AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Hong Seungwan
  • Korean Beef Association to Host Symposium on Digital Information and Productivity
    Korean Beef Association to Host Symposium on Digital Information and Productivity The Korean Beef Association (KBA) announced on June 5 that it will hold a symposium titled "Utilizing Digital Information and Improving Productivity in Korean Beef Farming" on July 2 at the Hongik University International Training Center in Sejong City. The symposium will focus on "Data-Driven Profit-Centered Korean Beef Farming Techniques and Management Strategies." Experts in digital information, ruminant nutrition, carcass performance, and individual management will present their findings and engage in a Q&A session. During the event, the KBA will unveil its newly developed digital information system for Korean beef. Attendees will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of the system, including how to use a dedicated chatbot, and learn practical applications for their farming operations. Presentations will cover data-driven farming techniques and management strategies. Dr. Kim Hyun-jin from Seoul National University will discuss the impact of a free-choice feeding method on growth performance, supported by data. Additionally, there will be case studies from Korean beef farms. Han Jong-min, the representative of Janghan Farm in Hampyeong, will share insights on improving carcass quality through effective farm management. Kwon Young-tae from Daehwang Livestock in Gokseong will present on calf production management and strategies for enhancing growth rates. Participants can register on the KBA website until July 8, with a limit of 280 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. KBA Chairman Min Kyung-cheon expressed hope that the symposium will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Korean beef farmers. In related news, the KBA hosted a talk concert titled "Korean Beef Has the Answer" on May 20 at The Book Company headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, where it highlighted the history and nutritional excellence of Korean beef.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 17:30:00
  • KT Alpha Shopping to Host Mid-Year Review Festival Focused on Self-Care
    KT Alpha Shopping to Host Mid-Year Review Festival Focused on Self-Care KT Alpha Shopping announced on June 5 that it will hold its "2026 Mid-Year Review Festival" to assess the first half of the year. The event will take place from June 8 to June 27. KT Alpha Shopping plans to showcase popular brands and products across key categories such as fashion, beauty, food, and home goods. Ahead of the festival, KT Alpha Shopping analyzed sales data from the first half of the year and selected ten brands, highlighting "self-care" as the year's consumer keyword. The company noted a significant increase in demand for products related to health, beauty, body management, and asset management, reflecting a growing trend of consumers taking charge of their own well-being. With rising health management needs, the functional footwear brand Shinmisa achieved the top sales in functional shoes. Its "New Baro Slipper," designed with patented technology for posture correction for degenerative joints, reached cumulative sales of 10 billion won exclusively on KT Alpha Shopping. Sales of diet-related products also surged. The "Bienalsin Diet Probiotics" surpassed 7.4 billion won in orders during the first half of the year. In the beauty category, Dongkook Pharmaceutical's Madeca Cream, which ranked first in annual orders last year, achieved 8 billion won in orders in the first half of this year. In the fashion and accessories category, the women's fashion brand Benetton was highlighted as a popular choice. Benetton recorded cumulative orders of 5.4 billion won and over 60,000 transactions in the first half of the year. In the home goods category, smart safes gained attention. The "DiproMat Casa" smart safe, equipped with Internet of Things features, achieved 112% of its sales target for the first half of the year. A company representative stated, "Self-care products aimed at health, beauty, and asset management have gained popularity among consumers looking to take care of themselves." Meanwhile, KT Alpha reported an all-time high operating profit of 44.2 billion won last year, prompting the company to strengthen its shareholder return policies, including dividend distributions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 17:15:00
  • Oakley Meta Pop-Up Store Opens in Seouls Musinsa Store Seongsu
    Oakley Meta Pop-Up Store Opens in Seoul's Musinsa Store Seongsu Musinsa announced on June 5 that it will host a pop-up store for the Oakley Meta, a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) glasses developed in collaboration with Meta, at its Seongsu location in Seoul. The pop-up store will be open until June 18.The Oakley Meta combines the design of the sports eyewear brand Oakley with Meta's AI technology, making it suitable for both sports activities and everyday use.Visitors to the pop-up store can experience two products: the Oakley Meta Vanguard and the Oakley Meta Houston. The Oakley Meta Vanguard is tailored for sports environments, providing real-time workout data by connecting with Garmin devices and Strava. It also features 122-degree ultra-wide 3K UHD hands-free recording and is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance.The Oakley Meta Houston focuses on everyday use, supporting voice commands for Meta AI interaction, open-ear speaker functionality, a battery life of up to 48 hours, and the option for prescription lenses.Guests can participate in programs that offer AI-based voice interaction and simulated sports environments. An Oakley representative stated, "We will continue to explore various combinations of sports, lifestyle, and technology."A Musinsa representative added, "We hope many consumers will experience the convenience and innovative lifestyle offered by next-generation tech wearables through this pop-up store."According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Meta currently holds over 70% market share in the global smart glasses sector.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 16:51:00
