AI Shopping Revolution: Lotte Hi-Mart Introduces Smart Agent to Enhance Your E-Commerce Experience

[Green Economy News = Reporter Yang Hyun-seok] Pigeon has teamed up with Pokémon Korea to roll out a playful collaboration line. The launch includes a character-designed fabric softener, Super Concentrated Pigeon Cherry Blossom, and a fabric deodorizer spray called Spray Pigeon. Pigeon says it will expand the Pokémon lineup and host events throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Lotte Hi‑Mart is fast-tracking an e-commerce overhaul with the introduction of an AI shopping agent. The update cuts the time and friction customers face when searching and comparing products and makes it easier to find the right item. Over time, the service will evolve into an integrated AI advisor covering the full appliance lifecycle — from purchase and delivery to installation and aftercare.

Also in today’s retail roundup (April 2): Coway’s visually impaired choir, Mulbit Choir, staged a spring busking performance at Cheonggye Plaza. Green Economy News rounded up this and other retail updates.

○.. Pigeon (CEO Lee Ju‑yeon) has launched a Pokémon collaboration line.

Pigeon’s spring-limited Super Concentrated Pigeon Cherry Blossom fabric softener and its Spray Pigeon deodorizer feature beloved Pokémon designs. The Cherry Blossom softener is a seasonal release, styled with cheerful spring visuals and cute Pikachu and Piplup artwork. Pigeon boosted the fragrance intensity to be five times stronger than its standard softener and increased the deodorizing ingredients that reduce odors from indoor drying by fivefold. The formula also leaves a protective coating on fabric to reduce static and help prevent fine dust buildup.

Spray Pigeon comes in three packages that match the characters’ colors: Pink Rose pairs with Jigglypuff; Yellow Mimosa features Pikachu; and Blue Bianca highlights Munchlax. The spray passed deodorization testing at the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) and delivers a rich fragrance. Pigeon also completed a skin low-irritation assessment through a certified safety and efficacy agency, so the product is safe for everyday use.

A Pigeon spokesperson said, “We added familiar characters to practical products so people can enjoy small, daily pleasures. Collaborating with globally loved Pokémon characters should boost brand affinity and help us connect with younger shoppers.”

○.. Lotte Hi‑Mart (CEO Nam Chang‑hee) is rolling out an AI shopping agent as the first step in modernizing its e-commerce platform. The redesign reduces the time and hassle of searching and comparing products and helps shoppers discover items more intuitively. Moving away from a search-only model, Lotte Hi‑Mart’s plan is to let AI interpret customer questions and surface the right information.

On April 2, open beta testing began for HAVI, Lotte Hi‑Mart’s AI shopping agent. Instead of typing search queries, customers can chat with HAVI like a salesperson: ask a question, get product matches, compare options, and receive recommendations. HAVI understands conversational context, so shoppers don’t need to enter multiple filters or break up their requirements.

A navigation bar placed at the bottom of the screen lets customers summon HAVI instantly from any page. That design removes extra browsing steps so users can jump straight into conversational shopping.

HAVI analyzes a user’s intent, organizes the necessary conditions, and suggests products that match. This shortens search time and helps customers find what they want faster. Users can add recommended items to their cart and move to checkout right away.

The main goal is to solve common decision points that arise when buying appliances and to offer tailored recommendations. Lotte Hi‑Mart plans to keep advancing HAVI toward hyper-personalized services that proactively support customers’ needs.

Appliances are typically high-consideration purchases: they’re costly and used for many years, so buyers research specs and options carefully. Large appliances can face post-purchase installation issues if details were overlooked, and IT appliances need the right specs for the intended use — so expert guidance is valuable.

In the open beta starting this month, HAVI will provide clear explanations of product dimensions, intended use, and detailed specs to recommend the best fits and minimize shoppers’ inconvenience.

For example, if a customer asks, “Recommend a refrigerator for a newlywed home,” HAVI won’t just list products. It will consider the newlywed household profile and weigh price, capacity, brand, and usage environment to shortlist suitable models. If the user asks to see “cheaper options” or “larger capacity,” HAVI will keep the original context and reorder the results. It also summarizes each recommendation’s key features and why it’s a fit, reducing the time customers spend comparing options.

Lotte Hi‑Mart will continue refining HAVI by incorporating product data and more than 1 million service records from repair and cleaning Care services. The company expects to formally launch HAVI in the second half of the year after further development.

