Journalist

Park Yong-jun
  • Jeong Yu-ra Appeals for Help Amid Mothers Health Crisis
    Jeong Yu-ra Appeals for Help Amid Mother's Health Crisis Jeong Yu-ra, the daughter of Choi Soon-sil, who is currently imprisoned on fraud charges amounting to tens of millions of won, has spoken out about her mother's serious health condition. On May 28, Jeong posted on her Facebook, stating, "(My mother) has weakened during her ten years of imprisonment and is suffering from Cushing's syndrome and sepsis. The doctor said it would not be surprising if she were to experience 'lower limb paralysis' tomorrow." She added, "I applied for a stay of execution, but the designated hospital told me to go to the hospital where the surgery was performed, and that hospital said they wouldn't accept her unless I pay. Is this really a death sentence?" Jeong expressed her frustration, saying, "All the co-defendants in my mother's case have been pardoned, and Samsung has been acquitted, yet my mother is the only one still serving time. I worry if she will survive until the retrial." Furthermore, Jeong stated, "I will manage on my own. I just want help for my mother. In return, I will compensate for her with my own body. I feel so sad that the only thing I can do for my mother is to lower my pride." Jeong also directed her comments toward Ahn Min-seok, a candidate for the Gyeonggi Provincial Education Superintendent, saying, "I have yet to receive compensation from Ahn Min-seok for spreading false information," and she shared a donation account to seek assistance. Earlier, on May 10, Jeong hinted at legal action, stating, "Ahn, the Supreme Court ruling has been finalized, so please give me the compensation. Are you forcing me to take legal action while you campaign for the education superintendent?" Ahn had previously appeared on a broadcast in 2016, amid controversy over Choi being a shadowy figure in the Park Geun-hye administration, claiming, "The money deposited in a Swiss secret account is linked to Choi, and the German prosecution is estimating Choi's assets in Germany, with the money laundering scale reaching trillions of won." Choi subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Ahn for spreading false information. As a result, the Supreme Court confirmed on April 14 that Ahn must pay Choi 20 million won in damages for defamation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:26:00
  • One Year into Lee Jae-myungs Administration: South Korean Film Industry Sees Increased Support but Faces Ongoing Challenges
    One Year into Lee Jae-myung's Administration: South Korean Film Industry Sees Increased Support but Faces Ongoing Challenges One year into Lee Jae-myung's administration, the South Korean film industry is experiencing both signs of recovery and structural challenges. Successful films such as "The King’s Affection," "Salmon," and "Goonch" have emerged, while titles like "Hope" and "Goonch" were invited to the Cannes Film Festival, reaffirming the presence of Korean cinema. However, issues such as the holdback controversy, a decrease in the number of productions, and a lack of trust in the Film Promotion Committee remain unresolved.Over the past year, the government's film policy has focused on crisis response and increased support. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism allocated an additional budget of 65.6 billion won to help revive the stagnant film industry. This funding aims to support mid-budget film production, independent art films, and advanced technology production, injecting capital into a production environment that has been weakened by COVID-19. The distribution of movie discount vouchers to encourage theater attendance has also been implemented.Since May 13, the Ministry and the Film Promotion Committee have distributed 2.25 million movie discount vouchers worth 6,000 won each. This is half of the 4.5 million vouchers secured through the supplementary budget. The vouchers were made available through major multiplex websites and apps, with an additional 2.25 million set to be distributed in July during the summer peak season.Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young highlighted some recovery in the film industry during a press conference marking the first anniversary of Lee's government. He noted that theater attendance increased from 20.82 million in the first quarter to 31.90 million, and the number of films with production budgets exceeding 2 billion won rose from 26 last year to 40 this year. He stated that these indicators suggest that "escaping the film crisis is possible."This year, the box office has indeed shown positive trends. Director Jang Hang-jun's "The King’s Affection" successfully attracted family audiences and fans, while the horror film "Salmon" surpassed its break-even point and established a long-term box office trend. Director Yeon Sang-ho's "Goonch" was invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival and quickly surpassed 2 million viewers domestically. Director Na Hong-jin's "Hope" marked the first Korean film in four years to compete at Cannes, while Director Jeong Joo-ri's "Dora" was also invited to the Directors' Fortnight.However, the success of individual films does not necessarily indicate a full recovery for the industry. The total number of moviegoers, which exceeded 200 million in 2019 before the pandemic, has significantly declined, and the production of mid-sized commercial films continues to be stifled. Concerns are growing that the reduction of mid-budget films, which have traditionally