  • APR Strengthens ESG Management with Release of First Sustainability Report
    APR Strengthens ESG Management with Release of First Sustainability Report APR announced on June 5 that it has published its 2025 Sustainability Management Report and is establishing an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management system.According to APR, the report includes key business and financial performance data from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year, along with strategies for promoting sustainable management across environmental, social, and governance areas.The report identifies key ESG issues based on a materiality assessment, which analyzes the impact of corporate activities on the environment and society, as well as how external environmental changes affect the company's finances.The report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards 2021), a standard for international sustainability reporting. It also incorporates global disclosure indicators such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).In the environmental and social sections, the report introduces the environmental management system, health and safety management, ESG management in the supply chain, and social contribution activities. APR also shared examples of operating standard workplaces for people with disabilities and community donation activities to support vulnerable groups.In the governance section, the report details the strengthening of compliance and ethical management systems. APR is enhancing its related systems centered around an independent compliance organization. Last March, it obtained ISO 37001 certification, an international standard for anti-bribery management systems. The company also completed anti-corruption training and related signature procedures for all employees.An APR representative stated, "We will strengthen trust with stakeholders based on responsible management activities and transparent information disclosure."Meanwhile, APR reported a consolidated revenue of 593.4 billion won and an operating profit of 152.3 billion won for the first quarter of this year, marking increases of 123.0% and 173.7%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 15:18:00
  • Starbucks Faces Backlash Over Controversial Marketing Campaign
    Starbucks Faces Backlash Over Controversial Marketing Campaign "We have terminated the employee involved as of today. We had no way to prevent this. We would appreciate your understanding and will manage our staff better in the future." This apology was issued by an individual claiming to be a manager after a controversy erupted when a restaurant employee mocked customers online. This four-sentence statement has since become a reference point for corporate apologies, often cited in online communities as a model for acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and promising to prevent recurrence. An effective apology demonstrates an understanding of the wrongdoing and shows corrective actions taken.By this standard, Starbucks Korea's response to the 'Tank Day' marketing controversy last month was swift. Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin dismissed Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jeong-hyun and the responsible executives on the day of the incident. The following day, he issued a public apology stating, "I acknowledge that I have taken lightly the pain and sacrifices of all those who have dedicated themselves to democracy, and I take full responsibility for this mistake." He also promised to provide education on historical awareness and ethical standards to all employees. The apology included all the essential elements: accountability, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and a commitment to prevent future issues.However, unlike previous cases, the phrase "we had no way to prevent this" does not apply to the 'Tank Day' marketing incident. The event was planned by Starbucks Korea's commerce team and went through approvals from the team leader, responsible staff, department head, and CEO. No one raised concerns about terms like 'Tank Day' or 'bang on the desk' during this process. It has been confirmed that there were instances where approvals were granted without reviewing attached files. There were clearly multiple opportunities to prevent damage to the company's image and boycotts, but internal mechanisms failed to function each time. This cannot be simply attributed to a minor mistake or lack of sensitivity from the staff.Moreover, while there used to be a legal review process for such marketing phrases, this time that step was skipped. Jeong Sang-jin, Shinsegae Group's Chief Management Officer, acknowledged, "Due to the prioritization of marketing immediacy, the legal review process that was previously in place was not followed, revealing a lack of social and historical sensitivity within Starbucks Korea." In prioritizing rapid execution, they bypassed basic verification procedures. Despite holding the title of the 'undisputed number one' coffee franchise, the internal processes were evidently lax.Risk management is not about writing an apology after a crisis occurs; it is about preventing issues from arising internally before they escalate. Starbucks, in particular, is a brand known for frequent marketing campaigns. Seasonal events, merchandise, and promotions often involve phrases that directly connect with consumers. Even minor expressions can clash with social contexts. If phrases that could trivialize historical events or be interpreted as hate speech are not filtered out, a 'second Tank Day' controversy could arise at any time.On May 26, Chairman Jeong bowed his head and promised two things: to make today’s apology a starting point rather than an end, and to regain public trust through actions rather than words. For Jeong's promises to resonate with consumers, the first step must be a thorough review of internal systems. This does not mean simply adding more approval layers. It means establishing procedures to identify and halt problems, fostering an environment where dissent can be voiced, and implementing a verification system that reflects social sensitivity.As Jeong stated, consumer trust cannot be restored through apologies alone; it must be accompanied by action. Brand trust is rebuilt when consumers are assured that similar incidents will not happen again. For Starbucks to be seen as a space for enjoying coffee rather than a battleground for ideological conflicts, it must first demonstrate what changes have been made following the apology. 2026-06-04 18:12:00
