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Starbucks Considers Selling Its Profitable Japanese Operations Starbucks is reportedly considering the sale of its Japanese operations, which have been a stable source of revenue. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on June 14 that the U.S.-based Starbucks has begun reviewing the potential sale of its Japanese subsidiary, Starbucks Coffee Japan. The Japanese subsidiary generates annual sales exceeding 340 billion yen (approximately $3.24 billion) and operating profits of over 22 billion yen (about $210 million), placing it among the top performers in Japan's restaurant industry. However, analysts suggest that given the management environment surrounding the U.S. headquarters, a reassessment of capital structure is a viable option. Earlier this year, Starbucks sold a 60% stake in its Chinese operations to a local fund, responding to a slowdown in growth in the Chinese market by shifting to a locally-led restructuring. While the Japanese business remains profitable, the declining population suggests it may not offer the same growth potential as the Chinese market. This has led to speculation that the U.S. headquarters may seek to secure funds through a stake sale while the value of the Japanese operations is high, prioritizing the reinvestment into stabilizing its U.S. business. Nikkei noted that the success of Starbucks in Japan can be attributed to the Japanese subsidiary's adherence to the founding management philosophy and operational methods that the U.S. headquarters has seemingly forgotten. The newspaper explained that the Japanese subsidiary conducts extensive training for part-time employees, ensuring a customer-focused service approach. It also emphasizes individual store operations and community engagement, which are hallmarks of Starbucks' unique management style. Nikkei remarked, "It is ironic that the U.S. headquarters, struggling to maintain its 'worldview' in a U.S. market made challenging by intensified inflation, is considering the sale of its Japanese subsidiary, which has diligently realized its management philosophy with careful operations at a wage level of around 1,000 yen per hour." Looking ahead, the focus will be on the method of sale. Options being discussed include retaining a minority stake to maintain some level of involvement, similar to the approach taken in China, or selling the entire stake. An initial public offering (IPO) is also reportedly among the options, but no final decision has been made yet.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-14 13:57:00 -
Lotte Biologics Completes Production Facility in Songdo, Boosting Capacity to 160,000 Liters Lotte Biologics has completed its biopharmaceutical production facility in Songdo International City, Incheon. On June 14, the city of Incheon announced that Lotte Biologics has finished construction on its first factory at the Songdo Bio Campus and has applied for operational approval from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority. The company began construction in July 2024 on a site in Block Ki20 of Songdo's 11th district, creating a facility with a production capacity of 120,000 liters. To meet customer demand, Lotte Biologics has incorporated a 15,000-liter bioreactor. With this new facility, Lotte Biologics has increased its total production capacity to 160,000 liters, including the 40,000-liter facility it acquired in Syracuse, New York. If plans proceed as scheduled, the company aims to establish two additional factories of the same size in Songdo, which would bring total production capacity to 400,000 liters. The company is providing stable services from cell line development to global contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) based on its Syracuse Bio Campus. A representative from Lotte Biologics stated, "We will enhance our CDMO competitiveness by operating dual sites connecting Syracuse and Songdo."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-14 13:54:00 -
Dongwon F&B Launches Second Plant in Jincheon as Global Protein Production Hub Dongwon F&B announced on June 14 that it has officially commenced operations at its newly completed Jincheon Second Plant in Gwanghye-won, Jincheon County, North Chungcheong Province. The facility, which cost 140 billion won to build, spans approximately 8,000 pyeong (26,446 square meters) with a construction area of 4,400 pyeong (14,545 square meters) and features two floors of advanced production capabilities. With this new plant, Dongwon F&B has established the 'Protein Nexus' production platform, which will complement its existing meat processing operations at the Jincheon First Plant, including products like Licham and Grilly. The second plant will focus on producing premium fish cakes and imitation crab meat, as well as ready-to-eat meals such as fried rice and chicken. The Jincheon Second Plant aims to produce premium fish cakes and imitation crab meat with over 80% fish content. Advanced equipment has been introduced to enhance quality, including texture and yield. The plant has a daily production capacity of 40 tons, equivalent to about 130,000 units. Dongwon F&B plans to utilize the second plant as a global export hub, targeting markets in Japan and China for skewered fish cakes and other products in high demand overseas. Ready-to-eat meals like frozen fried rice and chicken