Journalist

Cho Jae-hyung
  • Coupang to Donate Up to 180,000 New Fashion Items to Vulnerable Children, Families
    Coupang to Donate Up to 180,000 New Fashion Items to Vulnerable Children, Families Coupang is launching a large-scale giving campaign to support vulnerable groups, including underserved children, by donating new fashion items in proportion to what customers buy. According to the industry on the 5th, Coupang will run a promotion through the end of this month titled “One Piece of My Clothing That Becomes a Donation,” and plans to donate up to 180,000 fashion items to Good Neighbors, a global NGO specializing in children’s rights. The campaign is the company’s second relay-style giving effort this year, following a book-donation drive for children in underserved households held in March. It is designed as a “matching donation” program, linking everyday shopping directly to giving. Under the program, when customers purchase items in Coupang’s fashion category — including men’s and women’s apparel such as T-shirts, pants and dresses, as well as children’s clothing, underwear, shoes and bags — donation items are accumulated in the same quantity. To bolster transparency, real-time progress will be posted on the promotion page. Coupang said all donated items, up to 180,000, will be new products currently sold on its platform. More than 50,000 pieces are set aside for infants’ and children’s clothing, which the company said could provide practical help to low-income families where children quickly outgrow clothes. All accumulated items will be delivered through Good Neighbors to underserved children and local residents in South Korea and abroad immediately after the campaign ends. A Coupang official said the campaign was planned so customers can “naturally take part in giving through everyday shopping,” adding that the company will continue expanding social-contribution efforts that provide “practical help” to marginalized neighbors. Coupang has also been running other initiatives for vulnerable communities. On April 7, marking Health Day, it began operating “Coupang Ondongne Care,” a health screening project that visits residents in depopulating areas with limited medical infrastructure. The program was launched with the aim of building a health safety net by minimizing underserved areas in medical services, similar to Coupang’s logistics network, the company said. Coupang plans to visit township-level areas nationwide at least once a month, including regions in Jeolla, Gyeongsang, Gangwon and Chungcheong, focusing on communities with poor access to hospitals. The company said it will continue expanding Ondongne Care by touring medically underserved areas nationwide, starting with Jangsu County and holding the next program this month in Danyang, North Chungcheong Province.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-05 11:13:15
  • Domino’s Korea Raises Prices on Six Drinks, Including Coca-Cola and Sprite
    Domino’s Korea Raises Prices on Six Drinks, Including Coca-Cola and Sprite Domino’s Pizza has raised prices by up to 8.7% for major beverages sold in its stores, including Coca-Cola and Sprite. Industry officials said on May 5 that Domino’s increased prices on six drink items by 100 to 200 won. The company said it raised the prices starting May 4 due to higher costs. Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero in 1.25-liter bottles rose 8.7% to 2,500 won. Sprite in a 1.5-liter bottle increased 8.3% to 2,600 won. Three 500-milliliter drinks also went up 100 won each. Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero in 500-milliliter bottles rose 5.9% to 1,800 won, and Sprite in 500 milliliters was also set at 1,800 won. Domino’s said it asks for customers’ understanding and will “do our best to repay your support and interest with the best service and menu.” Domino’s is No. 1 in South Korea’s pizza franchise market by sales. According to the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system, Cheong O DPK, Domino’s local operator, posted 210.9 billion won in revenue last year, up 4.8% from 201.2 billion won a year earlier. The increase comes as raw material and logistics costs continue to rise, and is seen as a move to protect profitability. An industry official said companies sometimes adjust prices for drinks or side items first because raising pizza prices can trigger stronger consumer pushback, adding that further increases cannot be ruled out if cost pressures persist. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-05 08:19:27
  • High Exchange Rates Cut Korean Duty-Free Sales as Retailers Target Foreign Tourists
