Chong Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, Delivers 2026 New Year’s Address
"Preparations for a Leap Are Complete"
Calls for "Bold Innovation"
Chong Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, stated on the 29th, "2026 will be a year of renewed growth," adding, "We are fully prepared, so let us soar higher once again."
In his New Year’s address, Chairman Chong said, "To achieve a great leap forward, we must endure just as much pain," emphasizing, "The decisive actions taken by Shinsegae Group up to 2025 were preparations for this leap, and now the preparations are complete."
He continued, "For a year of growth in 2026, we must boldly demonstrate the 'nature of the top' through innovation, and we must undertake a 'paradigm shift' that can completely overturn past ways of thinking."
This is a commitment that the strategies executed by Shinsegae-such as Emart beginning to increase the number of stores again from 2025, the department stores establishing unrivaled competitiveness in gourmet and luxury, Emart24 launching stores and products targeting younger customers, and Gmarket embarking on a new journey through collaboration with Alibaba-must lead to tangible results in 2026.
Chairman Chong emphasized 'customers' as the focal point for growth. He said, "It cannot be overstated how important customers are," noting that the world is enthusiastic about K-Food, K-Pop, and K-Fashion, and that Shinsegae’s customers, who enjoy change, are leading the 'K-Lifestyle.' He added, "The fact that the world is paying attention to our customers means that the value of our core business-anticipating and fulfilling what customers want-has increased."
Chairman Chong said, "To grow into a company most loved by customers, we must have the dignity and confidence of a top-tier company," and urged Shinsegae employees to restore the 'nature of the top' as a core attitude they must embody.
He emphasized, "You must not simply improve existing strategies, but change your thinking, set new rules, and reinvent customer needs themselves," adding, "Just as our customers are more than what they were in the past, we too must become more than the Shinsegae of today."
Chairman Chong stated, "When Shinsegae tried something new, we often faced skepticism rather than applause," and encouraged, "Let us continue Shinsegae’s history of overcoming negative perceptions and achieving results each time."
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