  • Hyundai Home Shopping Expands Offline Beauty Store Coasis
    Hyundai Home Shopping Expands Offline Beauty Store 'Coasis' Hyundai Home Shopping is expanding its offline beauty business by opening new Coasis stores. This move comes as the TV home shopping market faces structural growth challenges, prompting the company to diversify its customer engagement strategies beyond broadcasting.According to industry sources, Hyundai Home Shopping will open its third Coasis location at Hyundai Outlet Garden Five in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on June 5, followed by a store in Dongdaemun on June 12. This expansion adds two new locations just two weeks after the opening of the second store at Hyundai Department Store in Gangdong-gu on May 29.Ahead of the opening of the third store, a white barrier was installed on the first floor of Hyundai Outlet Garden Five, featuring the slogan, "Making Your Beauty Journey Special," as final preparations were underway.Hyundai Home Shopping opened its first Coasis store in December 2025 at Hyundai Premium Outlet Space One in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. While Coasis operates similarly to beauty edit shops like CJ Olive Young, its target demographic differs. Olive Young primarily attracts customers in their teens and twenties, whereas Coasis focuses on women aged 30 to 60. As a result, the store prominently features functional skincare products addressing issues like pigmentation, wrinkles, and elasticity, with over 90% of its offerings being skincare items.The store layout is designed with middle-aged customers in mind. For instance, the height of display counters has been lowered to below 90 cm to facilitate easier browsing for customers in their 40s and 50s. Additionally, at the Cheonho store, testing products that were previously scattered throughout the store have been consolidated in one area to minimize customer movement, contrasting with the typical beauty shop layout where testing products are placed in front of each product row.The expansion of Coasis is closely linked to the slowdown in the TV home shopping market. According to the Korea TV Home Shopping Association, the total transaction amount for Hyundai Home Shopping and six other TV home shopping companies was 18.505 trillion won last year, a 5.1% decrease from the previous year. The average annual growth rate over the past five years has also been recorded at -4.2%. Additionally, due to declining TV viewership, broadcast revenue has dropped to 2.618 trillion won.In response, Hyundai Home Shopping is shifting away from a broadcasting-centric business model to diversify its channels both online and offline. Han Kwang-young, CEO of Hyundai Home Shopping, stated at a shareholders' meeting in March 2025, "We will seek to reach customers through various methods, not just broadcasting and online, by expanding our sales channels." He reiterated this commitment in March 2026, emphasizing the need to further expand offline customer engagement.With Han's vision to develop Coasis into a regional beauty landmark, Hyundai Home Shopping is expected to continue its store expansion. A company representative noted, "We will open two additional stores at Hyundai Outlet this month and are continuously reviewing future expansion directions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 17:18:00
  • Musinsa Launches Subdued Brand Shop to Target Young Women Consumers
    Musinsa Launches Subdued Brand Shop to Target Young Women Consumers Musinsa announced on June 4 that it will be the first domestic online retailer to launch the Italian fashion brand Subdued in South Korea. According to Musinsa, the official Subdued brand shop will be unveiled on June 5. Subdued is known for its free-spirited individuality and natural style. The brand gained attention after its first offline pop-up store opened in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in April, where social media buzz helped spread awareness through user-generated photos. With this launch, Musinsa customers will be able to purchase Subdued's signature products and global bestsellers online. Key items include the Wings hoodie, featuring the brand's iconic sequin embellishments, low-rise denim, cropped graphic tops, and hot pants. To celebrate the official launch, Musinsa will hold a promotional event. From June 5 at 11 a.m. to June 11, all Subdued products will be offered at a 10% discount. Additionally, the first 50 customers who spend over 150,000 won during the event will receive a Subdued notebook pad. A Musinsa representative stated, "We expect that Subdued, with its trendy styles and unique aesthetics, will meet the diverse fashion preferences of our core target audience of young women aged 10 to 20." Meanwhile, Musinsa reported a record revenue of 363.6 billion won for the first quarter of this year, marking a 24.1% increase compared to the same period last year. The operating profit also rose by 8.2% to 19 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 16:39:00
  • Musinsa Launches Subdued Brand Shop Targeting Young Women