Park Kyung‑seok, head of Lotte Hi‑Mart’s IT & AI division, said, “HAVI is focused on sharpening consultation capabilities so customers can find and choose appliances faster and easier. With this open beta, we’ll keep improving HAVI to deliver hyper‑personalized recommendations and services as a specialist appliance e‑commerce platform.”

○.. Coway (CEO Seo Jang‑won) brought its visually impaired choir, Mulbit Choir, to Cheonggye Plaza for a spring outdoor busking performance.

The midday event was planned to give city visitors and nearby office workers a musical break and a chance to relax during busy days.

The seven-song set featured spring-friendly hits like “Cherry Blossom Ending” (Busker Busker) and “Where the Wind Blows” (Kim Kwang‑seok), along with familiar crowd-pleasers such as “Don’t Worry” (Jeon In‑kwon) and “If You Live in This World” (Lee Moon‑se). The varied lineup earned warm responses from the audience.

A passerby said, “I stumbled upon the performance at lunch. Hearing familiar songs as a choir was a lovely surprise. It’s great to catch this kind of show in the city.”

A Coway representative said, “We organized this busking event so citizens can enjoy arts in the city and take a moment to unwind. We’ll keep staging regular concerts and diverse performances to raise disability awareness and broaden access to culture.”

○.. Lotte appointed Kim Min‑soo as the new director of the Lotte Human Resources Development Institute. Kim has over 25 years of experience as an HR consultant, with deep expertise in talent development and all HR functions.

Kim has worked at EY Consulting, Accenture, and Nemo Partners as an HR consultant. Since 2016, he served as partner for HR strategy and digital transformation at EY Consulting, leading projects with major Korean firms.

Kim will refine Lotte’s job-based HR talent system and lead initiatives to strengthen employees’ AI skills and modernize work methods.

○.. Shinsegae Department Store is rolling out promotions to attract foreign shoppers.

Through April 12, Shinsegae is hosting a Global Shopping Festa focused on sports and outdoor brands for international customers.

The event features 61 brands, including K2, Fjällräven, and FILA. Shoppers can receive Shinsegae gift certificates equal to 10% of purchase value when spending at threshold levels of 300,000 KRW (about 225.00 USD) / 600,000 KRW (about 450.00 USD) / 1,000,000 KRW (about 750.00 USD).

Shinsegae is expanding promotions into sports and outdoor categories because foreign spenders are moving beyond luxury and cosmetics into K‑hiking and K‑running gear.

Over the past month, foreign-customer sales in Shinsegae’s sports and outdoor category rose more than 120% year‑over‑year.

The retailer is also partnering with the Korea Tourism Organization to offer discount coupons: foreign shoppers who join Shinsegae’s global membership and enroll in the VISITKOREA app can receive coupons worth up to 10,000 KRW (about 7.50 USD).

Shinsegae is strengthening co-promotions with UnionPay and Global Tax Free. Through April 12, foreign customers paying with UnionPay may receive instant discounts up to 100,000 KRW (about 75.00 USD) and an additional gift certificate equal to 7% of the purchase amount. From April 3–5, Global Tax Free will award gift certificates up to 7% based on purchase amounts for tax-refund customers (luxury, fashion, accessories, cosmetics 7%; certain cosmetics 5%).

Foreign shoppers using Global Tax Free and UnionPay for refunds can receive an extra benefit of up to 10% of their refund amount.

Lee Seong‑hwan, Shinsegae’s head of sales strategy, said, “This event reflects the trend of global shoppers expanding into sports and outdoor categories. Combined payment and refund benefits will raise satisfaction with K‑shopping at Shinsegae.”

○.. Pulmuone Foods launched a premium kimchi dumpling, Fresh Dumpling Gat Kimchi (400 g / 6,980 KRW (about 5.24 USD)), and expanded its Fresh Dumpling lineup, the company said April 2.

The Fresh Dumpling series focuses on vivid filling texture and moist skins. Pulmuone uses a proprietary instant‑steam method to lightly cook skins while preserving the filling’s fresh texture, creating a just-made taste. The fillings include more raw vegetables and a mix of fresh greens so you taste both meat juices and vegetable essence.

After its September launch last year, Fresh Dumplings sold 1 million units within three months, quickly securing market presence.

To expand the line, Pulmuone introduced a kimchi dumpling using spicy kimchi as the primary ingredient. The kimchi dumpling category has seen steady double-digit growth in the frozen-dumpling market over the past three years.

Fresh Dumpling Gat Kimchi is rare in the frozen segment for using gat kimchi (leaf mustard kimchi) as a main filling ingredient. Pulmuone uses 100% Yeosu Dolsan gat kimchi to add a bright, peppery aroma that blends with the dumpling for a deeper, fresher flavor.

