Journalist

MIN JAE YONG
  • Junsungbae Jeon Sentenced to 5 Years for Corruption Tied to Yoon Suk Yeol and Unification Church
    Junsungbae Jeon Sentenced to 5 Years for Corruption Tied to Yoon Suk Yeol and Unification Church Junsungbae Jeon, known as the "Ganjin Beopsa," was sentenced to five years in prison for accepting bribes from the Unification Church and other groups by leveraging his connection with Kim Geon-hee. The court ruled that Jeon relayed requests to former President Yoon Suk Yeol through Kim, indicating a collusion between religion and politics. However, his acknowledgment of the bribes during the special investigation and his submission of key evidence were considered mitigating factors. On May 21, the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Judges Kim Mu-shin, Lee Woo-hee, and Yoo Dong-kyun) sentenced Jeon to five years in prison for charges of intermediary bribery and violations of political funding laws. The court also ordered the confiscation of a Graff necklace and the return of approximately 1.8 billion won. This sentence is one year less than the six-year term imposed in the first trial. The court upheld most of the intermediary bribery charges against Jeon, stating, "The defendant used his personal relationship with Kim Geon-hee to exert influence over members of the National Assembly and high-ranking government officials after Yoon Suk Yeol was elected, pursuing his own interests in the process." The court further noted, "Jeon acted as an intermediary by relaying requests from the Unification Church to former President Yoon through Kim Geon-hee, resulting in a collusion between Yoon and the Unification Church that undermined the constitutional principle of separation of church and state." In the appeal, Jeon was found guilty of accepting bribes worth approximately 83 million won, including two Chanel bags and a Graff diamond necklace from former Unification Church leader Yoon Young-ho between April and July 2022. The court specifically identified the Chanel bag worth 8.02 million won delivered in April 2022 as "not merely a gift but a reward for implicit requests." The judges explained, "At that time, Kim Geon-hee was in a position that could be perceived as having influence over presidential duties, making it reasonable to view the gifts from the Unification Church as expectations of assistance regarding presidential responsibilities." Jeon was also found guilty of receiving 30 million won from Yoon Young-ho in exchange for requesting a position as an advisor to the Unification Group. Additionally, he was convicted of accepting 160 million won from ConLab Company under the pretext of facilitating business initiatives and 45 million won for suppressing a tax investigation related to Hee-rim Architecture. However, the court considered Jeon's partial confession during the trial and his voluntary submission of key evidence to the special prosecutor's team as factors in determining his sentence. The judges stated, "The defendant provided crucial testimony that clarified the crimes during Kim Geon-hee's trial, which qualifies as a mitigating factor under the special prosecutor law." While the first trial denied any mitigating circumstances due to Jeon's denial of charges during the investigation, the appeals court overturned this, stating, "The fact that he made statements during the investigation that differed from those in court is not explicitly stated as a reason to exclude mitigating circumstances." Conversely, Jeon was acquitted of charges related to receiving 100 million won for assisting Park Chang-wook's candidacy for the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council during the 2022 local elections, consistent with the first trial's ruling. The court acknowledged that Jeon was active in the Yoon Suk Yeol campaign's network but concluded that it was difficult to classify him as a "political person" under political funding laws after the presidential election.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 18:16:59
  • Official Campaigns Kick Off for Local Elections in South Korea
    Official Campaigns Kick Off for Local Elections in South Korea On May 21, the official campaign period for the local elections began, with both major parties launching aggressive efforts to win over voters. Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, focused their strategies on the Chungcheong region, known for its pivotal role as a 'casting vote' in local elections. The Democratic Party emphasized that this election is crucial for preventing the People Power Party's controversial nominations and for leading the country towards normalization under the Lee Jae-myung administration. Jung highlighted the importance of this election as a 'golden time' for the nation. Jung began his campaign at midnight at a rally for Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh, visiting key battlegrounds in Gyeonggi, Gongju, Daejeon, and Cheonan to attract moderate voters. At a rally for candidate Ryu Sam-young in the Dongjak District, Jung stated, "As seen in the recent nominations by the People Power Party, those who still support internal conflict are oblivious to the need for reflection. I ask you to judge these forces by voting for us." In the afternoon, during a campaign event in Gongju with candidates Park Soo-hyun for Chungnam governor and Kim Jeong-seop for Gongju mayor, Jung expressed gratitude to the residents for overcoming internal