Handsome to buy back, cancel W10b in shares; dividend policy to expand

Dividend funding floor raised from 15% to 20% Minimum dividend per share lifted to 800 won Handsome, a fashion company under the Hyundai Department Store Group, is moving to boost shareholder value through a share buyback and cancellation program, while also raising its dividend floor. The company disclosed Friday that it will purchase 653,168 of its own shares on the open market and cancel all of them within the year. The buyback is valued at 10 billion won ($7.24 million), representing about 3.0 percent of its total issued shares. The purchase period runs through Oct. 22. Handsome plans to repeat the 10 billion won buyback and cancellation annually through 2028, making this year's move the first in a three-year shareholder return program. The company is also expanding its dividend policy. It will raise the minimum funding floor for dividends — calculated on a separate-basis operating profit — from 15 percent to 20 percent, and lift the minimum dividend per share from 750 won to 800 won. "We plan to enhance shareholder value through an active three-year shareholder return policy that includes raising the minimum dividend, increasing the dividend funding ratio, and carrying out share buybacks and cancellations," a company official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Hypermarket deregulation stalls seven months on, clouding Homeplus sale

Bill to allow early-morning delivery has cleared zero committee reviews since February Passage this year in doubt as small-business groups push back Sales at the big three hypermarkets fell 4.4 percent annually over five years while online rivals soared Regulatory overhang seen as a deterrent to potential Homeplus buyers Regulations on hypermarkets are back in the spotlight as Homeplus heads to the mergers and acquisitions market, with critics warning that 14 years of restrictions have eroded the offline retail sector and will make it harder to find a new buyer. The government said early this year it would lift the ban on early-morning delivery by hypermarkets, but the discussion has been going around in circles for months. As of Friday, five bills to ease hypermarket operating restrictions — all amendments to the Distribution Industry Development Act — were pending in the 22nd National Assembly, according to industry and political sources. The bill introduced by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Dong-a, which triggered the government's push for deregulation, was referred to the legislation subcommittee of the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Committee on May 19 and has sat there ever since. Four months have passed since the referral with no review in sight. "Opposition from small-business groups is so strong that it is hard to say whether a review will even happen this year, let alone whether a bill could pass," one political source said. The bill would keep existing offline operating restrictions in place while carving out an exception for online delivery, allowing early-morning deliveries during the currently prohibited hours of midnight to 10 a.m. It was introduced in early February on the grounds that the hypermarket operating rules introduced in 2012 — originally meant to protect traditional markets and neighborhood shops — had backfired by benefiting e-commerce companies instead. The ruling party and government agreed on deregulation at a senior party-government consultative meeting held ahead of the bill's introduction. Opposition-party bills also focused on easing the mandatory twice-monthly closure requirement and operating-hour restrictions. Contrary to expectations of smooth bipartisan agreement, small-business groups pushed back and stalled the process. Hypermarket operating regulations have come up repeatedly during Homeplus's corporate rehabilitation proceedings. Critics argue the rules have weakened the industry's competitiveness independently of the management problems caused by its major shareholder. According to a retail sales trend survey by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, combined sales at the three major hypermarkets — E-mart, Lotte Mart and Homeplus — fell an average of 4.4 percent per year from 2020 to 2025. That contrasts sharply with the 12.8 percent average annual growth posted by 11 major online retailers over the same period. This year, hypermarkets have recorded year-on-year declines every month except February. The regulatory environment is likely to act as a further deterrent now that Homeplus has officially put its hypermarket business up for sale. "Even if Homeplus operated 365 days a year, it still would not generate enough to pay off its debts," one retail industry official said. "Who would want to step in when the industry's future looks this bleak?" The government has been quietly canvassing opinion among stakeholders including small-business groups and hypermarket operators, but sentiment is evenly divided. In the meantime, major hypermarket chains are searching for a way forward. Lotte Mart's Zeta Smart Center, which opened in Gangseo-gu, Busan, in August, is a prime example. The company began making deliveries through its own logistics center, which is not subject to the current regulations. Land acquisition and construction alone cost about 200 billion won ($145 million). According to Lotte Mart, order volume in August, the center's first full month of operation, rose about 30 percent from a year earlier. E-mart has also been running early-morning deliveries in the Greater Seoul area and select other regions through its e-commerce affiliate SSG.com and a separate logistics center. In an online survey conducted by Now N Survey from Aug. 28 to Tuesday among 960 adults aged 20 and older, 50.7 percent said they opposed the mandatory closure requirement for hypermarkets, while 34.2 percent supported it and 15.1 percent said it made no difference to them. Choi Cheol, a professor of consumer economics at Sookmyung Women's University, said the mandatory closure and operating-hour restrictions had ultimately added to consumer inconvenience without meaningfully boosting small retailers' sales. "It is time to shift direction — away from regulating hypermarkets and toward support that strengthens the advantages of traditional markets and neighborhood commercial districts," he said.