served as a gateway for new directors and actors, is leading to a rigid production ecosystem.In the field, there are ongoing discussions about the direction and execution of government support. The mid-budget film support program has faced criticism for being misaligned with production realities, despite the budget increase. Film and drama productions often take years to complete, but government funding must be utilized within the fiscal year, leading to situations where funds must be returned if additional investment is not secured after selection.Minister Choi is aware of this issue. He previously stated at a meeting of the Cultural Arts Policy Advisory Committee's Film and Video Division that "asking works to be created according to the government budget schedule is a reversal of the order," emphasizing that funding should be provided according to the production cycle that allows for the best works to be made. His remarks align with calls from the field to adjust annual support programs to better match actual production timelines.A major issue facing the film industry is the holdback. Holdback refers to the grace period between a film's theatrical release and its transition to subsequent platforms such as OTT and IPTV. There is ongoing debate between those advocating for the restoration of theatrical value and those arguing that prolonged restrictions on subsequent distribution make it difficult for investors and distributors to recoup their funds.Some government and National Assembly members have discussed limiting OTT releases for a certain period after theatrical premieres to encourage theater attendance. However, investors, distributors, and some film organizations strongly oppose a six-month legislative mandate, arguing that extended delays in transitioning to subsequent platforms would lengthen the period for recouping funds and further stifle production and investment structures.During a press conference marking the first anniversary of the people's sovereignty government, Minister Choi announced the establishment of a 22-member public-private consultative body for the film industry, aiming to reach a conclusion by the end of August. He stated, "We all understand each other. We know each position on the issues. What is now needed is to reach a conclusion, whether it be a gradual or fundamental one."He added, "We are currently in a crisis and difficult times, and while there may be a slight tailwind, the film industry is not yet in a normalized state. I believe all participants in the film industry—production, investment, distribution, and theaters—are united in the sincerity of finding a solution." He also expressed the government's willingness to participate if there is a need for policy and budgetary roles.Distrust surrounding the Film Promotion Committee remains a challenge for the film policies of Lee Jae-myung's first year. At a meeting in Jeonju in April, strong concerns were raised by industry professionals regarding the committee's lack of communication, understanding of current issues, operational methods, and expertise. Some attendees criticized the committee's chair for not adequately listening to industry voices compared to the frequency with which the Minister meets with filmmakers.The distrust in the film industry goes beyond mere communication issues. Complaints have accumulated regarding the committee's failure to adequately represent industry demands during discussions on the normalization of the Gender Equality Center, the imposition of ticket fees, and the budget restoration process. The film industry coalition has criticized the committee for not fulfilling its role as a policy executor, stating that industry professionals are directly persuading the National Assembly during the legislative and budgetary processes.The government has also outlined plans to elevate the K-culture industry as a national growth engine. Minister Choi announced at the press conference that the target size of the K-culture industry would be raised from 300 trillion won to 400 trillion won by 2030. The export target for K-culture is also set to increase from $35 billion to $110 billion. The film industry will inevitably be addressed within this broader K-culture expansion strategy.However, what the film industry demands is not merely an increase in industry size but a restructuring of the distribution framework that allows production, investment, distribution, theaters, and OTT to operate cohesively. Recovery of theater attendance, subsequent platform revenues, and production cost recovery structures must align for mid-budget films and new projects to thrive once again.The film policies of Lee Jae-myung's first year have shown a commitment to crisis response. The supplementary budget allocation, distribution of discount vouchers, expansion of mid-budget film support, and the establishment of a public-private consultative body on holdback have all elevated the stagnant film industry to a policy agenda. However, there are still strong calls for structural reforms following the budgetary infusion.Ultimately, the key to the second year of film policy will be the conclusions and execution capabilities of the consultative body. If discussions on holdback favor one side—whether theaters, investors, distributors, producers, or OTT—conflict is likely to recur. Conversely, if realistic guidelines reflecting changed audience consumption patterns and platform environments are developed, it could mark the starting point for the recovery of Korean cinema.Minister Choi stated, "The first year was a time of running swiftly to meet many people and establish direction. The second year will focus on execution. I will concentrate on practical measures to ensure that we can feel the effectiveness of our policies." The film industry is now at a stage where it awaits not just confirmation of support but also specific institutional improvements and implementation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:22:00