conflict and urged them not to give a single vote to the People Power Party, asking them to support the Democratic Party instead. Conversely, the People Power Party concentrated its efforts in the Chungcheong region, which includes Jang's constituency, arguing that if the Democratic Party wins the local elections, it would lead to a one-party dictatorship alongside the Lee Jae-myung administration. At a rally for Daejeon mayoral candidate Lee Jang-woo, Jang declared, "If the Democratic Party, which has seized legislative power, also wins local governments, South Korea will become a one-party dictatorship. The People Power Party aims to protect democracy and the future of our nation from Daejeon." In Gongju, where candidates Kim Tae-heum for Chungnam governor and Choi Won-cheol for Gongju mayor campaigned, Jang continued to criticize the Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung. He claimed, "The president is attempting to halt his trial and initiate a special investigation. We must win in Chungnam and across the nation to hold the arrogant Democratic Party accountable." Notably, Jung and Jang crossed paths in front of the Gongju Sanseong Market during overlapping campaign schedules. As Jung passed by the People Power Party rally, Jang called out the names of their candidates, stating, "Just a moment ago, Jung Cheong-rae and the Democratic candidates walked by. I wanted them to hear this." Some supporters of the People Power Party shouted against Jung, but he smiled and waved at Jang as he left the rally.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 18:13:57
  • Two Suspects Charged with Murder in Death of Director Kim Chang-min
    Two Suspects Charged with Murder in Death of Director Kim Chang-min Two suspects in the death of director Kim Chang-min have been charged with murder while in custody. According to Yonhap News, the Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office announced on May 21 that Lee (32) and Lim (32) have been indicted on charges of murder and violating the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act. The prosecution determined that the severity of the crime warranted murder charges, rather than the initial charge of manslaughter applied by the police. The suspects are accused of dragging director Kim into an alley and brutally assaulting him over a noise dispute outside a restaurant in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, on October 20 of last year, leading to his death. The prosecution has also charged them with emotional abuse for assaulting Kim in front of his son, who has a developmental disability. Kim lost consciousness shortly after the assault and was transported to a hospital, where he ultimately did not recover. Seventeen days after the incident, he was declared brain dead and later donated his organs to four recipients before passing away. Initially, police applied for arrest warrants for the suspects multiple times, but the courts denied them, citing a lack of flight risk. However, public outrage grew after the incident became known and CCTV footage of the assault was released, leading to criticism of the police's inadequate investigation. According to Yonhap News, the prosecution formed a dedicated investigation team to conduct a supplementary investigation, interviewing Kim's son and searching the suspects' residences and mobile phones. They analyzed approximately 3,000 phone recordings, which included statements such as, "I thought I had to kill him" and "I had no thoughts other than to kill him," leading to the conclusion of intent to commit murder. Additionally, the prosecution consulted five medical experts regarding brain CT scans and obtained opinions indicating that Kim died from brain injuries caused by repeated and severe external forces to the head and face. Forensic analysis also suggested that Lim choked the victim, impairing his ability to defend himself. On May 11, the prosecution's citizen committee unanimously agreed that the suspects exhibited intent to kill and acted as accomplices, prompting the prosecution to proceed with murder charges. However, Lee has admitted to only striking Kim three to four times with his fists, denying some of the charges, while Lim claims he only tried to separate Lee and Kim.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 18:12:00
  • Jeong Cheong-rae Criticizes Starbucks Amid Daejeon Election Campaign
    Jeong Cheong-rae Criticizes Starbucks Amid Daejeon Election Campaign Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, sharply criticized Starbucks on May 21, questioning the appropriateness of its recent Tank Day event amid ongoing controversies regarding the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Speaking at the campaign launch for Daejeon mayoral candidate Heo Tae-jeong, Jeong stated, "We must hold a grateful heart for those who lost their lives during the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement." He emphasized the need for respect and remembrance. He added, "There’s a Starbucks here too. Starbucks is not good," and highlighted that both Chun Doo-hwan, who declared martial law in Gwangju, and Yoon Suk Yeol, who issued an illegal martial law on December 3, were ultimately subdued by the people. Jeong remarked, "If the illegal martial law had succeeded, there would be no local elections, and neither Lee Jae-myung nor I would be in this world," recalling the situation as "a chilling experience." Additionally, Jeong called for support for Heo, noting his experience as both a district mayor and Daejeon mayor, as well as his work at the Blue House. He concluded by stating, "South Korea is now normalizing," urging voters to elect a capable mayor for Daejeon, similar to the current president's performance. 2026-05-21 18:09:25