The product also uses Pulmuone’s instant‑steam method to minimize texture loss in the filling: the skin is briefly steamed to remain moist while the filling stays fresh.

A Pulmuone Foods representative said, “Fresh Dumpling Gat Kimchi highlights gat kimchi’s unique flavor and aroma while preserving the freshness of the kimchi. We’ll expand the Fresh Dumpling line this year to offer more premium options.”

○.. NS Home Shopping is recruiting partners for the '2026 NS Win‑Win Campus: Food Quality & Safety School' to strengthen partner growth and food‑industry competitiveness, the company said April 2.

The free program targets NS Home Shopping’s food-related partners and aims to boost practical food quality and safety management skills.

As a continuation of the NS Win‑Win Campus training launched in 2022, this practical program focuses on on-the-job skills. About 100 partners attended last year and reported high satisfaction.

The curriculum runs seven sessions from April through November (excluding September), each four hours long, for a total of 28 hours. The live Zoom classes are free and accept registrations up to the day of each session with no attendance cap.

Topics include food labeling, foreign-object management, updates to the Food Sanitation Act, HACCP response, and food litigation cases — all practical lessons partners can apply immediately to prevent claims and strengthen quality-risk management.

Participating partners will receive tailored consulting and extra training, including help with certification prep and follow-up, label drafting and advertising compliance checks, and support for NS Home Shopping’s quality audits. Participants can also take mandatory HACCP training that issues certificates from the Korea Food & Drug Administration.

Interested partners can apply via the announced link or QR code; organizers will share schedules and details progressively.

Yu Dae‑hee, head of customer support at NS Home Shopping, said, “Partners’ food quality and safety management determines consumer trust. Through NS Win‑Win Campus, we’ll raise partners’ practical capabilities and strengthen a sustainable foundation for mutual growth.”

○.. Electron Land will run a special weekend promotion on the 3rd and 4th weekends of April, offering in-store deals priced below the lowest online prices at major regional branches, the company said.

The promotion runs at 14 branches, including the Yongsan flagship in Seoul; Ilsan and Jungdong in Gyeonggi; Daejeon main and Jungri; Bunpyeong in North Chungcheong; Inhu, Iksan, and Seosin in North Jeolla; Sangmu in Gwangju; Jukjeon in Daegu; Ulsan Samsan; Dodong and Jinju‑seong in South Gyeongsang. The event centers on key local stores so more customers can access deals nearby.

Headline bargains include Samsung Crystal UHD 85" at 1,590,000 KRW (about 1,192.50 USD); LG Ultra UHD 65" at 990,000 KRW (about 742.50 USD) with promotional card; and Samsung 410 L refrigerator at 519,000 KRW (about 389.25 USD). Small-appliance deals include a Cuckoo 6‑person rice cooker at 259,000 KRW (about 194.25 USD), a Shark stick vacuum at 699,000 KRW (about 524.25 USD), and a Winix 16 L dehumidifier at 319,000 KRW (about 239.25 USD). Electron Land will discount 30+ items — from disposers and ranges to coffee makers and fans — by up to 50%.

The retailer emphasized that the aim is to present many items priced below online lows so customers feel less price pressure and to strengthen the in‑store shopping experience at major regional outlets.

An Electron Land spokesperson said, “We designed this event so customers can experience offline price advantages they might expect only online. We arranged tight discount offers so customers who delayed purchases due to price can decide quickly in store.”

○.. Ediya Coffee celebrated its 25th anniversary on April 1 at its headquarters in Nonhyeon‑dong, Gangnam, reflecting on its journey and committing to the next chapter.

About 100 people attended, including Chairman Moon Chang‑ki, executives, long‑serving shop owners, and representatives from about 20 partner companies.

The ceremony recapped Ediya’s achievements and shared future brand strategy. The program included awards for long‑service employees, plaques for long‑running franchisees, partner awards, and recognition plaques to thank those who helped the brand grow.

Founded at Chung‑Ang University in 2001, Ediya grew on domestic capital and a mission to offer quality coffee at reasonable prices. It became the first Korean coffee franchise to surpass 4,000 stores nationwide.

In 2020, Ediya opened the Dream Factory to centralize bean supply, expand product distribution, and support global expansion. With this infrastructure, Ediya has kept focus on quality, field-centered operations, and shared growth with franchisees.

Chairman Moon said, “The past 25 years have been about building trust and responsibility. Today’s Ediya exists because of our franchisees, partners, and employees’ dedication.”