  • Increased Importance of Compliance and Ethical Management in Pharma Industry
    Increased Importance of Compliance and Ethical Management in Pharma Industry Concerns have been raised that the turmoil in the contract sales organization (CSO) management market is undermining trust in the pharmaceutical industry. Some companies have reportedly engaged in questionable contracts, such as compensating CSO commissions later to avoid price reductions by aligning with research and development (R&D) cost ratios. In response, the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) held a workshop to discuss potential improvements.On May 27, the KPBMA hosted the "2026 KPBMA Ethical Management Workshop" at its headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul, aimed at establishing order in drug distribution and strengthening ethical management.The workshop addressed key topics currently affecting the pharmaceutical sector, including drug price reductions, CSO management, and amendments to fair competition regulations.Key presentations included: △ Drug Price Reduction and CSO Risks (Kim Ki-ho, Executive Director of HK Inno.N) △ Interim Report on Strengthening CSO Management and Oversight (Kang Han-cheol, Lee Hwan-beom, Kwon Hyuk-chan, Attorneys at Kim & Chang) △ Compliance Issues Related to Patient Support Programs (Yoo Sung-wook, Kim Hyun-ok, Attorneys at Hwawoo Law Firm).During the event, attorney Lee In-seok shared insights on recent investigations targeting pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the importance of effective management. He stated, "In the future, simply having internal compliance programs, training, and signed pledges will not suffice for immunity. Companies must prepare objective evidence that demonstrates effective management oversight through rational and accurate expenditure reports."The research project aimed at enhancing the CSO management and oversight system was commissioned by the KPBMA to establish distribution order and improve industry transparency, with completion expected by the end of June.The domestic CSO market has faced management challenges, with over 15,000 registered companies since the implementation of a reporting system in October 2024, significantly exceeding initial government estimates. Notably, about 70% of these are identified as sole proprietorships with only one employee.The average commission rate for these companies is reported to be around 37%, with some demanding excessively high rates nearing 50%.KPBMA President Noh Yeon-hong emphasized, "As the importance of compliance and ethical management grows due to changes in drug pricing systems and strengthened CSO management, I hope this serves as an opportunity for companies to review their ethical management systems and enhance their compliance capabilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:22:00
  • Kakao Shares Hit 52-Week Low Amid Union Strike Concerns
    Kakao Shares Hit 52-Week Low Amid Union Strike Concerns Kakao's stock price fell to a 52-week low during trading on concerns over a potential strike by its headquarters union. This decline was compounded by downward revisions of target prices by analysts, dampening investor sentiment. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:12 PM, Kakao shares were trading at 39,250 won, down 1,250 won (-3.09%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 40,000 won and briefly rose to 41,300 won before giving back those gains and dropping to 38,500 won, marking a new 52-week low. The drop in stock price is attributed to the Kakao union's decision to hold a large rally in Pangyo, Seongnam, on June 10, signaling the start of formal collective action. The union reportedly continued mediation discussions with the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission until 11 PM the previous day but failed to reach an agreement. Analysts' adjustments to target prices also appear to have weighed on investor sentiment. Daol Investment & Securities revised its target price for Kakao in a report released today. Daol Investment & Securities stated, "Kakao is in the process of simplifying its governance structure by reducing stakes in non-core subsidiaries," adding that it views the company's focus on core businesses like KakaoTalk and artificial intelligence positively. However, the firm noted, "Building partnerships takes time, and given the large user base, the current phase is focused on enhancing quality," while maintaining a 'buy' rating but slightly lowering its earnings estimates and valuations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:22:00
  • Korean Film Gunchae Surpasses 2 Million Viewers, Eyes Global Success
