Vice Chairman Hwang Gak-gyu Urges President Moon for Drastic Measures... "28,000 Room Cancellations at Lotte Hotel"

Hwang Gak-gyu, Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings, is attending a meeting with business leaders regarding the response to the novel coronavirus at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 7th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] On the 13th, Lotte Group proposed to President Moon Jae-in, saying, "We are concerned about small-scale businesses in tourism and distribution," and requested "urgent measures such as financial support."

Hwang Gak-gyu, Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings, made this statement while attending the 'Economic Meeting on COVID-19 Response' hosted by President Moon at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, that morning.

Vice Chairman Hwang said, "With the President at the center, the decisive crisis is being overcome. For the first time since the company's founding, department stores were closed for three days, but when I went to Jamsil Station, I saw fewer people wearing masks," and added, "We appreciate the government's efforts."

He continued, "From now on, it is important. Social vitality is being hindered immediately." He added, "We are worried about small-scale businesses in tourism and distribution," and said, "In the case of Lotte Hotel, there were 28,000 room cancellations, and the sales of merchants in Lotte World Mall have also significantly decreased."

Vice Chairman Hwang said, "We need to enhance public reassurance and social vitality, and I thank the President for boosting reassurance by visiting Namdaemun Market," and requested, "We ask for urgent measures such as tax or financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. Measures for distribution and tourism are necessary."

He then suggested to President Moon to visit shopping malls following the visit to Namdaemun Market.

Vice Chairman Hwang said, "Lotte is devising win-win cooperation measures," and proposed, "How about the President visiting a shopping mall once? We would welcome it if you come." He added, "After the President's (reassurance) message, sales at Lotte shopping malls increased by 10% compared to the previous day. We also suggest the President attend various cultural events."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.