He added, “Now we prepare for the next 25 years. With our product quality, infrastructure, and growth base, we’ll expand into bigger markets and promote K‑coffee globally.”

To thank customers, Ediya will run an April promotion: customers who spend at least 5,000 KRW (about 3.75 USD) will receive a guaranteed scratch coupon. Winners redeem prizes via the Ediya Members app using the coupon QR code and number. Prizes include pure gold for 25 winners, large Americano vouchers, and discounts for made‑to‑order drinks.

○.. Mom’s Touch reported consolidated 2025 revenue of 479 billion KRW (about 359.25 million USD) and operating profit of 89.7 billion KRW (about 67.28 million USD) — marking six straight years of steady growth, the company said April 2.

Those figures represent year‑over‑year increases of 14.6% in revenue and 22.2% in operating profit, extending double‑digit growth into another year.

POS payment volume across roughly 1,490 stores reached about 1.0058 trillion KRW (about 754.35 million USD), surpassing 1 trillion KRW (about 750.00 million USD) for the first time since the company’s 2004 founding. The figure, based on actual consumer payments, highlights Mom’s Touch’s market reach given that about 99% of its stores are franchises.

Since the major shareholder change to private equity firm KL & Partners in December 2019, Mom’s Touch has steadily grown revenue and operating profit. Compared with 2019, 2025 revenue rose 65.8% and operating profit climbed 373%, while store count grew from 1,243 to 1,487 — making it the industry leader by store numbers and the first burger chain to pass 1,400 locations.

Average annual franchisee sales rose to about 610 million KRW (about 457,500 USD), up 35.3% from roughly 450 million KRW (about 337,500 USD) in 2019, reflecting both top‑line growth and improved profitability. The company credits strategic support for relocating franchisees to better areas and structural improvements that raised profitability.

A Mom’s Touch representative said, “After the shareholder change, we improved management efficiency and business structure while strengthening product competitiveness, achieving the milestone of 1 trillion KRW in POS sales. We’ll reinvest profits into new businesses and franchisee support to keep raising corporate value.”

○.. Daesang’s official online mall, Jeongwon e‑Shop, is holding a week‑long Jeongwon Sale Festa through April 7, offering curated bestsellers from Chungjungone and Jongga at deep discounts.

Jeongwon e‑Shop members can claim three daily, limited‑quantity coupons at 10:00 AM: 25,000 KRW (about 18.75 USD) off Jongga kimchi, 20,000 KRW (about 15.00 USD) off Chungjungone fresh foods, and 15,000 KRW (about 11.25 USD) off Chungjungone shelf‑stable products. Each coupon is valid only on the issue day and applies to minimum purchase thresholds.

Members can also download brand coupons once per ID during the event: 15,000 KRW (about 11.25 USD) off Jongga kimchi, 12,000 KRW (about 9.00 USD) off Chungjungone fresh foods, and 10,000 KRW (about 7.50 USD) off Chungjungone shelf items, subject to the same minimum purchases.

The Jeongwon Sale selection includes Chungjungone and Jongga bestsellers at up to 54% off, such as the Chungjungone Grainbow set (12 pouches + lunchbox set), Chungjungone Kongdam‑baekmyeon (6‑pack), a 4‑pasta + spaghetti set, Jongga whole napa cabbage kimchi (5 kg), Jongga young radish kimchi sets, and Jongga PET kimchi bundles.

Jeong Daechul, head of Jeongwon e‑Shop, said, “We prepared this sale to thank customers for 30 years of love for Chungjungone. We selected popular Chungjungone and Jongga products at attractive prices and hope members enjoy the offers.”

○.. Ottogi launched a convenient mung‑bean vermicelli, These Days Mung Bean Vermicelli, the company said April 2.

The product simplifies traditional glass‑noodle prep so it works in japchae, soups, stews, tteokbokki, mala soup, salads, and more. Reflecting inventive recipe trends on social media, Ottogi emphasized convenience and versatility.

These Days Mung Bean Vermicelli uses mung‑bean and potato starch for a clear, chewy texture. Pre‑portioned 25 g servings make measuring easy. No soaking is required: just boil for 3 minutes or use a microwave. The noodles suit soups, stews, salads, and other dishes, matching modern cooks’ desire for fast prep.

Since launching “Old‑Fashioned Vermicelli” in 1986, Ottogi has offered various noodle types. With this product, the company aims to make glass noodles quicker and easier for today’s home cooks.

An Ottogi representative said, “These Days Mung Bean Vermicelli is designed for busy lives so people can enjoy diverse dishes quickly. We’ll keep developing products that boost cooking convenience and reflect trends.”