Sept. 18, 2026

No time difference, no problem: K-food brands gear up for Asian Games boost

Online and offline sales expected to rise during major events Chicken chains, convenience stores roll out discounts and buy-one-get-one deals K-food franchises in Nagoya see chance to raise brand awareness South Korea's food and retail industries are buzzing with anticipation ahead of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, being held in neighboring Japan. With no time difference between the two countries, businesses expect a sales boost every time a marquee event tips off in popular sports such as baseball, soccer and basketball. The Games, held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, run through Oct. 4. The men's national basketball team, chasing its first Asian Games gold medal in 12 years, drew widespread attention after strong offensive showings in the group stage and quarterfinals held before the opening ceremony. The baseball team is gunning for a fifth straight title, while the men's soccer side is seeking a fourth consecutive gold. Star athletes including badminton player An Se-young, swimmers Hwang Sun-woo and Kim Woo-min, and League of Legends player Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) are also chasing records. Chicken franchise chains have launched sports-themed promotional events on their apps to coincide with the Games. bhc is running its "Fighting Korea Cheering Festival" from Sept. 10 through Oct. 4, offering discounts of 1,000 to 5,000 won per order. The campaign also includes guerrilla missions that reward customers with Curinkle exchange vouchers during "big match" games. Kyochon Chicken kicked off its "Kyochon Medal Challenge" on Thursday, running through Oct. 4, awarding points and discount coupons based on the number of medals customers collect with each order. bbq is offering a 4,000-won discount on popular menu items on Fridays and a 5,000-won discount on takeout orders placed in September. Chicken chains have long been among the biggest beneficiaries of international sporting events such as the Olympics and the World Cup. This year, however, both the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics and the FIFA 2026 World Cup in North and Central America were held in time zones far from Korea. In the case of the World Cup, all of the Korean national team's group-stage matches kicked off between 10 and 11 a.m., and the team's early exit in the group stage further limited the sales windfall. "Unlike the World Cup, the Asian Games have no time difference, so we expect delivery and takeout sales to climb alongside in-store sales whenever a major match is on," an official at one chicken franchise said. "With the Korean Baseball Organization postseason also around the corner, the effect of our sports-themed promotions should be amplified." Convenience stores are joining in as well. GS25 will run a buy-one-get-one promotion on three varieties of its Sobaba Chicken throughout the Games, along with discounts of 1,000 to 2,000 won on beer and highball drinks and up to 40 percent off snacks. CU is holding a sale of up to 56 percent off on 70 food items — including alcohol, bar snacks, confectionery and fruit — through the end of September. Seven-Eleven is discounting about 300 items, including chicken, alcohol and ramyun, by up to 55 percent through the end of this month. During the North and Central America World Cup, convenience stores near Gwanghwamun, where fans gathered for street cheering, saw double- and triple-digit sales surges in ready-to-eat meals, snacks and beverages. K-food franchises already operating in Nagoya are also looking forward to the Games, expecting not only a surge in demand during the competition period but also a chance to raise their brand profiles. Dessert brand Yoajeong operates three locations in Sakae and Osu, two of Nagoya's prime commercial districts. K-chicken brands including Nene Chicken and bbq (bbq Olive Chicken Cafe) also have stores in the city. "We expect a large influx of domestic and international tourists and foot traffic during the Games, which should naturally translate into more visitors and greater brand recognition," a Yoajeong official said. "We plan to monitor on-site operations closely to ensure customers can enjoy a comfortable experience at our stores."

