Ironmace, identified as Choi—without detention for violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. The corporate body of Ironmace was also brought to trial under joint penal provisions. The defendants stand accused of leaking original game files that were under development during their time at Nexon and subsequently deploying them to build Dark and Darker. Prosecutors were explicit, stating they have clearly verified that a portion of the leaked materials was instrumental in the creation of the game.

Regarding this indictment, Ironmace stated, "We expect to comment on the specific grounds for the indictment once we have reviewed the bill of indictment. However, it is worth noting that investigative agencies previously decided not to forward charges regarding the unauthorized use of trade secrets following two separate search-and-seizure operations and forensic analysis by the National Forensic Service." Ironmace had insisted back in 2023, during those initial raids, that they could prove their innocence.

The studio further emphasized that their civil litigation with Nexon has already established their independent copyright over Dark and Darker. An Ironmace representative noted, "Since the launch of Dark and Darker, we have consistently operated our business and game services in a stable manner. We do not anticipate that this will have any negative impact on our ongoing services or business operations. Ironmace remains committed to game development and providing a stable service for our players."

Meanwhile, the civil battle between Ironmace and Nexon has now escalated to the Supreme Court. On the 4th, the Seoul High Court largely upheld the initial ruling from the first trial, where Nexon had secured a partial victory. While the court maintained that copyright infringement was not proven—much like the first trial—it did uphold the violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. The compensation amount was adjusted down from 8.5 billion won to 5.7 billion won, with the court explaining that the damages were calculated based on the contribution of the trade secret information to Dark and Darker.

With the civil litigation still ongoing, the addition of a criminal trial increases the legal burden on Ironmace.