    High Exchange Rates Cut Korean Duty-Free Sales as Retailers Target Foreign Tourists A sustained run of high exchange rates has weakened the price appeal of duty-free shopping, and the number of Korean customers has fallen for three straight months, industry data show. Major duty-free operators are trying to offset the drop by expanding K-content and experience-focused spaces aimed at foreign visitors. According to the Korea Duty Free Shops Association, the number of Korean duty-free shoppers declined to 1.63 million in January, 1.45 million in February and 1.36 million in March. Sales to Korean customers also fell month by month, from 284.2 billion won in January to 257.6 billion won in February and 231.2 billion won in March. Foreign customer traffic moved the other way. The number of foreign duty-free shoppers was 940,000 in January and 910,000 in February, then rose to 1.09 million in March, topping 1 million. Foreign-customer sales slipped from 786.6 billion won in January to 704.7 billion won in February, then jumped to 851.3 billion won in March. With high exchange rates eroding the attractiveness of duty-free prices, Korean demand has cooled, while rising inbound tourism has partly offset the decline, the association said. Foreign visits are expected to increase further as Japan's Golden Week (April 29-May 6) overlaps with China's Labor Day holiday (May 1-5). Duty-free retailers are responding by rolling out specialized spaces that emphasize experiences tied to K-content. Shinsegae Duty Free expanded its K-food and wellness curation zone, "Taste of Shinsegae," from its Myeongdong store to its Incheon Airport store on April 24. After launching the zone in Myeongdong, the company said that within six months the number of food buyers quadrupled and sales rose 30-fold, and it expects similar results at the airport, where last-minute purchases are common before departure. Its 11th-floor K-wave zone in Myeongdong is also growing: March sales rose 90% from the previous month, and sales of BTS goods surged 200% over the same period. Lotte Duty Free has launched a new campaign, "Trip Lotte Duty Free," featuring the girl group aespa. The campaign positions duty-free stores as "a travel destination" rather than just a shopping venue. Aespa members appear as category-by-category shopping guides, and offline stores have added concept "episode" zones and life-size standees to deepen fan engagement. Hyundai Duty Free recently opened an "AI Beauty Trip" space at its Trade Center store, where artificial intelligence diagnoses customers' skin condition and personal color and recommends cosmetics. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding with Hwaseong Special City to develop travel products using West Coast tourism resources, part of a strategy linked to tourism infrastructure. Shilla Duty Free is running a Jeju local dessert showcase, "Sweet Jeju," at its Jeju store, bringing together signature items from well-known bakeries and cafes across the island. "With exchange rates weakening price competitiveness, content and experiences have emerged as the key differentiators," an industry official said. "Going forward, complex, experience-based spaces that combine K-content, traditional culture and AI technology will be an important factor in drawing foreign demand."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-03 16:51:16
  • LG H&H Returns to Operating Profit in Q1 as North America Sales Jump 35%
    LG H&H Returns to Operating Profit in Q1 as North America Sales Jump 35% LG Household & Health Care said it returned to an operating profit in the first quarter, reversing a loss in the previous quarter, as profitability improved after a restructuring of its domestic distribution channels. In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, the company reported first-quarter operating profit of 107.8 billion won ($107.8 billion won), down 24.3% from a year earlier. Revenue fell 7.1% to 1.5766 trillion won. Compared with the fourth quarter of last year, however, revenue rose 7%, and the operating margin swung to a profit, improving to 6.8% from minus 4.9%. Overseas sales edged up 0.9% as a 35% jump in North America offset declines in China and Japan of 14.4% and 13.0%, respectively. The beauty division posted revenue of 771.1 billion won and operating profit of 38.6 billion won, down 12.3% and 43.2% from a year earlier. The company said higher marketing spending for mid- to long-term growth and efforts to improve offline store efficiency weighed on profit. It said key brands including Dr. Groot, U Smile, Dominas and VDL performed well in global markets. The premium scalp care brand Dr. Groot established a presence on U.S. beauty retailer Sephora’s online platform in March and is set to enter Sephora’s offline stores across North America in August. The luxury cosmetics brand The Whoo won the industry-first IR52 Jang Young-sil Award for research on NAD, which it described as a key anti-aging factor. The Home Care & Daily Beauty division reported revenue of 397.9 billion won and operating profit of 25.4 billion won, down 0.9% and 7.4% from a year earlier. The company said sales were strong in growth channels such as health-and-beauty stores and online, but weaker demand in offline markets slightly reduced revenue and profit. The refreshment beverage division posted revenue of 407.6 billion won, down 2.2%, and operating profit of 43.8 billion won, down 6.8%. LG H&H said it plans to use this year’s FIFA World Cup to help lift sentiment, including an event displaying an authentic Coca-Cola trophy and the launch of special Powerade packaging. “Since last year, the intensive restructuring of domestic distribution channels, centered on duty-free, is gradually translating into results,” a company official said. “Based on differentiated product competitiveness built on R&D, we will accelerate brand innovation and continue strategic growth focused on global and digital markets.