will be introduced to the U.S. and European markets. In the second half of the year, the company plans to expand its exports by launching additional products, including rice balls and pot rice. The company aims to achieve annual sales of 300 billion won from the Jincheon Second Plant by 2030, with exports accounting for over 30% of that total. A Dongwon F&B representative stated, "The Jincheon Second Plant is a key production base to respond to the rapidly growing global protein food market. We will expand our presence in the global market by promoting differentiated K-food products such as premium fish cakes, imitation crab meat, pot rice, and chicken." Dongwon F&B operates production facilities in 13 regions across South Korea, including Jincheon in North Chungcheong Province, Seongnam, Yeoncheon, Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province, Cheongju and Goesan in North Chungcheong Province, Asan and Cheonan in South Chungcheong Province, Jeongeup and Wanju in North Jeolla Province, and Gangjin and Gwangju. These facilities produce a wide range of products, from meat processing and ready-to-eat meals to seasoned seaweed, bottled water, dairy products, and red ginseng.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-14 13:51:00 -
Scotland Secures 1-0 Victory Over Haiti, First World Cup Win in 36 Years Scotland returned to the World Cup stage after 28 years and celebrated its first victory in the tournament in 36 years. On June 14, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opening match of Group C at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, held at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts. Earlier in the same group, Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw, allowing Scotland to take the lead in Group C with three points. Scotland's last World Cup appearance was in 1998, and their last win came during the group stage of the 1990 Italy World Cup, where they triumphed over Sweden 2-1. In contrast, Haiti, returning to the World Cup for the first time since the 1974 West Germany tournament, faced defeat in their opening match. Scotland had an early opportunity in the 17th minute when Scott McTominay's shot hit the post. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Che Adams' shot was blocked by Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide, but the ball fell to John McGinn, who scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area. The ball deflected off Haiti defender Jean-Charles Belgaud's foot and into the net. This goal was significant for McGinn, marking his first goal in 13 international matches since November 2024. At 31 years and 238 days old, he became Scotland's oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Kenny Dalglish, who scored at 31 years and 103 days during the 1982 Spain World Cup. Haiti did not back down, recording 54% possession and outshooting Scotland 15 to 9. In the closing moments of the match, Wilson Isidor connected with a cross from Rubén Providence, and in the 85th minute, Franzdy Pierrot headed a cross from Karlen Arcus, but both attempts missed the target. Scotland focused on defense in the final minutes, maintaining their one-goal lead and successfully fending off Haiti's attacks, securing the victory until the final whistle. 2026-06-14 13:42:00 -
HD Hyundai Launches Development of Eco-Friendly Offshore Wind Support Vessels HD Hyundai is moving beyond the development of next-generation eco-friendly vessels to focus on the domestic production of eco-friendly offshore wind support vessels (SOVs). According to industry sources, HD Korean Shipbuilding, the intermediate holding company of HD Hyundai's shipbuilding division, recently signed a mutual cooperation agreement with MARCON LC, a company specializing in marine engineering and offshore consulting, to jointly develop Korean-style offshore wind support vessels. SOVs are vessels that assist in the maintenance and repair of offshore wind turbines. They provide accommodations and workspaces for workers, serving as a maintenance hub within offshore wind farms. As offshore wind farms expand into more distant waters, the importance of SOVs has increased. When wind farms are located offshore, travel times lengthen, and access can be restricted during adverse weather, making it more efficient for workers to stay at sea to perform maintenance and repair tasks. Under this agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the joint development of eco-friendly SOVs optimized for the operational environment of domestic offshore wind farms, while also pursuing basic certification (AiP) from the Korean Register (KR). To achieve this, HD Korean Shipbuilding will focus on developing key technologies, including eco-friendly propulsion systems, energy storage systems (ESS) for vessels, and electrification and hybrid propulsion technologies. Specifically, they plan to gradually expand the application of eco-friendly propulsion solutions, establish cooperative frameworks with domestic small and medium-sized shipyards, and promote the localization of offshore wind support vessels and equipment. MARCON will play a crucial role in the design, construction, and commercialization of the vessels, leveraging its expertise in building marine support vessels and its operational experience in offshore wind maintenance and repair infrastructure. The two companies