Sept. 18, 2026

Black Yak Kids launches 'Lightstep Pro' sneaker kids can put on and take off alone

Black Yak Kids announced Friday the launch of the Lightstep Pro, a functional dial-closure sneaker for children. Building on the lightweight feel and comfort of the Lightstep Fly introduced in the spring-summer season, the new model adds enhanced heel stability. A Twist Control System supports the heel through the ankle to reduce twisting, while a Boa Fit System lets children put on and take off the shoes on their own with a simple dial adjustment. The forefoot features Adapt Foam rebound cushioning to absorb ground impact. A functional outsole provides anti-slip grip, a memory foam insole conforms to the shape of the foot, and CDP Rip Keep mesh fabric improves breathability. The shoe comes in beige and mint and is available in sizes 200 to 250 millimeters.

Sept. 18, 2026

Able C&C CEO vows to make Missha a 100-year brand

CEO speaks at Milano Beauty Week event Able C&C, the operator of beauty brand Missha, said Friday that its CEO Shin Yu-jeong spoke at a side event of Milano Beauty Week 2026. Shin addressed the Orient Trade Beauty Night Club event at the VIU Hotel in Milan on Wednesday (local time), sharing views on the drivers of K-beauty's growth and shifts in the global beauty market with about 400 European beauty industry professionals. Shin cited the high expectations of Korean consumers as a key factor behind K-beauty's rise, explaining that their exacting standards — scrutinizing ingredients, functions, efficacy and skin health — have pushed brands to continuously improve and innovate their products. She also pointed to the Korean perception of makeup as an extension of skincare as another force driving product innovation. As a prime example, she highlighted Missha's BB cream, which combines skincare, makeup and sun protection in a single product. Noting the heritage of the European beauty industry, where brands with more than a century of history exist, Shin said she hopes the Korean beauty sector can produce brands that last just as long while staying true to their core identity. "I will do my best to make Missha one of them," she said. Meanwhile, Able C&C posted record quarterly sales in Europe in the second quarter, with European sales rising 48 percent year on year. Overseas sales grew 38 percent in the same period, expanding their share of total sales to 75 percent.

Sept. 18, 2026

Kimchi made with YouTube show 'Pajimchi Gang' to go on sale Friday

Product developed with YouTube show 'Pajimchi Gang' Series draws 2 million views; live sale set for Friday CJ OnStyle, the shopping platform operated by CJ ENM's commerce division, announced Friday it will launch a kimchi product developed together with the YouTube entertainment show "Pajimchi Gang." "Pajimchi Gang" is a YouTube variety show produced by CJ ENM's entertainment division, featuring members Kim Pung, Chimchakman, Ppanibottle, Gwak Tube and Kid Milli. The show has racked up 2 million cumulative views across its first three episodes, which follow the members developing kimchi recipes alongside Park Mi-hee, a certified kimchi master and head of Domisol Food. Viewership doubled from the second episode onward, when the product development process was shown in full. The kimchi generated buzz well before its official release, with the first round of pre-orders — which opened Sept. 8 — selling out, followed by a second and third allocation that were also quickly depleted. CJ OnStyle will hold a live sale at 6:30 p.m. Friday simultaneously on its TV channel and the "Pajimchi Gang" YouTube channel, with all members of the show appearing on air. The product on offer is a "Family Package" consisting of 2 kilograms of green onion kimchi and 4 kilograms of whole-cabbage kimchi. Items are made to order and produced at a HACCP-certified facility. "By combining the entertainment division's content IP production capabilities with the commerce division's product planning, quality control, broadcasting and sales expertise, we were able to turn an idea from the show into a real product and business," a CJ OnStyle official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