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 22:39:22
  • Wild Turkey Brings ‘Kentucky in Seoul’ Bourbon Pop-Up to Seongsu-dong
    Wild Turkey Brings ‘Kentucky in Seoul’ Bourbon Pop-Up to Seongsu-dong Moontz Barbecue in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, was transformed on April 30 into a setting meant to evoke a classic American pub, complete with a pinball machine and a “wisdom wall.” The smoky barbecue aroma and oak-forward notes were part of a brand showcase for American bourbon whiskey Wild Turkey. The venue is hosting “Kentucky in Seoul,” a pop-up store organized by Campari Korea, the Italian premium liquor importer and distributor, to introduce Wild Turkey’s new global campaign. The pop-up is set to open to the public May 1, after a media tasting event on April 30. The campaign’s slogan is “WHEN YOU KNOW IT’S RIGHT, DON’T CHANGE A DAMN THING,” a sharper extension of the brand’s earlier message about trusting one’s beliefs. The company said it reflects Wild Turkey’s emphasis on sticking to fundamentals rather than chasing trends. Wild Turkey has maintained traditional methods for more than 100 years, including barreling at a lower proof and using longer aging periods. The brand has also kept its alcohol content at 50.5 degrees, positioning it as a benchmark for classic bourbon. A tasting class led by brand ambassador Kim Tae-wan featured three expressions: Wild Turkey 101, “101 8 Years” made with spirits aged 8 to 9 years, and the single-barrel “Kentucky Spirit,” drawn from one selected oak barrel. Kim said the brand’s heritage is underscored by having “the world’s only master distiller with more than 70 years of service,” adding, “I’m proud and grateful to be able to introduce a brand like this.” The event paired the bourbon with Texas-style barbecue from Moontz Barbecue. Beef rib and brisket platters were served with a house barbecue sauce made by simmering a base of Wild Turkey 101. Guest bartenders from Zest (Kwon Yong-jin), Le Chamber (Lee Jae-ung) and Soko Bar (Park Ju-seong) — bars listed in “Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025” — presented cocktails reinterpreting Wild Turkey 101 in their own styles. Photo booths and a merchandise area displayed limited-edition items including T-shirts, feather caps and motorcycle helmets. Campari Korea CEO Kim Hyosang said the company plans to create more opportunities for consumers to engage directly with the brand. “We will continue to set up more places where we can meet consumers and offer experiences so Wild Turkey can establish itself as a brand that can grow further,” he said. The “Kentucky in Seoul” pop-up will run from May 1 to 29. Entry is available through advance reservations on CatchTable or by walk-in visits. Some menu items will be sold in limited quantities. The tasting class is available by advance reservation only. 2026-04-30 17:33:25
  • Shinsegae Duty Free marks 10th anniversary with 50% off beauty brands for early May holidays
    Shinsegae Duty Free marks 10th anniversary with 50% off beauty brands for early May holidays With early May holidays in South Korea, China and Japan overlapping, Shinsegae Duty Free is rolling out a large-scale beauty promotion aimed at capturing rising shopping demand from domestic and overseas travelers. Shinsegae Duty Free said on the 30th it will offer 50% discounts on beauty brands from May 1 to 10 through its online mall and its Myeongdong store to mark its 10th anniversary. Participating brands include Yunjac, VDL, Amuse, Swiss Perfection, Dewy Some and The A Effect. Yunjac sales at Shinsegae Duty Free rose 123% year over year among Chinese customers and 83% among Japanese customers, while April sales jumped 150% from the previous month. At the Myeongdong store, customers who spend $300 or more will also receive a “lucky package” made up of beauty-brand products. A Shinsegae Duty Free official said the promotion was designed to introduce “brands guaranteed by Shinsegae” to customers worldwide and encourage repeat purchases through product use. Retailers are stepping up efforts to attract foreign visitors as Japan’s Golden Week (April 29 to May 6) and the Labor Day holidays in China and Taiwan (May 1 to 5) begin at the same time. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization forecast 80,000 to 90,000 Japanese tourists and 100,000 to 110,000 Chinese tourists will visit South Korea during the holiday period. In the first quarter, arrivals from Japan and China totaled 940,000 and 1.45 million, respectively, the highest levels on record. In South Korea, a stretch of holidays is also expected to lift demand for spring outings and shopping, starting with Labor Day on May 1, newly designated as a statutory holiday this year, through Children’s Day on May 5.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 16:25:39