plan to expand their collaboration to cover all aspects of offshore wind operation and maintenance vessels. An official from HD Korean Shipbuilding stated, "Eco-friendly SOVs are a key infrastructure for the stable operation of the offshore wind market. We will develop Korean-style SOVs based on excellent eco-friendly propulsion technologies, strengthening our efforts to penetrate the global market." Meanwhile, HD Korean Shipbuilding is also accelerating its digital transformation. Following the delivery of the world's first vessel equipped with an AI-based automation system, the company is now focusing on enhancing autonomous navigation technology and developing hydrogen fuel cell systems to secure a competitive edge in the future marine mobility market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-14 13:33:00 -
AI Welding and Robotic Dogs: A Breakthrough for the Manufacturing Industry "When manufacturing 'lugs,' which are essential for moving ship blocks, six workers could produce about 100 units a day by hand. Recognizing that this is the only product that can be mass-produced in shipyards, we established an autonomous manufacturing system where robots create lugs without human intervention, significantly enhancing productivity. The need for artificial intelligence (AI) is growing to maintain competitiveness and increase productivity," said Yoon Dae-kyu, an executive at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. As domestic manufacturing faces challenges from intensified price competition from China, a labor shortage due to an aging workforce, and a global supply chain reshuffle, AI is paving the way for solutions. The transition to manufacturing AI (M.AX) is becoming a necessity rather than an option. During a meeting on June 12 at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' medium-sized shipbuilding division in Ulsan, Yoon noted that industrial robots were continuously welding and producing or recycling lugs, which are essential components in ship manufacturing. Lugs connect blocks to lifting equipment when cranes lift or move ship blocks. They are produced in various specifications but are used in large quantities throughout the shipbuilding process, necessitating a production system that can supply diverse lugs promptly. Additionally, since lugs can be reused two to three times, a recycling and management system is essential. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has established a lug autonomous manufacturing system based on eight industrial robots and two autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This system has transitioned from a manual welding-based production method to an unmanned production system, enhancing the continuity and stability of the production flow, according to Yoon. Production efficiency has also improved. Since implementing the lug autonomous manufacturing system, production has increased by 87.5%. The automation equipment performs repetitive tasks reliably, boosting production efficiency and allowing for flexible supply of various lugs. Variability due to worker skill levels has decreased, reducing the physical strain on workers and minimizing the risk of industrial accidents. The use of collaborative robots is also increasing on-site. In the second shipbuilding plant, welding collaborative robots are utilized during the assembly process of flat blocks. Previously, repetitive welding tasks in confined spaces posed significant risks and discomfort for workers, increasing the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders. The collaborative robots, which incorporate the expertise of skilled workers, are performing the work of two experienced operators with 5 to 10 years of experience each, resulting in a productivity increase of about 70%, according to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Looking ahead, the challenge lies in developing non-standard AI technologies. Yoon stated, "Currently, we can handle standard parts to some extent, but non-standard parts vary by design and product. We are developing humanoids that can be used in the shipbuilding dock, utilizing AI not only for components inside the ship but also externally." M.AX is also being utilized in the steel industry. POSCO is implementing autonomous robot technology for predictive maintenance and high-risk tasks in steel production. Predictive maintenance involves collecting data and using AI to monitor the condition of machinery in real-time, predicting failure points. A notable example is the use of Boston Dynamics' Spot robot to inspect wind boxes in the second blast furnace at the Pohang Steelworks. Inspecting the external temperature and gas leaks of the 30 wind boxes is crucial, but periodic checks have been challenging due to the limited number of workers managing the entire furnace. The extreme heat exceeding 1,100 degrees poses risks of burns and gas exposure for workers. To address this, the company is deploying robotic dogs to inspect the wind boxes based on accumulated data. This allows for real-time monitoring through anomaly detection capabilities derived from data analysis. The continuously gathered data has also enabled the implementation of monitoring functions based on digital twin technology. AI is expected to be utilized for inspecting rollers on belt conveyors and manual steelwork. By detecting anomalies based on voice data from the belt conveyor, robots can be deployed for replacements. The plan is to minimize the involvement of workers in high-risk areas by having humanoid robots perform tasks near molten metal. The technologies developed through this initiative are expected to be applicable in similar industries in the future. Choi Yong-jun, a researcher at POSCO, stated, "After enhancing the diagnostic performance of key equipment, we will expand robot demonstrations and plan to create an integrated platform for predictive maintenance packages to facilitate technology transfer." 2026-06-14 13:33:00 -