○.. Simmons (CEO Ahn Jeong‑ho) will implement company‑wide energy‑saving measures in response to recent Middle East tensions and the government’s energy‑conservation push.

Simmons will act across its Simmons Factorium headquarters, Seoul office, and nationwide sales and delivery sites. Measures include delayed signboard lighting and earlier shutdowns at road shops, more video conferencing, a paperless reporting culture, minimizing single‑use items, unified lights‑off during lunch and after work, maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures, eco‑driving, and powering off unused computers and monitors.

The company will also create channels for employees to share energy‑saving ideas and encourage voluntary participation.

Beyond this initiative, Simmons said it has long prioritized social responsibility over profits alone. For example, in January 2024 it publicly released a patent for a fire‑resistant mattress manufacturing method so other companies can use the technique without restriction. In July 2024, when a payment crisis at TMON threatened consumers, Simmons proactively addressed consumer damages and completed deliveries despite a 1.4 billion KRW (about 1,050,000 USD) loss, prioritizing customers.

A Simmons representative said, “Simmons has pursued socially focused ESG actions long before the term was common. We’ll keep fulfilling sincere social responsibilities as an industry leader.”

○.. CJ OnStyle will hold its largest first‑half shopping event, Come On Style, from April 3–12, offering aggressive benefits across categories, the company said April 2.

The event slogan, “Everything you want, up to 50% off,” spans fashion, beauty, home kitchen, appliances, baby & kids, and food. CJ OnStyle mobile app members can download a 30% off coupon (valid on event items) once per day during the sale.

The “Come On Choice Ten‑Ten‑Ten” promotion features ten brands each day offering a 10% card discount plus 10% points back. Combined with the 30% coupon, shoppers can reach about 50% total savings. Participating brands include social‑media buzz favorites and well‑known premium names across categories.

Newly launched brands will also appear, including leading athleisure and designer labels, skincare names, and travel‑gear brands offering launch discounts during the event.

For new customers who haven’t purchased in the past year, CJ OnStyle offers a near‑100‑won deal: from April 3–7, customers who add three items to their cart receive a 99% off coupon that effectively prices select items at roughly 100 KRW (about 0.08 USD).

The event expands content‑driven commerce with themed sections in the app, like a KBO specialty zone, a Travel Edit curation, and a Wellness Food Market.

A CJ OnStyle representative said, “This Come On Style is our strongest first‑half event since launching in 2023. We’ll keep improving the shopping experience so customers can quickly find and buy what they want.” 

○.. Hansem, the Hyundai Department Store Group’s fashion specialist, is launching two co‑branded credit cards with Shinhan Card.

Hansem will issue The Hansem Shinhan Card Platinum and The Hansem Shinhan Card to offer tailored discounts and added mileage for Hansem shoppers.

The two‑card launch reflects Hansem’s broad customer base: long‑standing VIP fans and the younger 20–30 crowd who frequent its online edit shop, EQL.

Card benefits include a 15% discount coupon for first purchases on TheHansem.com after card issuance. The Platinum card will also gift 100,000 Hansem mileage points if the cardholder spends 1,000,000 KRW (about 750.00 USD) within the first year.

Both cards offer a 5% billing discount at seven Hansem outlets — The Hansem House stores in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and Gwangju, the Cheongdam Avenue store, TheHansem.com, and EQL. Monthly spending tiers of 400,000 KRW (about 300.00 USD) / 800,000 KRW (about 600.00 USD) / 1,200,000 KRW (about 900.00 USD) trigger additional billing credits: the Platinum card provides up to 100,000 KRW (about 75.00 USD), and the standard card up to 70,000 KRW (about 52.50 USD), depending on tier.

In eight everyday spending categories — cafés, department stores, golf clubs, gas stations, and more — the Platinum and standard cards earn 5% and 3% Hansem mileage, respectively. Mileage caps scale with monthly spend tiers, and accrued mileage is redeemable at Hansem’s online and offline stores.

A Hansem representative said, “We partnered with Shinhan Card to deliver real savings for Hansem customers. We’ll continue offering tailored content and promotions for our shoppers.” 

○.. SKIntel Corporation릭스 (CEO An Moo‑in) hosted its first offline meetup on March 28 for participants in last year’s wellness‑robot hackathon to expand an open developer community and sustain collaboration for AI wellness projects, the company said April 2.