K-accessories brand N.Cat opens first US stores in California

Two company-owned stores open at Southern California shopping malls Ncat, the company behind K-accessories brand N.Cat, announced Friday that it has opened its first and second US stores. Ncat established a local subsidiary, NCAT AMERICA, last year in preparation for a direct entry into the US market. The first store opened Aug. 22 at Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California, while the second is set to open at Brea Mall on Saturday. Both are major shopping destinations in Southern California, and the company said the openings mark a significant step toward breaking into large-scale US retail distribution networks. The first store is an experiential outlet designed to reflect Seoul's shopping culture, offering trendy items — including jewelry, hair accessories and bags — at accessible prices. Customers were already lining up before the doors opened on launch day. Starting next year, Ncat plans to launch a franchise program across the US, aiming to broaden the K-fashion experience among Generation Z and younger consumers. Ncat launched the N.Cat brand in 2008 and began expanding its franchise business in earnest in 2011. It now operates more than 140 stores at home and abroad across 10 countries, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan. "It is significant that we have established a foothold to bring Seoul's trendy sensibility and K-fashion accessories directly to American consumers," said Yang Jin-ho, chief executive of Ncat. "We will use the two California stores as a bridgehead for expanding into the North American market and prove the competitiveness of our K-fashion accessories brand in the United States."

Sept. 18, 2026

Men's fashion mall Flyday draws consumer warning over delayed deliveries, refunds

Korea Consumer Agency says operator is unreachable, making resolution difficult The Korea Consumer Agency on Friday warned consumers to be cautious when using Flyday, a men's fashion online shopping mall, citing an ongoing pattern of delayed deliveries and refunds. According to the agency, consumer inquiries related to Flyday began arriving at the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center in December last year and climbed to 102 cases in the January–August period this year. Of those cases, 83.3 percent, or 85 cases, involved consumers who requested refunds due to delivery delays but were denied cancellations. Contract non-fulfillment accounted for 47 percent of complaints, or 48 cases, while subscription withdrawal issues made up 36.3 percent, or 37 cases. Resolving the complaints has proven difficult because the operator has become unreachable. The unresolved rate for cases filed between January and August stood at 73.5 percent. The agency advised consumers to "exercise caution before making purchases on Flyday and to keep documentation that can prove contract non-fulfillment in preparation for any disputes." It also stressed that consumers should "use credit cards whenever possible when shopping at online malls, and be wary of any mall that accepts only cash payments or offers additional discounts for cash transactions."

Sept. 18, 2026

Kimchi stew tops 9,000 won, bibimbap crosses 10,000 won — but restaurants are disappearing

National average for kimchi stew set meal hits 9,080 won, up 5.1% in a year Hansik restaurant operators down 1.46% as ingredient costs weigh on owners "There's no meat in the kimchi stew. It really is just kimchi. And the stir-fried squid is mostly onions." A worker in his 30s employed in Seoul has started turning to convenience stores to eat, saying the value no longer matches what he pays. His frustration is backed by data. The price of a kimchi stew set meal — one of the most affordable staples of Korean dining out — has crossed 9,000 won. Naengmyeon and bibimbap now cost more than 10,000 won ($7). Even a single roll of kimbap is closing in on 4,000 won. According to the Korea Consumer Agency's price information portal, the national average price of a kimchi stew set meal stood at 9,080 won last month, up 5.1% from 8,639 won in the same month last year. Daejeon was the most expensive city, with an average of 10,600 won. In Seoul, the price reached 8,769 won, up 2.2% from 8,577 won a year earlier — continuing a steady climb that began after prices surpassed the 8,500-won mark in February last year. Some dishes have already broken the 10,000-won barrier. Naengmyeon averaged 10,845 won last month, up 3.4%, while bibimbap came in at 10,314 won, up 2.3%. Kimbap is also approaching the 4,000-won range. In Seoul, a roll averaged 3,869 won, followed by Gwangju at 3,760 won and Gyeonggi Province at 3,759 won. The national average was 3,581 won, up 5.8% from 3,382 won in the same month last year. Meat dishes have also risen. Samgyetang averaged 16,868 won, up 2.4%, while 200 grams of samgyeopsal cost 17,877 won, up 2.5%. While consumers feel the pinch of rising dining costs, the business environment for hansik restaurants is moving in the opposite direction. According to the National Tax Service's national tax statistics portal, the number of hansik restaurant operators nationwide stood at 403,299 in July, down 1.46% from 409,300 in July last year. The figure covers a broad range of establishments — from general Korean restaurants and noodle shops to grills and seafood eateries, as well as neighborhood diners specializing in set meals, stews and soups. Ingredient costs are the single biggest burden on hansik restaurant operators. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute's 2025 survey report on the management conditions of food service businesses, the average ingredient cost for hansik establishments was 11,990 won per meal, higher than the overall restaurant average of 10,377 won. Among 18 food service categories, hansik ranked fifth highest — behind institutional cafeterias, catering and mobile food services, Japanese restaurants, and pizza, burger and sandwich shops. Hansik menus are particularly vulnerable to ingredient price swings because dishes such as kimchi stew, set meals, and soup-and-stew combinations require a wide variety of ingredients. Yet owners cannot easily pass those costs on to customers — raising prices risks driving diners away. The aging of restaurant owners has also been a factor. The average age of hansik restaurant operators is 56.7, higher than the overall food service average of 53.7. "Rising raw material prices are feeding through to consumer prices," said Lee Hong-ju, a professor of consumer economics at Sookmyung Women's University. "For restaurant owners, the burden will only grow heavier going forward."

