Deputy Minister Lee Byung-kwon stated on August 25, "We will do our utmost to ensure that practical support measures are established through discussions with relevant ministries based on the opinions from the field to normalize the management of Homeplus partners and suppliers."
The deputy minister made these remarks during a meeting with Homeplus partners and suppliers held at the Korea Small Business Agency's metropolitan support center in Yeouido, Seoul.
The meeting took place ten days before the court's decision on Homeplus's rehabilitation status, with representatives from over ten companies, including Chilkab Agricultural Products, MDS, Hans B&F, and Damsot, in attendance. Last month, the court canceled its decision to terminate the rehabilitation process and extended the deadline for the approval of the rehabilitation plan to September 4, which is the legally permitted final deadline.
The deputy minister expressed concern over the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the rehabilitation process, which has lasted nearly a year and a half, stating, "We are expanding support measures through a dedicated task force from relevant agencies following the suspension of operations, but the results appear minimal, prompting us to seek supplementary measures."
On July 15, the government included Homeplus partners and suppliers in the emergency management stabilization fund for small businesses facing temporary operational difficulties. Starting July 27, it began providing emergency management stabilization funds to small and medium-sized enterprises. The Korea Technology Finance Corporation has included Homeplus partners in the emergency management stabilization guarantee program and is supporting the full one-year extension of existing guarantees and the provision of new funds. However, the utilization rate among Homeplus suppliers and partners has been reported to be low.
During the meeting, the partners and suppliers expressed that despite Homeplus reopening and the government's various support measures, they continue to face operational challenges due to unpaid invoices and declining sales. Homeplus, which had temporarily closed 67 stores due to a lack of operating funds, resumed operations on August 13 after securing emergency funds.
Participants emphasized the need for support to expedite Homeplus's normalization, including a temporary easing of regulations on large supermarkets. Lee Young-joo, a representative from Chilkab Agricultural Products, stated, "Regulations related to large supermarkets, such as mandatory holidays and delivery, should be suspended during the rehabilitation period, and Homeplus's commercial receivables should be recognized as collateral for policy funds to help small businesses survive."
The deputy minister assured, "Regardless of the final outcome for Homeplus, the government plans to maintain ongoing interest and support. We will also actively convey the voices from the field to relevant ministries to ensure they are reflected in policies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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