    Musinsa Launches Subdued Brand Shop Targeting Young Women Musinsa announced on June 4 that it will be the first domestic online retailer to introduce the Italian fashion brand Subdued. According to Musinsa, the official Subdued brand shop will be launched on June 5. Subdued is a global fashion brand known for its free-spirited individuality and natural style. The brand's first offline pop-up store, which opened in April in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, gained attention on social media as customers shared photos from the event. With this launch, Musinsa customers will be able to purchase Subdued's signature products and global bestsellers online. Featured items include the Wings hoodie adorned with the brand's signature sequin decoration, low-rise denim, cropped graphic tops, and hot pants. To celebrate the official launch, Musinsa will hold a promotional event offering a 10% discount on all Subdued products from June 5 at 11 a.m. to June 11. The first 50 customers who spend over 150,000 won during the event will receive a Subdued notepad. A Musinsa representative stated, "We expect that Subdued, with its trendy styles and unique aesthetics, will meet the diverse fashion preferences of our core target audience, young women in their teens and twenties." Meanwhile, Musinsa reported a record revenue of 363.6 billion won for the first quarter of this year, marking a 24.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Operating profit rose by 8.2% to 19 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 16:39:00
  • Coupang CLS Launches Heat Illness Prevention Campaign for Delivery Workers
    Coupang CLS Launches Heat Illness Prevention Campaign for Delivery Workers Coupang Logistics Service (CLS) announced on June 4 that it has launched a heat illness prevention campaign for contract delivery workers, starting from Ilsan Camp 1 on May 29 and expanding to major camps nationwide.According to CLS, the campaign is aimed at contract delivery workers who are not subject to mandatory health screenings under current regulations, making them more vulnerable to neglect in health management. Medical staff will visit the sites to assess health conditions and promote CLS's fully funded health screening program.CLS set up a health management booth at Ilsan Camp 1, where KMI Korea Medical Institute staff provided consultations on heat illness prevention, encouraged health screening reservations through a prize event, and distributed heat illness prevention kits.On that day, KMI medical staff advised delivery workers on heat illness prevention methods based on their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body composition measurements, as well as their health history.Additionally, Kim Young-woong, CLS Chief Safety Officer (CSO), inspected the large air-conditioned cooling zone system at Ilsan Camp 1 to ensure effective heat illness response measures. CLS also provided prevention kits containing electrolyte drinks, ice neck wraps, oral rehydration salts, and heat illness prevention guideline cards to delivery workers participating in the campaign.CLS operates a large air-conditioned cooling zone equipped with curtains to prevent cold air leakage and ceiling-mounted air conditioning systems. Although external temperatures reached 29 degrees Celsius on the campaign day, the cooling zone maintained a temperature below 20 degrees Celsius.A CLS representative stated, "To achieve tangible health improvement, the participation of contract delivery workers is crucial, and we will continue to encourage their involvement in future activities."Meanwhile, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, heat illnesses occur due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat edema. The most common, heat exhaustion, occurs when excessive sweating leads to inadequate hydration and salt supply. Those experiencing heat exhaustion should drink water to rehydrate and move to a cool place, such as one with air conditioning, to rest.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:54:00
  • Homeplus to Close 37 Stores Nationwide, Affecting Around 1,500 Employees
    Homeplus to Close 37 Stores Nationwide, Affecting Around 1,500 Employees Homeplus has decided to permanently close 37 stores across the country that were previously temporarily shut down.On June 4, the company informed the Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Labor Union and the general union that it would close the 37 stores that had been on hiatus since May 10. Initially, the suspension was set to last until June 3, but the decision to close was influenced by the company's restructuring process and financial situation.As part of this closure, Homeplus plans to implement a restructuring support program for the employees at the affected stores. Employees at the managerial level and above will be offered voluntary retirement, although those with less than six months until retirement will not be eligible. Employees below the managerial level will receive support under an employment stability agreement between the labor and management.However, the actual disbursement of support funds remains uncertain. Homeplus stated that the voluntary retirement and support programs would only be applicable if creditors agree to provide emergency operating funds and extend the restructuring process due to the depletion of operational funds. Therefore, it is unclear whether employees will actually receive their retirement or employment stability payments.According to the labor union, approximately 3,500 employees work at the 37 stores, with around 1,500 eligible for voluntary retirement.Meanwhile, the deadline for approving Homeplus's restructuring plan, which entered corporate rehabilitation proceedings in March of last year, is set for July 3. Recently, the company has put its remaining business segments, including its headquarters and online and large store operations, up for sale.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:27:00