    Korean Film 'Gunchae' Surpasses 2 Million Viewers, Eyes Global Success Gunchae, the latest film by director Yeon Sang-ho, has surpassed 2 million viewers domestically and is showing promising signs of success in international markets. The film secured overseas distribution rights in 124 countries prior to its release, and in Malaysia, it quickly climbed to the top ranks of all-time Korean film box office hits. With approximately 800,000 viewers remaining to reach its break-even point, there is growing interest in whether Yeon’s K-zombie genre can create a sustainable revenue model through both domestic box office sales and international rights.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, Gunchae recorded a cumulative audience of 2,000,005 by the afternoon of May 25. As of May 26, the total audience count stands at 2,169,097. The film set a record for the fastest 2 million viewers among 2026 releases, surpassing popular films such as The King’s Affection, Salmokji, and Project Hail Mary.Gunchae had a strong opening, achieving the highest box office score of the year on its first day. It continued to break records, reaching 1 million viewers in the shortest time and now 2 million, outpacing the previous record set by the 2025 hit, Zombie Daughter, by one day.From a profitability perspective, Showbox reports that Gunchae's break-even point is approximately 3 million viewers, based on confirmed domestic revenue. With the current cumulative audience of 2,169,097, it has about 800,000 viewers left to reach that threshold. The film has maintained its position at the top of the box office, suggesting that the timeline to reach break-even could be accelerated based on weekend attendance trends.Internationally, the response to Gunchae has been swift. The film was pre-sold to 124 countries before its release. As it prepares for its world premiere in the Midnight Screening section at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, it has already garnered interest from overseas distributors. North American distributor Well Go cited Yeon Sang-ho's proven track record with films like Train to Busan as a key reason for their acquisition, while Taiwanese distributor Movie Cloud highlighted the film's unique portrayal of infected individuals as evolving intelligent beings rather than mere zombies.In Malaysia, Gunchae has shown remarkable early success. Released on May 22, the film grossed 7 million ringgit by May 25. On its third day, it surpassed 5.75 million ringgit, exceeding the final box office total of 5.5 million ringgit for the 2024 film, The Grave. Currently, the top two all-time Korean film box office hits in Malaysia are Yeon Sang-ho's Train to Busan and Peninsula, with Gunchae now joining the ranks, indicating a strong consumer interest in Yeon's zombie universe in the local market.The international rollout continues, with Gunchae opening in Taiwan and Malaysia on May 22, followed by releases in France, Singapore, and the Philippines on May 27, Australia and New Zealand on June 11, and North America on August 28. A release in Japan is also scheduled for 2027. The film's domestic box office revenue, pre-sold rights, and key international market performances are creating a robust financial structure.A Showbox representative stated, "Director Yeon Sang-ho is a well-known creator in international markets. There was significant interest at Cannes, with numerous requests for interviews from foreign media, and the overseas response has been enthusiastic. Distributors in the U.S. and France have also given positive evaluations of the film. Although Malaysia is still in the early stages of release, the rapid box office performance is promising, and we look forward to the reactions from other countries as they release."In an interview, Yeon expressed his relief at the domestic success, stating, "I’m glad. If we reach break-even quickly, I’ll be able to relax, but since the break-even point is 3 million, I think we’ll have more leeway once we surpass that."He also shared his thoughts on audience reactions, saying, "I watched it in 4DX with my daughter yesterday, and it was lively. When I made the film 'Face', I met viewers who engaged deeply, but this time, it definitely felt like a blockbuster with a lively atmosphere. I’m glad to feel that vibe."Regarding the reactions at Cannes, Yeon noted, "The audience at the Cannes Film Festival can’t be considered typical viewers. The festival is a gathering of film enthusiasts and has a celebratory atmosphere, making it hard to gauge general reactions. However, it was nice to meet Korean audiences right after returning from Cannes. It feels like ages ago that Cannes was just last week."Gunchae depicts isolated survivors in a quarantined building facing off against infected individuals that evolve in unpredictable ways due to a mysterious infection. This film is the latest from Yeon Sang-ho, who has expanded the K-zombie genre with Train to Busan and Peninsula, featuring actors Jeon Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, and Kim Shin-rok.With its rapid domestic success, international pre-sales, and strong early performance in Malaysia, Gunchae is being highlighted as a case study in the revenue structure of Korean genre films. As it approaches its break-even point with about 800,000 viewers remaining, there is keen interest in how far Yeon’s K-zombie franchise will extend its success in both domestic and international markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:18:00
  • LS Shares Drop for Second Consecutive Day Following Revised Earnings Report