EcoPro Aims to Regain Leadership in Battery Market with AI-Driven Dark Factory Song Ho-jun, CEO of EcoPro, stated that South Korea's secondary battery industry, which once held a leading position globally, has recently fallen behind due to fierce competition from China. He emphasized that the company plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to regain its competitive edge against Chinese rivals. During a meeting with reporters from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on June 11 at EcoPro's Pohang campus, Song remarked, "The secondary battery industry is not led by a few geniuses but by many excellent material and process developers working together to optimize processes." He noted that China is rapidly producing results by heavily investing in battery-related personnel. He added, "I believe AI is the best solution to respond to this challenge. It can replace the work of dozens of people and minimize trial and error." He stressed the importance of both corporate and government efforts to enhance the national competitiveness of South Korea's secondary battery sector. This shift comes as the cathode materials market has evolved. Cathode materials are crucial components that determine the capacity and voltage of batteries by releasing or absorbing lithium ions during charging and discharging. EcoPro's market share in the nickel-cobalt-manganese cathode materials sector dropped from first place in 2023 to sixth in 2024. China is leveraging its cost competitiveness and a supply chain that extends from mining to cathode materials. South Korea currently faces disadvantages in terms of initial investment costs and operational expenses. EcoPro believes that enhancing productivity through AI-based autonomous operations is essential to address these challenges. EcoPro's subsidiary, EcoPro BM, is developing an AI-driven autonomous manufacturing system aimed at improving the quality prediction and productivity of battery electrode materials. The goal is to establish an innovative autonomous manufacturing line that reduces processing costs by 30% and achieves 50% automation in administrative tasks. To achieve this, the company plans to implement automated planning, production progress management, anomaly detection, and autonomous actions based on an AI Integrated Control Center (ACC). In terms of quality, AI will autonomously manage raw materials and key recipes. In the equipment sector, the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) will facilitate routine inspections and predictive maintenance of key equipment, while safety and environmental measures will include the use of CCTV and sensors to preemptively address risks. Data is at the core of this initiative. Manufacturing cathode materials involves high-temperature kilns and dust environments, making real-time quality management challenging. EcoPro BM has begun building a data platform to consolidate previously scattered manufacturing data. The ultimate goal is to establish the first dark factory for cathode materials. EcoPro BM aims to create a closed AI system that does not rely on external generative AI, integrating ACC, AMRs, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and humanoids to automate input and packaging processes and achieve manufacturing automation by 2030. Song stated, "We plan to increase EcoPro BM's global market share in the nickel-cobalt-manganese sector from about 5% to 20%. By optimizing autonomous operations based on AI, we aim to secure over 300% productivity compared to China and capture market share." 2026-06-14 13:33:00 -
Trump says Iran deal could be signed Sunday, reopening Hormuz Strait SEOUL, June 14 (AJP)- U.S. President Donald Trump said a peace and nuclear agreement with Iran could be signed as early as Sunday, potentially ending months of conflict in the Middle East and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to global shipping. "The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL," Trump wrote Saturday on Truth Social, describing the prospective agreement as a complete break from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord negotiated under former President Barack Obama. Trump said Iran had agreed to permanently abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and pledged that no U.S. funds would be transferred as part of the arrangement. The announcement marked Trump's strongest indication yet that negotiations are approaching a conclusion after weeks of intermittent talks involving regional mediators and direct contacts between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan, which has played a central mediating role in the negotiations, also signaled that an agreement may be imminent. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X that finalization of the deal was expected within 24 hours and that the accord would likely be signed electronically. He added that technical-level negotiations were expected to begin next week to work through implementation details. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry separately said preparations were underway for a Sunday signing. Iran struck a more cautious tone. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said earlier Saturday that a signing would "not be tomorrow" but acknowledged that an agreement in the coming days remained possible. The emerging accord appears aimed at ending one of the most disruptive geopolitical crises of the year. Since the outbreak of war earlier this year, Iran has restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil trade normally passes. Tehran has required ships to obtain authorization from Iranian authorities and established new oversight mechanisms and transit charges, while the United States responded with restrictions targeting Iranian ports. Although negotiators have not released details of the final text, reopening the strait appears to be one of the central pillars of the agreement. The issue remains highly contentious. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran intended to retain authority over the waterway and described the strait as one of Iran's principal deterrence tools. Washington has repeatedly rejected any arrangement that would leave global shipping vulnerable to future disruptions. Even as optimism grew, tensions remained evident. U.S. Central Command said Saturday that American forces intercepted multiple Iranian one-way attack drones launched toward commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump condemned the attacks as "totally unacceptable," underscoring the fragile nature of the negotiations. Another major unresolved issue involves Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The United States and Israel have insisted that Iran must permanently surrender nuclear materials capable of being used in a weapons program. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and has argued that any remaining enriched material should be diluted domestically rather than removed from the country. Trump reiterated Saturday that Washington would ultimately take possession of what he called "Nuclear Dust" buried beneath Iran's mountainous terrain following earlier U.S. airstrikes. "When all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust ... and downblend and destroy it, whether in Iran, or the United States," Trump wrote. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Trump assured him that any final agreement would include the removal or destruction of Iran's enriched nuclear material. The prospective agreement comes as leaders prepare to gather for the Group of Seven summit in France, where developments in the Middle East are expected to dominate discussions. In a separate post later Saturday, Trump uploaded a photograph from his 2018 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore without explanation, a move that drew attention because it followed his announcement of a possible Iran denuclearization deal and revived memories of his earlier leader-to-leader diplomacy over nuclear weapons. 2026-06-14 13:22:52 -
Fukushima study traces spread of radioactive cesium particles amid discharge disruptions SEOUL, June 14 (AJP) -Researchers have for the first time reconstructed how highly radioactive cesium-rich microparticles released during the Fukushima nuclear disaster spread across northeastern Japan, uncovering a previously hidden contamination pathway that may reshape how future nuclear accidents are assessed. The findings, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, come from an international research team led by scientists from National Taiwan University and the University of Tsukuba. The study focuses on cesium-rich microparticles, or CsMPs — microscopic glass-like particles formed inside the Fukushima Daiichi reactors during the 2011 core meltdowns. Measuring only a few micrometers in diameter, the particles contain highly concentrated radioactive cesium and are largely insoluble in water. Scientists have long considered CsMPs a unique concern because they can remain intact in the environment and potentially become lodged in human lungs if inhaled. While radioactive contamination from Fukushima has been extensively mapped over the past 15 years, the distribution and release mechanism of CsMPs remained poorly understood. To address the gap, researchers analyzed soil samples collected from 100 locations across Fukushima Prefecture before July 2011. Using a quantitative cesium particle method originally developed in 2018, the team measured both the abundance of CsMPs and their contribution to total radioactive contamination. The results revealed substantial regional differences. Researchers found between zero and 52.3 cesium microparticles per gram of soil, while in some locations CsMPs accounted for as much as 61.9 percent of total radioactive cesium contamination. The study showed that contamination patterns from CsMPs differed significantly from those of conventional soluble radioactive cesium. By combining field measurements with atmospheric dispersion simulations generated by Japan's WSPEEDI emergency radiation forecasting system, researchers reconstructed the particles' release and transport history. The team