The meetup at SKIntel Corporation릭스 headquarters in Jongno was part of NamuX’s open‑ecosystem strategy, aiming to strengthen ties among online developers and boost peer exchange. Many participants from December’s hackathon attended, showing the potential for a hybrid developer community.

Students studying AI, computer science, and software attended talks on venture‑capital trends, startup ecosystems, and investment cases. The sessions offered aspiring founders practical insights and received positive feedback.

Assuming future commercialization of humanoid robots, attendees debated the role and direction of wellness robots, the potential for personalized healthcare, and daily‑life service use cases. The meetup also gathered feedback on NamuX’s development roadmap.

An SKIntel Corporation릭스 representative said, “This offline meetup energized the NamuX developer community. We’ll keep strengthening developer relationships through diverse programs.”

○.. Kolmar Holdings, the Kolmar Group’s holding company, is recruiting participants for a K‑Beauty Co‑Growth Seminar to support early‑stage brands, the company said. The seminar helps startups prepare for investment and share practical know‑how as part of an indie‑brand co‑growth program that began in 2024.

The seminar will take place April 16 at Kolmar Korea’s R&D center in Seocho‑gu, Seoul. Kolmar Holdings will present an Indie Brand IR Preparation Guide and a session on skincare & derma‑cosmetic trends and new technologies.

An IR session will cover pitching strategies and execution tips to help early brands secure funding; accelerator Yang Seong‑jun, who has extensive investor advisory experience, will lead that session. Kolmar Korea’s marketing team will share key global market insights and recent R&D trends.

Applications close at midnight on April 15. Beauty‑brand professionals can apply via the registration link posted on Kolmar’s official social media channels. The seminar is free and open even to brands that aren’t Kolmar customers.

A Kolmar Holdings representative said, “We designed this seminar to address early founders’ most pressing questions and help them build a foundation for growth. We’ll keep supporting the K‑Beauty ecosystem through various initiatives.” 

○.. Lotte Wellfood celebrated Papico’s 45th anniversary with a limited‑edition package designed by consumers, the company said March 31.

The new packaging applies the grand‑prize winner from last year’s Papico NEW LOOK Package Contest. Lotte Wellfood aimed to blend Papico’s long‑standing appeal with fresh consumer perspectives to craft a lively, familiar image. The limited package runs through the end of August.

The contest drew 902 entries in about a month. Lotte Wellfood shortlisted five finalists, ran a public vote on official social media, and saw 11,385 consumers vote. The winning entry received 3,892 votes.

The design illustrates a festive scene: Papico’s signature dolmen characters and fans celebrating the brand’s birthday, evoking joyful summer memories. The winner described Papico as “a refreshing, sweet summer companion.”

Papico launched in 1981 and remains beloved today. It stood out by introducing chocolate flavors to the pencil‑style ice cream market, which was then dominated by fruit flavors. The 1989 redesign featuring Park Su‑dong’s dolmen characters cemented its familiar look.

A Lotte Wellfood representative said, “This 45th‑anniversary package is meaningful because consumers designed it. We’ll keep delivering joyful moments to thank our fans.”

○.. HiteJinro (CEO Jang In‑seop) said April 2 that its flagship beer Terra won the beer category top award at the 2026 New York Festival Korea National Brand Awards for the third consecutive year.

The New York Festival Korea National Brand Awards, hosted by the New York Festivals, spotlights Korea’s top brands and shares standout achievements globally.

Terra scored 75.48 on the National Brand Competitiveness Index (NCI), earning top marks in brand image, quality, loyalty, and global competitiveness, securing first place in the beer category for three straight years.

Since launching in March 2019 with a “100% real carbonation” concept, Terra sold 1 million cases in just 39 days — a record pace among beer brands. Now in its seventh year, Terra has reached 6 billion bottles sold (330 mL bottles, as of March 31), cementing its position as a leading Korean beer.

To mark year seven and drive brand momentum, Terra tapped soccer star Son Heung‑min — who symbolizes the number 7 for Korea — as a model and is running integrated campaigns with him.

A HiteJinro marketing official said, “We’re delighted Terra won the Korea National Brand Award in beer for the third year running. This year, through collaborations with Son Heung‑min, we’ll strengthen Terra’s presence.”

○.. Convenience store chain GS25 will play a core platform role in the commercialization of future digital currency.

GS Retail signed a strategic partnership with IBK Industrial Bank and the Bank of Korea to build infrastructure for deposit‑token commercialization, part of Phase 2 of the Bank of Korea’s Project Han River.

The MOU was signed at the Bank of Korea headquarters in Jung‑gu on April 2, attended by GS Retail CEO Heo Seo‑hong, IBK President Jang Min‑young, and Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang‑yong.