  • From timid boy to war hero: Indias wartime doctor honored in Korea
    From timid boy to war hero: India's wartime doctor honored in Korea SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - At the unveiling of a new memorial near the heavily fortified border with North Korea, Kalpana Prasad, an Indian woman in her 40s and the grand-niece of Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj, recalled how her older family members spoke about their brother, who had served on the frontline during the Korean War. “His siblings rushed to tell their mother, but she refused to believe it because she still remembered him as a shy boy who was afraid to walk alone in the dark,” she said. “But somehow, that timid boy ended up jumping out of airplanes.” The timid boy was Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj, an army doctor who led an Indian medical unit during the 1950-53 war. Rangaraj and fellow veterans were posthumously honored at a ceremony on Thursday at Imjingak in Paju, north of Seoul, where officials unveiled a memorial recognizing India’s contribution as part of events marking the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict. The ceremony was attended by visiting Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who was hosted by Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister Kwon Oh-eul. The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on international veterans affairs cooperation aimed at strengthening exchanges in honoring and remembering those who served. One of six countries that provided non-combat support to South Korea during the conflict, India’s contribution came largely in the form of medical and humanitarian aid. The country’s 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, one of the largest medical units sent by a supporting nation, deployed 627 medical personnel. One of the unit’s best-known operations came during Operation Tomahawk on March 21, 1951, near Munsan, north of Seoul, when members attached to the U.S. Army’s 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team parachuted into enemy territory as part of a combat airborne operation. Amid intense frontline fighting, they established medical facilities and treated wounded soldiers. Led by Rangaraj, the Indian unit treated 200,000 patients and performed 2,500 surgeries. For South Korea, the new memorial carries symbolic weight not only because of India’s wartime role, but also because of its location. Just south of the Demilitarized Zone, Imjingak has long served as a site of remembrance for the war and hope for peace on the still-divided peninsula. The presence of Rangaraj’s family added a personal dimension to Thursday’s ceremony, turning the memorial from a diplomatic event into a reminder of the individual lives behind wartime history. Rangaraj, who completed his medical degree in 1941 before joining the army, became India’s first paratrooper doctor. He was honored in Seoul as the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs’ Korean War Hero of the Month in March this year. “It is an honor for all of us to know that he has been nominated as a Korean War hero by the government of the Republic of Korea,” Prasad said. In addition to the medical unit, India also played a major postwar role through the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission. A 5,230-strong Custodian Force of India helped carry out the peaceful repatriation of some 2,000 prisoners. The memorial features busts of Rangaraj and another Indian figure closely associated with the Korean War, Gen. K.S. Thimayya, who chaired the U.N. Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission at the time of the armistice. The memory of the unit’s Korean War service remains alive in Agra, the northern Indian city that is home to the Taj Mahal. The city also hosts the 50th Independent Parachute Brigade, one of the Indian Army’s elite airborne formations, under which the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance continues its medical support mission. During AJP’s visit to the brigade in March, Col. Jagneet Gill, the current commanding officer of the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, said the unit’s deployment to Korea remains an important part of its identity. “The 60th Parachute Field Ambulance is a key medical support unit under the Indian Army’s 50th Independent Parachute Brigade, and we supported wounded people during the Korean War,” Gill said. “It was really nice to have the chance to visit South Korea last November at the invitation of the Korean government.” Decades later, the legacy of the Korean War continues to resonate in the hearts of both nations. 2026-05-21 18:05:00
  • Kraftons PUBG Mobile Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Kia Collaboration