  • Court Extends Homeplus Restructuring Plan Deadline by Two Months as Express Sale Nears
    Court Extends Homeplus Restructuring Plan Deadline by Two Months as Express Sale Nears A South Korean court extended the deadline for Homeplus to win approval of its rehabilitation plan by about two months, citing progress in the sale of its Homeplus Express supermarket unit. The company is expected to sign a share purchase agreement, or SPA, with preferred bidder Harim Group (NS Home Shopping) as early as next week. The Seoul Rehabilitation Court’s Rehabilitation Division 4, headed by Chief Judge Jeong Jun-young, on Wednesday moved the approval deadline to July 3 from May 4. The court said it needed time for the Express sale process and follow-up steps to be properly completed. The court noted that a preferred bidder has been selected and the transfer agreement is pending, and that Homeplus’ administrator has said the company plans to secure additional emergency operating funds through debtor-in-possession, or DIP, financing once the deal is signed. Homeplus applied for rehabilitation proceedings in March last year as part of a preemptive restructuring, and the court promptly opened the case. In December, the administrator submitted a restructuring-focused plan that included 300 billion won in new borrowing through DIP financing and the sale of the supermarket business unit. Under the rules, the plan was originally due for approval by March 4, one year after the court opened the proceedings. The court granted a first extension, citing the need to confirm the status of the Express sale. On April 23, Homeplus and its sale adviser, Samil PwC, selected Harim Group as the preferred bidder. With the court’s extension approved, Homeplus and Harim are expected to finalize the SPA as early as next week, according to industry sources. Even if the contract is signed, Homeplus said there will be a lag before sale proceeds reach the company, leaving it under acute cash pressure. After more than 14 months in rehabilitation, Homeplus said it is already facing a severe funding crunch. The 100 billion won previously injected by its controlling shareholder, MBK Partners, has been fully used to pay overdue utility bills and employee wages for January and February. With supply disruptions and falling sales accumulating, the company has also failed to pay wages for March and April on time, raising concerns about maintaining operations at its core hypermarket business. Homeplus said it has formally requested emergency funding from Meritz Financial Group, its largest creditor, which holds most of the company’s key real estate assets as trust collateral. “At this point, the only realistic entity that can quickly provide large-scale liquidity is effectively Meritz Financial Group,” Homeplus said. It added that a bridge loan and DIP financing, with recovery of Express sale proceeds expected, are “essential financial measures” to keep the rehabilitation process on track. The company said completing the Express sale and restructuring is “the most realistic path” to maximize creditor recoveries, and urged Meritz to make a swift, forward-looking decision that considers both recoverability and rehabilitation value. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 16:03:06
  • BGF Logis, Cargo Truckers Union Reach Deal; Improvements to Apply to All Drivers
    BGF Logis, Cargo Truckers Union Reach Deal; Improvements to Apply to All Drivers BGF Logis, the logistics unit of BGF Retail, said it has reached a final agreement with the Cargo Truckers Union, ending a dispute that disrupted deliveries. In a statement released April 30, BGF Logis said talks with the union concluded that day and that the resulting improvements in working conditions will apply equally to all transport workers who work with the company, regardless of affiliation or union membership. The company said blockades at its logistics centers and ready-to-eat food plants will be lifted immediately once the agreement is signed, and deliveries will resume in stages after each site completes internal preparations. BGF Logis said it decided to extend the terms to nonunion workers to fulfill its “duty and responsibility” to those who stayed on the job during a difficult period. It added that it will use the agreement as an opportunity to build a healthier logistics ecosystem and will