Sept. 18, 2026

LF's Raum hunts for Japanese designer brands with distinctive vision and craftsmanship

High-potential brands placed in prime zoning each season Mame Kurogouchi spotlighted for 26FW after Akiranaka High-touch strategy weighs materials, finish and design philosophy LF's concept select shop Raum announced Friday that it is strengthening its portfolio by scouting global designer brands with a clear design philosophy and commitment to craftsmanship. Each season, Raum selects high-potential designer brands and places them in its main zone. The strategy links initial buying to sales and repurchase data, feeding results into the following season's lineup. Earlier, Raum introduced Japanese women's designer brand Akiranaka. For the 2026 fall/winter season, it is spotlighting Mame Kurogouchi in the Raum West main zone, where the brand's 2026 FW collection will be on display through Sept. 30. Mame Kurogouchi is a Tokyo-based women's wear brand developed by designer Maiko Kurogouchi, known for textiles, jacquard and embroidery that blend craftsmanship with modern technology. Raum introduced the brand in South Korea during the 2025 FW season. Sales for the 2026 spring/summer season grew 30 percent over the previous season, and more than 80 percent of buyers made repeat purchases. In response, Raum expanded its 2026 FW buying volume by more than 40 percent. The 2026 FW collection, titled "Transparent Landscapes," draws inspiration from mountain scenery and traditional Japanese "wa glass." The season also includes a leather accessories collection developed in collaboration with Japanese leather brand Tsuchiya Kaban. Akiranaka is also building a loyal customer base quickly. Since its debut in the 2024 spring/summer season, more than 70 percent of buyers each season have been repeat customers. The average spend per customer for the 2026 SS season was about 30 percent higher than in 2024 SS. In July, Raum held a 2026 AW collection preview and a VIP styling class to expand the brand's presence. Raum has posted growth for three consecutive years. Sales in the first half of 2026 rose about 53 percent compared with the same period in 2024. Spending by new customers increased 50 percent year on year, while the number of new customers aged 29 and under jumped 120 percent. The shop has also maintained a repurchase rate of 60 to 70 percent over the past three years. "We will continue to discover and nurture global designer brands with the potential to grow into next-generation luxury," an LF official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Daiso partners with Seoul National Cemetery to maintain graves of fallen soldiers

Daiso announced Friday that it has signed a sisterhood agreement with Seoul National Cemetery. Under the agreement, Daiso has been assigned Plot No. 37 at the cemetery, where 843 soldiers killed or who died in the line of duty during the Korean War are interred. The company plans to conduct regular volunteer activities at the site, maintaining and tidying the surrounding grounds. Daiso has volunteered at Seoul National Cemetery every year since 2022 during the month of national patriots and veterans in June. Most recently in June, employees paid their respects at the memorial tower before replacing fresh flowers and cleaning the designated plot. The sisterhood agreement expands those efforts into a regular maintenance commitment. "We will continue to carry out volunteer activities with our employees to honor those who gave their lives for the country and reflect on the meaning of loving our nation," a Daiso official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