The partners agreed to collaborate on building digital‑currency and deposit‑token payment and settlement systems, enabling in‑store payment environments at GS25 stores, and conducting joint R&D to develop commercial business models.

GS Retail has begun building payment and settlement infrastructure for digital currency and deposit tokens and plans to launch deposit‑token payments across GS25 stores nationwide starting in the second half of the year.

Under the plan, central‑bank‑issued digital currency will underlie deposit tokens issued by commercial banks, which consumers can use for seamless payments at outlets like GS25.

Lee Jeong‑pyo, head of marketing at GS Retail, said, “By signing this MOU in line with Project Han River Phase 2, GS Retail aims to take an early lead in the digital‑currency payment ecosystem. We’ll rapidly expand deposit‑token payment infrastructure across GS25 and help customers experience digital‑currency payments in daily life.”

○.. Lotte Chilsung Beverage is adding Cantata Harmony Dolce Latte to its new Cantata Harmony coffee line.

Cantata Harmony aims to deliver moments of balanced calm through a coffee break. The first release, a ready‑to‑drink Dolce Latte, captures the café favorite with smooth milk and sweet condensed milk flavors and a lower‑sugar recipe to ease sweetness concerns.

The packaging features a realistic image of a dolce latte and pairs coffee tones with black and pink accents to convey sophistication and sweetness. The 340 mL size is cup‑holder friendly for easy portability.

A Lotte Chilsung spokesperson said, “Cantata Harmony Dolce Latte is a lower‑sugar option for people who love sweet lattes but want less sugar. We hope it becomes a go‑to for moments of calm.” 

○.. Hanssem (CEO Kim Yoo‑jin) launched its first office‑furniture series, Emergence, and opened a showroom at Hanssem Flagship Nonhyeon, the company said April 2.

Hanssem Office’s strategy focuses on a home‑like style. The company adapts proven residential designs and comfort to office spaces to create flexible, cozy work environments.

The Emergence series blends Hanssem’s warm aesthetic with precise design to support focused work. It offers three core solutions — intuitive storage, tidy cable management, and visual privacy — to minimize distractions and help users stay productive.

Desks come in three styles: standard desks, motion desks, and the four‑leg Foreleg motion desk. The Foreleg model stands out with slim, elegant legs and four motors for stable, precise height adjustment. It improves side‑storage usability and pairs neatly with regular desks, suiting executive or premium workspaces.

The Side Multi Cabinet is a Hanssem storage solution designed to create an immersive office without separate partitions: it divides space while offering storage. An optional pegboard lets users personalize their workspace. A tidy environment can boost comfort and concentration.

Hanssem opened an office‑furniture showroom in the basement of the Hanssem Flagship Nonhyeon store in Gangnam’s furniture district. Visits are by reservation; details are on the Hanssem Office website.

Hanssem plans to target large and mid‑sized companies as well as startups and SOHO customers with tailored total solutions. The company highlights its end‑to‑end production and delivery process for stable supply and plans to expand into specialized furniture for hotels, hospitals, universities, academies, Lizzo트 categories to diversify revenue.

A Hanssem representative said, “We’ll bring our space‑design expertise to the office market to create environments that add value to users’ work and life and lead a new office‑furniture standard.”

○.. Amorepacific won five main awards across two categories at the iF Design Award 2026.

In packaging design, winners included Sulwhasoo’s Jinsul Infusion Treatment, Jinsul Neck Cream, and Longtake Eau de Parfum.

Jinsul Infusion Treatment is a high‑end skincare product structured around a four‑week cycle with weekly refill capsules. Its container lifts the pump when turned 90 degrees for intuitive, hygienic use. A side window shows product color and remaining volume, and the design aims to elevate the skincare ritual.

Jinsul Neck Cream reimagines the tube: users open and close the product by rotating the tip rather than removing a cap. A metal line appears on rotation to indicate usage status, and the curved tip is designed for smooth application to the neck.

Longtake Eau de Parfum captures forest moods and the passage of time across three distinct scents, each represented by a different color. The bottle’s nature‑inspired curves offer a comfortable grip; recyclable glass and a minimalist structure focus on scent and form.

In branding & communication, Amorepacific won for its LESS PLASTIC, WE ARE FANTASTIC sustainability campaign and the experiential exhibit House of a Beauty Scientist.

LESS PLASTIC refreshed Amorepacific’s visual identity to clearly communicate plastic‑reduction goals via a simplified logo, animated slogan, eco‑friendly goods, social media content, and festivals that encourage everyday sustainable actions.