    LS Shares Drop for Second Consecutive Day Following Revised Earnings Report LS Corp. is experiencing a decline in stock prices for the second consecutive day due to the impact of a revised quarterly report. As of 2:07 PM on May 28, the company’s shares were trading at 458,500 won, down 9.74% (49,500 won) from the previous trading day. This follows an 8.14% drop in the stock market the day before, indicating a continuing downward trend. The recent decline is attributed to a correction in the first-quarter order backlog figures. LS announced on May 27 that it would reissue its quarterly report to correct some calculation errors made in the report submitted on May 15. Following the revision, LS's total order backlog decreased from 18.2681 trillion won to 16.7390 trillion won, a reduction of approximately 1.5291 trillion won. The company stated that this change was due to a simple clerical error. The order backlog is considered a key indicator for predicting future revenue and performance, and the correction has negatively affected investor sentiment. Notably, the stock price had surged in the short term following the previous report due to heightened expectations for orders, leading to a reversal of those gains. Market analysts view this adjustment not as a sign of deteriorating performance or a fundamental issue with the orders themselves, but rather as a temporary decline in confidence and supply-demand instability resulting from the correction process. However, since the order backlog is directly linked to future performance visibility, investors are keen to monitor upcoming disclosures and performance trends to assess the resolution of uncertainties.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:14:00
  • Controversy Arises Over I Am SOLO Cast Dinner Without Kyung-soo and Soon-ja
    Controversy Arises Over 'I Am SOLO' Cast Dinner Without Kyung-soo and Soon-ja A controversy has erupted after the official account of a restaurant franchise posted a photo of the cast from the 31st season of ENA and SBS Plus's 'I Am SOLO' during a dinner gathering, accompanied by an inappropriate caption. On May 28, various online communities shared a post from the restaurant's official account featuring a photo of the 'I Am SOLO' 31st season cast dining together after a live broadcast. Notably, the photo did not include Kyung-soo and Soon-ja. The controversy stemmed from the caption that read, "Thanks for coming, but I’m not thankful..." A user commented, "The owner isn’t thankful for the customers," to which the account responded, "It’s not just that I’m not thankful; I cried this morning." The post quickly spread online, with some users suggesting it was a public jab at specific cast members. This comes amid heightened tensions among the 'I Am SOLO' 31st season cast following Soon-ja's recent revelations and ongoing discussions about group dynamics. Observers noted that the restaurant's official account seemed to be joining the fray of the controversy. Users reacted with comments such as, "Even if they are customers, it's crossing the line for an official account to say that," and, "If they had stayed silent, it would have been better." Others criticized the emotional response from the account, calling it inappropriate and a failure in risk management. Conversely, some defended the account, stating, "It must be tough for those involved," and, "I can imagine how bad the atmosphere was after filming." Others felt the post was meant as a joke but had been blown out of proportion. Meanwhile, the 'I Am SOLO' 31st season continues to face internal conflicts and discussions surrounding group dynamics following Soon-ja's additional disclosures. Previously, Soon-ja claimed she felt psychological pressure during group meetings and chats, and the release of unedited footage has further fueled the online debate. 2026-05-28 14:12:00
  • BTS Concert Sparks Surge in Hotel Prices in Busan; Authorities Launch Inspections
    BTS Concert Sparks Surge in Hotel Prices in Busan; Authorities Launch Inspections The South Korean government is taking action to prevent price gouging and reservation cancellations ahead of the BTS concert scheduled for June in Busan. The National Tax Service and the Fair Trade Commission will conduct special on-site inspections, and businesses found in violation may face severe penalties, including suspension of operations. On May 28, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a task force meeting co-chaired by Vice Minister Kang Gi-ryong and Director Kang Jeong-won of the Tourism Policy Bureau. Authorities are concerned that some hotels in Busan may unilaterally cancel existing reservations or excessively raise accommodation prices as the concert date approaches. There are particular worries about high rates and non-compliance with posted prices at hotels near the concert venue. To alleviate the burden on tourists, the government is securing alternative accommodations, including university dormitories, religious facilities, public training centers, and youth training facilities. So far, around 1,300 alternative lodging options have been secured in Busan and nearby areas like Yangsan and Changwon, with reservations being processed or announced sequentially. Information is available through 'Visit Busan' and the Korea Tourism Organization's 'Visit Korea.' Busan City is encouraging participation from regular-priced hotels through the 'Fair Accommodation Challenge' and is considering options for foreign homestays. The government plans to quickly review and announce measures to increase late-night bus and train services between Busan and Seoul. A multi-agency special inspection will also take place. On May 29 and June 8-9, joint inspections involving the National Tax Service, Fair Trade Commission, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Busan City will focus on price collusion, compliance with posted rates, and hygiene conditions at