New Balance taps Kim Yuna for fall-winter lightweight down campaign

Eland New Balance launches 26FW photo campaign New Balance, operated in South Korea by Eland World, unveiled its 26FW photo campaign featuring brand ambassador Kim Yuna on Friday. The campaign highlights styles suited for wear from the transitional season through winter. The Women's Flying 204 Airy hooded lightweight down jacket combines premium goose down with an ultra-lightweight, high-density 10-denier fabric. The ripstop material features a water-repellent surface treatment and windproof construction. In the campaign shoot, Kim pairs the Women's Flying lightweight down jacket — available in lemon butter and light blue — with the 1880V2 walking shoe. The 1880V2 is built with New Balance's proprietary Fresh Foam X midsole and comes in suede in two colorways: taupe and gray. "Pairing the Women's Flying lightweight down, crafted from an ultra-lightweight high-density fabric, with the stable and comfortable 1880V2 will let you move with ease," an Eland New Balance official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Ottogi teams up with Daegu bakery Samsong on 5 collaborative menu items

Ottogi announced Friday it is teaming up with Samsong Ppangjip to release a lineup of collaborative menu items. Samsong Ppangjip is a leading local bakery brand from Daegu. The collaboration features five items: an aged cream curry croquette made with a curry sauce developed exclusively for Samsong Ppangjip, along with a salad sandwich, a hamburger sandwich, a potato egg sandwich and an onion bread — all made using Ottogi ketchup and mayonnaise. The collaborative menu items will be available at all 16 Samsong Ppangjip directly operated stores from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. "Customers will be able to enjoy the signature products of Samsong Ppangjip and Ottogi in a fresh new way," an Ottogi official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Musinsa to hold Chuseok Big Sale starting Monday

Musinsa announced it will launch its 2026 Chuseok Big Sale starting Monday. The event will open with a Chuseok Brand Week, offering coupons of up to 30 percent off on popular brands. Shoppers who spend 120,000 won ($88) or more will receive an instant 12,000 won discount. The sale will also include a holiday flash sale and a daily used-goods special — items priced at 9,900 won — updated at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Starting at midnight each day, the first 1,000 customers will be eligible for a Musinsa Money giveaway. An open-run lottery at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily will randomly award store credit or coupons, while a Chuseok Special Raffle lets participants enter for 1,000 won for a chance to win prizes including a gold bar and an iPad mini. After the holiday, shoppers can continue to find signature deals and Brand Week products at competitive prices through Oct. 5. A Members Day will run from Oct. 1 to Oct. 5, offering additional perks such as store credit, Musinsa Card rewards and instant discounts.

Sept. 18, 2026

CJ CheilJedang donates food to vulnerable households for chuseok

CJ CheilJedang announced Friday it will donate food to vulnerable residents in North Jeolla Province ahead of chuseok, in partnership with the nonprofit Huimang-eul Nanunun Saramdeul (People Who Share Hope). The drive marks the company's first joint donation effort with the organization. Items to be distributed include soups, porridges, fermented pastes, Spam and olive oil. The goods will reach vulnerable households across North Jeolla Province through Huimang-eul Nanunun Saramdeul and the Jeonbuk Chamjoeun Sarang Nanum Community Service Corps. CJ CheilJedang plans to follow up the North Jeolla drive with a similar effort in South Gyeongsang Province, with a broader goal of expanding food support through the organization's 30 regional hubs nationwide. "We will continue to engage with local communities and extend our care and support to underserved neighbors," a company official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Shinsegae Food partners with TMG Holdings to boost bakery lineup with French butter

Shinsegae Food said Friday it will strengthen its bakery competitiveness using La Conviette, a premium French butter. La Conviette is made by aging fresh cream from the west-central region of France for 18 hours using traditional methods. On Tuesday, Shinsegae Food signed an MOU with TMG Holdings, the domestic importer and distributor of La Conviette, at its headquarters in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The agreement covers premium ingredient sourcing, joint product development and distribution expansion. Shinsegae Food has been developing products using premium ingredients in line with growing consumer demand for quality, flavor and differentiated experiences. Under the partnership, the company will supply bakery items and other proprietary products through TMG Holdings' online and offline retail channels. The two companies will also work together to identify new sales channels by combining Shinsegae Food's business-to-business sales network with TMG Holdings' product sourcing and distribution capabilities. "We will continue to discover premium ingredients and combine our product development and manufacturing capabilities to deliver differentiated bakery products," a Shinsegae Food official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