    Krafton's PUBG Mobile Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Kia Collaboration Krafton has launched an online game and offline experiential pop-up in collaboration with Kia to celebrate the 8th anniversary of PUBG Mobile. The initiative aims to strengthen direct communication with users and expand the long-term service foundation of PUBG Mobile. On May 21, Krafton opened PUBG Seongsu and Kia Unplugged Ground in the Seongsu area of Seoul. The concept, dubbed 'Zone 8,' combines the core element of the game, the magnetic field, with Kia's EV mobility in a collaborative project. PUBG Mobile, launched in 2018, is Krafton's mobile adaptation of the original PC game, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG). The PUBG intellectual property (IP) has become a significant revenue source for Krafton. The company has been actively expanding the PUBG IP through various game versions, including PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile India. According to Krafton's first-quarter results, revenue from PUBG's PC, console, and mobile IP grew by 14% and 30%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. A Krafton marketing representative at the PUBG Seongsu event stated, "As we celebrate eight years since the launch of PUBG Mobile, we recognize the importance of communicating with long-time players. This offline experience zone was prepared to enhance that communication with our users." Krafton's collaboration with Kia for the 8th anniversary of PUBG Mobile reflects this focus. The PUBG games, including PUBG Mobile, fall under the open-world shooting genre. In PUBG Mobile, players navigate vehicles such as cars, buses, and motorcycles into a shrinking magnetic field, which is a key gameplay element. Krafton has brought this experience outside the game by incorporating vehicles into the offline pop-up. This marks the first collaboration between PUBG Mobile and a domestic automotive brand. The Kia vehicles featured in the offline experience zone include the EV3, EV4, and PV5 models. These vehicles represent Kia's EV lineup and serve as key objects in the collaboration, showcasing vehicle skins from the game. Previously, PUBG Mobile collaborated with global automotive brands like Porsche. This partnership allows Kia to present its electric vehicle lineup to a younger gaming audience, while PUBG Mobile integrates real vehicles into its game world, enhancing the realism of the collaborative content. Located near Ttukseom Station, the Kia Unplugged Ground is designed with a 'combat zone' concept. The layout includes EV landing, item farming, EV4 RC car racing, and a laser battle zone, allowing visitors to experience in-game activities such as parachuting, shooting, and item hunting. Kia's EV3, EV4, PV5 vehicles, RC cars, and parachute figures are arranged like game objects to seamlessly expand the experience of Kia's EV lineup. The pop-up zone at PUBG Seongsu, located about a seven-minute walk away, features a realistic representation of the magnetic field, allowing for an immersive PUBG Mobile experience. It includes a large blue dome air dome, an in-circle challenge, a direct play zone for PUBG Mobile, a puzzle zone (8UZZLE), and a message wall. Visitors to the experience zone enjoyed activities such as navigating obstacles to avoid the magnetic field or test-driving Kia vehicles set up within the air dome. While the Kia Unplugged Ground focuses on in-game content experiences like shooting and farming, PUBG Seongsu emphasizes creating a photo zone where visitors can explore the game environment and take pictures. According to Krafton, the primary user demographic for PUBG Mobile is in their teens and twenties, which is younger compared to the 2030 age group that predominantly plays the PC version of PUBG. The decision to operate an experiential zone in Seongsu reflects the preferences of this younger audience. At the PUBG Seongsu craft zone, users could create maps directly on their smartphones. In the actual PUBG Mobile game, players can create their own maps, a feature that was not available at the game's launch in 2018 but has been introduced by Krafton to enhance user-generated content (UGC) for long-term engagement. A representative at the site explained, "As the service period for PUBG Mobile has extended, we have attempted to expand the in-game experience through UGC content." A Krafton spokesperson stated, "This collaboration is designed to allow users to experience PUBG Mobile not only through in-game content but also through community events and offline pop-ups. We hope that users will continue to engage with PUBG Mobile through these immersive experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 18:01:52
  • Koreas Small Business Agency Partners with POSCO for Supply Chain Support
    Korea's Small Business Agency Partners with POSCO for Supply Chain Support The Korea Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Agency (KOSME) has established a supply chain cooperation system with POSCO and will provide production funds to small businesses in the steel and secondary battery sectors. KOSME announced on May 21 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with POSCO, POSCO Future M, N2B, and POSCO HY Clean Metal at POSCO's headquarters in Pohang. About 20 officials attended the signing ceremony, including Ban Jeong-sik, KOSME's Director of Regional Innovation; Lee Seung-ki, Head of Equipment and Material Purchasing at POSCO; Jo Eun-gu, Head of Purchasing Contracts at POSCO Future M; Yoon Jin-soo, Head of Equipment Purchasing at N2B; and Park Ji-yoon, Head of Management Support at POSCO HY Clean Metal. This agreement aims to strengthen the cooperative framework with small businesses amid increasing global supply chain uncertainties in the steel and secondary battery industries. Major