hotels near the concert venue. Violating establishments will face immediate corrective orders and operational suspensions. Additionally, Busan City will conduct a special investigation until June 15. If unreported lodging operations, non-posted or misleading rates, or violations of hygiene standards are found, criminal charges and administrative penalties will be pursued. The government is also strengthening its consumer complaint reporting system. Reports of reservation cancellations and other issues received through the tourism inconvenience reporting center '1330' or local number '120' will be immediately communicated to local governments for on-site inspections, and relevant information will be shared with the National Tax Service to investigate potential tax evasion. In the long term, the government aims to implement a 'Price Assurance System' to prevent price gouging. Under this system, lodging providers would be required to report and publicly disclose their seasonal rates in advance, with penalties for exceeding reported prices. Unilateral reservation cancellations will also be subject to sanctions, with plans to finalize related legal amendments within the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:10:00
  • Lotteria Launches Season 4 of Young Farmers Circulation Project
    Lotteria Launches Season 4 of Young Farmers Circulation Project Lotteria is expanding its support for young farmers as part of its efforts to strengthen a cooperative supply chain based on domestic agricultural products. On May 28, Lotteria GRS announced the launch of Season 4 of its Young Farmers Circulation Project, which provides logistics support to young farmers in the Chungnam region. The Young Farmers Circulation Project is a social contribution program aimed at helping young farmers settle and engage in agricultural activities. It operates by providing financial assistance and market access to alleviate the burdens faced by young farmers with limited cultivation experience during their initial settlement phase. Since last year, Lotteria has been offering practical support, including agricultural supplies, seedlings, mentoring, and expanded market connections. This year, in light of rising international oil prices increasing transportation costs for agricultural products, the company has also expanded its logistics support. The agricultural products produced by young farmers will undergo processing through partner companies and will be used as ingredients for new menu items at Lotteria in the second half of the year. This arrangement allows young farmers to secure stable supply channels while strengthening Lotteria's domestic raw material supply chain. A Lotteria GRS representative stated, "Creating an environment where young farmers can settle stably is the starting point for a sustainable food industry. We plan to continue expanding a circular structure where young farmers, local communities, and consumers can grow together." Additionally, Lotteria GRS has been recognized for its contributions to building cooperative growth models and giving back to local communities, receiving a commendation from the Minister of SMEs and Startups at last year's 'Large and Small Enterprises Cooperative Growth Awards.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:10:00
  • Hyundai Home Shopping Expands Beauty Store Coasis to Four Locations
    Hyundai Home Shopping Expands Beauty Store 'Coasis' to Four Locations Hyundai Home Shopping is expanding its offline beauty business by opening multiple locations of its beauty store 'Coasis.'On May 28, Hyundai Home Shopping announced that it will open the second Coasis store at Hyundai Department Store in Cheonho on May 29. Next month, the company plans to sequentially open the third and fourth stores at Hyundai Outlet Garden Five and Dongdaemun.Coasis was first introduced in December 2025 at the Hyundai Premium Outlet Space One in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. The first store features over 90% skincare products and is designed with lower display heights to cater to female customers in their 40s and 50s. This approach has attracted an average of more than 2,000 visitors daily, with sales exceeding targets by over 50%.The second store will occupy 61 square meters (approximately 19 pyeong) in the basement level of Hyundai Department Store Cheonho. It will include a new section for international skincare brands to meet the demand for high-performance cosmetics among department store shoppers.The Garden Five store, set to open on June 5, will be 133 square meters (approximately 42 pyeong) and will feature a perfume zone showcasing domestic fragrance products, catering to its customer base of women in their 30s and 40s. The fourth store will open on June 12 on the second floor of Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun, covering 124 square meters (approximately 37 pyeong).Hyundai Home Shopping plans to collaborate with domestic cosmetics brands to increase its exclusive product offerings from the current 30 to 60 by the end of the year. Han Kwang-young, CEO of Hyundai Home Shopping, stated, "We aim to develop each store into a unique beauty landmark that provides distinct enjoyment beyond simple product sales."In the first quarter of this year, Hyundai Home Shopping reported a consolidated operating profit of 65.3 billion won, a 35.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue during the same period was 978.5 billion won, reflecting a 1.9% increase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:08:00