E-mart offers up to 40% off seafood and produce ahead of Chuseok

Discounts on farm and fishery products in partnership with agriculture, oceans ministries E-mart said it will run a holiday discount campaign through Wednesday in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to ease the burden on shoppers ahead of Chuseok. Seafood used in ancestral rites will be discounted by up to 40 percent. Domestic blanched octopus, Yeonggwang dried yellow croaker and cleaned freshwater eel will all be offered at 40 percent off, while frozen cod fillet and frozen pollock fillet will be 20 percent cheaper. The government has also released stockpiled supplies of key seafood items. Jeju hairtail and squid will be sold under a price-stabilization label at 3,880 won and 3,380 won per piece, respectively. More than 30 categories of fruit, vegetables and Korean beef linked to the government's agricultural product discount support program will also be marked down by up to 40 percent. E-mart's in-house brands Peacock and Jayeonjooeui are also taking part. Customers who spend 25,000 won ($18) or more on Peacock holiday items — including Sunhee's bindaetteok pancakes, assorted jeon and songpyeon rice cakes — will receive a 5,000-won Shinsegae gift voucher. Some items will be 20 percent off when paid with a participating card, and Peacock is also running a buy-two-get-one-free promotion on select product categories. Jayeonjooeui is offering a 2,000-won discount on its Jinsim dongeurangddaeng meatballs and neobiani beef slices when customers accumulate Shinsegae points, and domestic pesticide-free bean sprouts and mung bean sprouts will also be available at special prices. "We have prepared a wide range of discounts — from holiday food items to home appliances — to help ease the burden on shoppers this holiday season," said Jung Woo-jin, E-mart's head of marketing.

Sept. 18, 2026

Shinsegae opens Hyperground store with new brand identity

Pottery, Musinsa Standard among brands targeting shoppers in their 20s and 30s New BI to be unified across domestic and overseas locations, including future pop-ups Shinsegae Department Store opened a Shinsegae Hyperground store at its Cheonan Asan branch on Friday. The store is the first to carry the new brand identity and introduces 20 new brands spanning street fashion and accessories. The lineup includes Pottery, Musinsa Standard, Setter, No Manual, Mark Gonzales and MMLG. Shinsegae selected the brands based on customer data, targeting shoppers in their 20s and 30s. That age group accounted for 42 percent of customers at the Cheonan Asan branch in the first half of this year — about 1.5 times the 28 percent average across all Shinsegae branches. The new brand identity will be rolled out to existing Hyperground stores, including those at Centum City and Daejeon Shinsegae Art&Science, and will also be used at overseas pop-up events. Through Sept. 27, customers who spend 200,000 won or more using a Shinsegae affiliated card will receive 10 percent of their purchase amount back in Shinsegae gift certificates, with the same rate applying to purchases of 400,000 won ($292) or more. "We will continue to discover new brands and deliver differentiated content, drawing on Shinsegae's product planning capabilities and retail expertise," said Jang Su-jin, head of the merchandise division at Shinsegae Department Store.

Sept. 18, 2026

CJ Olive Young launches largest-ever recruitment drive, eyes global talent

31 job categories open; recruitment briefing set for Monday CJ Olive Young announced Friday it is launching its second-half new graduate recruitment drive, the largest in the company's history. The hiring drive covers 31 job categories across general and global tracks. The global track has been expanded and rebranded as the "Global Insight" track, reflecting the growth of the company's overseas K-beauty business. The company has added more global roles and introduced a new design position. Candidates will complete a presentation assignment to be assessed on language proficiency, international experience and problem-solving ability. The general track will recruit for 17 positions, including product planning (MD) and marketing roles. Seven IT positions are also open, covering back-end and front-end development and data architecture. CJ Olive Young's hiring volume last year was more than three times the level recorded in 2021. Over the past five years, people under 30 have accounted for more than 70 percent of all new hires. As of the end of last year, employees under 30 made up 79 percent of the total workforce. A recruitment briefing will be held Monday afternoon at CJ Human Resources Development Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. "We will continue making every effort to help young talent grow into leaders with genuine expertise," a company official said.

Sept. 18, 2026