House of a Beauty Scientist turns Amorepacific’s 70‑plus years of research into an experiential “house.” In a renovated 1960s home, the exhibit includes a garden, study, and skincare lab to help visitors understand skin science and research through hands‑on programs and authentic lab equipment.

○.. KT&G Sangsangmadang is accepting applications for the 17th KT&G SKOPF (Sangsangmadang Korean Photographer’s Fellowship) through April 10.

Since 2008, KT&G SKOPF has supported emerging photographers and groomed 54 artists, becoming a key gateway for new talent in Korea’s photography scene.

Applicants should submit portfolios and required documents via KT&G Sangsangmadang’s official website. Selection includes a portfolio review, an in‑depth interview, and a public portfolio review. Three “Photographers of the Year” will be chosen in May and receive about 7 million KRW (about 5,250 USD) in support, mentoring, and a group exhibition. One final winner will receive additional production, publishing, and solo‑exhibition support worth about 40 million KRW (about 30,000 USD).

Kim Jeong‑yoon, KT&G’s cultural‑contribution exhibition manager, said, “KT&G SKOPF has discovered and nurtured promising photographers for over 15 years. We’ll keep supporting sustainable cultural development and emerging artists.”

○.. Coupang Eats Service (CES) will run a free safety‑inspection program for delivery partners in the first half of 2026, the company said.

The checks began in Gunpo and will run through June across 15 major cities, including the Seoul metro area, Cheongju, Changwon, and Jeonju.

Certified technicians from the Korea Motorcycle Maintenance Association will perform thorough inspections of braking systems, tires, lighting, noise and emissions, and steering components to prevent common motorcycle failures that can cause accidents. Based on results, the program may provide free replacement of consumables like engine oil, brake pads, air‑cleaner filters, and spark plugs.

Coupang Eats has run this mobile, on‑site inspection program twice a year since 2023 to make participation convenient for delivery partners. Eligible partners are invited via text message.

Some regions will also offer traffic‑safety education and health screenings. CES will partner with the Road Traffic Authority for safety training and provide safety gear to all trainees. Working with the Gyeonggi Medical Center, CES will run mobile health checks using medical buses staffed by professionals. In select areas, the Labor Foundation’s Worker Connection Center will provide coffee trucks and safety supplies as part of outreach efforts.

A Coupang Eats Service representative said, “Delivery partners’ safety is foundational to our service. We’ll keep improving delivery conditions through free inspections and education.”

○.. Amorepacific’s HanYul brand is launching a limited‑edition collaboration with graphic lifestyle label DropDropDrop.

HanYul, which sources skin‑friendly ingredients from familiar Korean traditional materials like mugwort, rice, and soy, teamed up with DropDropDrop’s witty patterns to add playful design to daily skincare rituals.

The collaboration set features the Young Mugwort Cleansing Absorbing Pack Foam (nicknamed Mugwort Rice Cake Pack Foam), a bestseller that sold over 500,000 units in two years. The formula uses 100% domestic mugwort and a chewy, rice‑cake‑like texture created after 100 minutes and 5,000 folds to cling to skin, absorb oil, and clear pores. It can be used as a daily cleansing foam or as a pack to remove deep sebum, offering two functions in one popular product.

○.. Maeil Dairies’ cheese brand Sangha Cheese launched seven Protein Cheese items to capture the functional cheese market, the company said.

The new line aims to overturn the idea that protein foods are bland by preserving cheese flavor while boosting protein. Branded as “Healthy Pleasure,” the range targets consumers who want tasty, convenient protein in snacks and cooking.

Sliced Protein Cheese comes in three varieties. Protein Cheese Cheddar Slice packs 24 g of protein per 100 g — more than chicken breast by weight. Protein Cheese Goat Slice claims one of the highest protein levels among sliced cheeses in Korea. Protein Cheese Light Slice combines low calories with high protein.

Snack cheeses include String Cheese (about 5.7 g protein per piece, comparable to one egg) and Portion Cheese (about 11.6 g per serving, comparable to two eggs), convenient for quick protein boosts.

Fresh cheeses include Bocconcini (about 20 g protein per cup, roughly 3.5 eggs and high in calcium) and Greek Ricotta (about 17.2 g protein), updated for a fresher taste that works well in salads and recipes.

A Sangha Cheese representative said, “Cheese is an easy, tasty way to add protein to daily life. We built a full lineup from slices to snacks and fresh cheeses to meet consumers’ needs, and we’ll continue launching approachable, healthy products to lead the cheese market.”