affiliates of the POSCO Group are participating jointly for the first time. The key elements of the agreement include: support for cooperative small businesses through the Cooperative Growth Network Loan; recommendations for outstanding companies and linkage with policy projects; expanded information exchange in industrial fields; and the establishment of a cooperative system to enhance supply chain competitiveness. Currently, approximately 90 companies are participating in the Cooperative Growth Network Loan program, which is in its third year. KOSME plans to expand participation from major corporate groups to broaden support for small businesses and actively respond to global supply chain restructuring. The Cooperative Growth Network Loan is designed to foster a collaborative ecosystem between large and small businesses. When a large or mid-sized company that has signed an agreement with KOSME recommends a small business, KOSME prioritizes providing low-interest production funds based on the order. This financial product supports up to 80% of the order amount as short-term funding within 365 days. Ban Jeong-sik, KOSME's Director of Regional Innovation, stated, "This agreement with the POSCO Group, which leads the domestic steel and secondary battery industries, will serve as a meaningful example of cooperation between large and small businesses. We will lead stable funding for cooperative small businesses and the stability of various industrial supply chains through the expansion of the Cooperative Growth Network Loan support."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 17:58:54
  • NongHyup Accepts Direct Election for Members, Maintains Stance on Audit Committee
    NongHyup Accepts Direct Election for Members, Maintains Stance on Audit Committee The NongHyup (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation) has announced its acceptance of a direct election system for its members as part of ongoing reforms, which also include the establishment of an audit committee. However, the organization maintains that the audit committee will serve to enhance internal auditing functions. Kang Ho-dong, Chairman of NongHyup, made this announcement on May 21 during a statement titled 'A Letter to Agricultural Members and the Public' at the NongHyup headquarters. This followed an emergency meeting of the joint emergency response committee, attended by over 60 members, including the committee chair, committee members, and executives from across NongHyup. Kang stated, "We will actively accept the direct election system with an open mind and a sense of responsibility," adding that NongHyup recognizes the need for a more democratic and accountable electoral system. However, he expressed concerns about potential regional conflicts, politicization of NongHyup, and the adverse effects of money-driven elections that could arise from implementing the direct election system. He emphasized the urgent need for institutional support, such as a public election system, to mitigate excessive election costs, which could reduce funding for member support. Regarding the establishment of the audit committee, Kang voiced apprehension, stating, "There are concerns that overlapping regulations and increased personnel and operational costs could undermine the overall autonomy and stability of management." He asserted that NongHyup would thoroughly enhance its internal auditing functions and seek effective measures that align with public expectations, while also engaging in public discussions involving academia, farmers' organizations, and stakeholders. Kang also indicated that improvements in governance and fairness in executive nominations would be addressed internally. He pledged to implement 13 self-innovation tasks recommended by the NongHyup Reform Committee to create tangible changes that agricultural members and the public can feel. The NongHyup Reform Committee serves as an official forum for discussions on structural reforms and improvements within NongHyup. Kang positioned NongHyup as a partner in the government's push for agricultural policy transformation, stating, "We will introduce a basic income for farmers and fishermen, expand solar income villages, and innovate agricultural product distribution, while also addressing labor shortages in rural areas to bring hope to agriculture and rural communities." He further committed to investing 93 trillion won in productive finance and 15 trillion won in inclusive finance over the next five years to support economic growth and assist low-income households. He also announced plans to expand the number of subsidized smart farms, which cover 75% of project costs, to 2,000 locations to establish a profitable agricultural foundation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 17:57:00
  • Safety Concerns Rise Amid Ongoing Deep Underground Construction Issues