concluded that large quantities of CsMPs were emitted between approximately 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on March 15, 2011, during one of the most critical phases of the Fukushima accident. A radioactive plume carrying the particles moved in a broad clockwise arc from south to southwest and then northwest across Fukushima Prefecture, dispersing contamination over a far wider area than previously recognized. At peak concentrations, researchers estimated that the plume contained up to 4,700 cesium microparticles per cubic meter of air near the plant, with roughly 2,070 particles per cubic meter transported southwestward. The study also found that radioactive materials released after midnight on March 16 contained virtually no cesium microparticles and instead consisted primarily of water-soluble forms of cesium. Rainfall played a crucial role in determining where the particles ultimately accumulated. Areas experiencing precipitation while contaminated plumes passed overhead recorded significantly greater concentrations of CsMPs than would have been predicted from total radiation levels alone. "The findings provide important insights into how radioactive microparticles released during nuclear accidents disperse in the environment," said Satoshi Utsunomiya, a professor at National Taiwan University and the study's corresponding author. He said the research would contribute to future environmental risk assessments and help establish what he described as a new scientific field, "Advanced Radioactive Particle Science." The findings arrive as scrutiny of Fukushima remains intense more than 15 years after the disaster. On Friday, South Korea's government said Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) had temporarily halted the 20th discharge of ALPS-treated water from Fukushima Daiichi for the second time this week after an alarm was triggered during the water transfer process. According to Kim Young Soo, First Vice Minister for Government Policy Coordination, the discharge automatically stopped at approximately 5:04 p.m. Friday while TEPCO investigated the cause. The utility had already suspended the same discharge operation on June 10 following a separate alarm linked to a faulty valve between a treated-water storage tank and a transfer pump. Operations resumed on June 11 after repairs were completed, only to be interrupted again two days later. TEPCO later said no abnormalities were found in the discharge facilities and attributed the latest alarm to a temporary reduction in the volume of seawater used to dilute the treated water before release. The company subsequently resumed operations after confirming the system's safety. Japan began releasing ALPS-treated water from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean in August 2023 as part of the decades-long decommissioning process. 2026-06-14 13:02:35 -
Olive Young Opens Second Store in California to Boost K-Beauty Presence CJ Olive Young is accelerating its entry into the U.S. K-Beauty market with the opening of its second store in California.On June 13, Olive Young announced the launch of its Century City store in Los Angeles. The store spans 250 square meters (approximately 2,700 square feet) and is located in the Westfield Century City, a prominent shopping mall in LA. It is situated just a 5 to 10-minute drive from the affluent Beverly Hills and the luxury shopping district of Rodeo Drive. Within a 10-kilometer radius, there are upscale residential areas such as Bel Air, Brentwood, and Westwood, making it a premium retail location.Reflecting local consumer preferences, the Century City store is designed as a K-Skincare-focused outlet. To cater to the high interest in K-Skincare among American consumers, the skincare product display has been expanded to 1.5 times the size of standard stores in Korea.The opening event was attended by Olive Young employees involved in preparing the Century City location, as well as key local figures. Saul Martinez, the store manager, stated, "All team members have been preparing for the opening by learning about K-Beauty, representing Olive Young."Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Young Yaroslavsky and Nancy Wood, president of the Century City Chamber of Commerce, were also present. Yaroslavsky expressed hope that Olive Young's entry would strengthen cultural exchange and partnerships between the two countries, stating, "The innovative K-Beauty that Olive Young presents will create a new shopping experience at Westfield Century City."Olive Young plans to enhance its store operations and product curation to align with local consumer expectations in the U.S. Similar to its membership benefits in Korea, which extend beyond discounts to include experiential services and partnership events, the company aims to cultivate an 'Olive Young fandom' in the U.S. An Olive Young representative said, "We are preparing various services and events in the U.S. to nurture the Olive Young fandom, localizing store operations, product curation, and promotions to meet American consumer standards."Meanwhile, the first U.S. store in Pasadena opened on May 29. The opening event featured Olive Young CEO Lee Sun-jung and Kwon Ga-eun, head of Olive Young's U.S. subsidiary, along with local employees who performed to BLACKPINK's hit song 'APT.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-14 12:57:00