continue efforts to support customer convenience and stable store operations. The agreement signed earlier April 30 includes a 7% increase in transport fees, one paid day off per quarter for truck owner-operators, guarantees for union activities, and civil and criminal immunity related to the recent rallies, along with withdrawal of injunction requests, according to reports. It also includes provisions on restoring the honor of a deceased union member and paying respects. BGF Retail, which operates the CU convenience store chain, said it will prepare support measures for franchisees. The company plans to assess damage at stores, gather feedback from the field and develop assistance plans. After internal preparations, BGF Logis plans to restart operations centered on its Jincheon logistics center and aims to normalize all logistics centers and plants within this week. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 16:01:44
  • Subway to Raise Prices Starting May 7; 15 cm Sandwiches Up 210 Won on Average
    Subway to Raise Prices Starting May 7; 15 cm Sandwiches Up 210 Won on Average Subway will raise menu prices starting May 7, citing higher ingredient costs and rising operating burdens for franchisees. The sandwich chain said April 30 that the increases will apply to sandwiches, sides and drinks. For its best-selling 15 cm sandwiches sold a la carte, prices will rise by an average of 210 won, or about 2.8%. A la carte drinks and set menus will be adjusted by 100 won to 200 won. Among major 15 cm items, the Egg Mayo will increase to 6,200 won from 5,900 won, and the Italian BMT to 7,500 won from 7,200 won. The cookie side will rise 100 won to 1,600 won. A Subway official said the company made the changes because of “continued increases in ingredient costs and the operating burden on franchisees,” adding that it minimized the hikes through internal cost-cutting and will “provide consumers with more choices” through value-focused menu items.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 11:12:16
  • Lotte Samdong Welfare Foundation Donates Gift Boxes to Ulsan Children, Funds Founder’s Schools
    Lotte Samdong Welfare Foundation Donates Gift Boxes to Ulsan Children, Funds Founder’s Schools The Lotte Samdong Welfare Foundation marked Family Month in May by providing support to vulnerable children in Ulsan, the hometown of the late Shin Kyuk-ho, honorary chairman of Lotte Group, and by donating to his alma maters. The foundation said April 30 it held a delivery ceremony April 29 at Dongcheon Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Ulsan, for the ‘2026 Ulsan first-half Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Pleasure Box support program’ and provided gift sets worth 120 million won for children from disadvantaged households in the city. Working with the Ulsan Community Chest of Korea, the foundation selected 2,300 children registered at local children’s centers, orphanages and facilities for people with disabilities across Ulsan’s five districts and counties: Jung-gu, Nam-gu, Dong-gu, Buk-gu and Ulju County. The children will receive “Pleasure Box” packages that include Lotte snacks, character-themed school supplies and Bluetooth earphones. Chairwoman Jang Hye-seon said the boxes were prepared “with encouragement for children to smile more brightly, study harder and grow,” adding she hopes they will remain “a warm memory” that tells children, “Someone is cheering for me.” Also on April 29, the foundation visited Eonyang-eup in Ulju County and held a separate event for students at Shin’s alma mater. At the ‘Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Alma Mater Love development fund’ ceremony at Eonyang Elementary School, the foundation donated 10 million won each to Eonyang Elementary and Samdong Elementary, for a total of 20 million won. The money will be used for student welfare and educational activities, the foundation said. Eonyang Elementary plans to use the funds to buy uniforms for school sports clubs, cover competition fees and support student council activities. Samdong Elementary said it plans to provide scholarships of 200,000 won per student for all 36 students, and help cover costs for school trips and experiential learning programs. At the ceremony, Jang said she believes people become “truly admirable adults” when they can share their success with others and take extra care of neighbors in need, as her maternal grandfather, the late Shin, did. She said she hopes Eonyang Elementary students will keep that meaning in mind and grow into adults who give to others. The foundation said it has provided a total of 1.54 billion won through the ‘Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Pleasure Box’ program through this year, benefiting 62,477 people. Cumulative support under the ‘Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Alma Mater Love’ program totals 540 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 10:19:58