    Safety Concerns Rise Amid Ongoing Deep Underground Construction Issues Concerns over safety have intensified following the discovery of rebar omissions in the GTX-A line construction and repeated ground subsidence near the Naeseong Underpass in Busan, which opened just three months ago. Both construction sites involve deep underground work, with depths exceeding 40 meters. As urban congestion increases, the frequency of deep underground projects has risen, yet the regulatory framework has not kept pace with international standards. As of May 21, the construction progress of the Yeongdong-daero underground complex development project is at 57.91%. This large-scale underground infrastructure project has a total budget of 1.7 trillion won. Errors in construction were identified late at the Samsung Station site, where rebar omissions were confirmed on the fifth underground level. Out of 218 columns in the entire platform, 80 were found to be missing rebar, with 50 of those failing to meet design standards. The primary rebar was supposed to be installed in two rows but was incorrectly placed in one. The issue is compounded by the fact that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport only confirmed the omissions last month, despite Hyundai Engineering's initial report to the Seoul city government in November. The city explained the delay by stating, "We finalized the reinforcement plan in April after checking the applicability on-site." The city reported the issue to the Korea National Railway Authority six times, but the authority claimed it was not fully aware of the situation. An official stated, "While some related information was included in the reports by section, it was not considered a separate report." The GTX-A Samsung Station section is being constructed under the authority's oversight. In Busan, ground subsidence has occurred multiple times at the entrance of the Naeseong Underpass within a month. The city is investigating the possibility of inadequate backfilling after deep underground construction using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) but has not found any direct signs of abnormalities. Concerns about construction errors and insufficient post-construction management are being raised simultaneously. Experts point out that the current regulatory gaps are increasing the risk of accidents. The Seoul Institute published a report in September 2022, stating, "There is a general absence of regulations and standards related to deep underground construction." Since the GTX project began, the demand for underground urban rail and deep roads has surged due to a lack of available land and challenges in expanding surface infrastructure, making deep underground utilization an unavoidable choice. However, legal and regulatory frameworks remain in their infancy. A special law on deep underground construction proposed in 2020, which included penalties for safety and environmental violations, was not passed and has since been discarded. Currently, related laws are scattered, with only partial adherence to the Integrated Development of Underground Railways Act and the Underground Safety Act. Deep underground construction occurs at much greater depths than typical underground projects, necessitating a more precise approach due to varying ground conditions, groundwater flow, and hydrogeological characteristics. However, existing underground environmental impact assessments and safety management plans are primarily designed to prevent ground subsidence and do not adequately reflect the characteristics of deep underground construction. Comparing with international practices highlights a significant gap. Japan enacted the "Special Measures Law on Public Use of Deep Underground" in 2000, establishing systematic standards. During the construction of the Tokyo Outer Ring Road, they implemented a system for public disclosure of progress and long-term safety monitoring. The Seoul Institute recommends that project owners regularly check whether monitoring plans established during the design phase are being implemented as intended on-site, and take corrective actions as necessary. Suggested measures include establishing a real-time monitoring data sharing system, regular verification by third-party experts, and the introduction of a resident participation monitoring committee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 17:54:30
  • CJ Olive Young to open first US store in Pasadena next week
    CJ Olive Young to open first US store in Pasadena next week SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - CJ Olive Young is set to open its first U.S. store next week, tapping into the world's largest beauty market. Located on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena's main shopping district in California, the store is scheduled to open on May 29, along with the launch of its U.S.-only online mall. The South Korean version of America's multi-brand beauty retailer Sephora will carry more than 5,000 beauty products from about 400 health and cosmetics brands. More than 80 percent of them will be South Korean brands. Facing stiff competition from local rivals and global brands including Apple, Lululemon, and Tiffany & Co., it will refresh its product lineup and store layouts as often as every two weeks to keep pace with fast-changing trends. The sprawling single-story store, covering 803 square meters, will also have an in-store space where customers can test devices, receive free skin consultations, and get personalized tips. Separately, its U.S. online store will be run through a new logistics center in Bloomington, California, which was built in March and is expected to cut delivery times from five to seven days to three to five days, while also reducing shipping costs compared with international delivery. "We will introduce South Korean beauty products to local customers including those unfamiliar with them, in a market long dominated by a handful of large foreign brands," said Olive Young CEO Lee Sun-jung. 2026-05-21 17:53:26