Shin Dong-bin's 'COVID-19 Hiatus' Continues... Visit to Lotte Super Gongdeok Branch

May Return and On-site Management Activities
From Regional Factories to Suburban Stores

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group, who is strengthening his on-site management efforts, reportedly visited the Lotte Super Premium Gongdeok branch last weekend.

According to the distribution industry on the 3rd, Chairman Shin toured the food section and dining area of Lotte Super Premium Gongdeok branch around 6 p.m. on the 1st. Kang Hee-tae, Vice Chairman and Head of Lotte Group's Distribution BU, accompanied him. It is reported that Chairman Shin did not deliver any special message that day but observed customer reactions.

On the 25th of last month, Chairman Shin visited Lotte Chemical's No. 1 plant in Yeosu and Lotte Mart in Gukdong. On the same day, he also visited 'Yeosu Belmer,' a competitor Hanwha Hotels & Resorts' recently opened premium resort hotel located in a large-scale complex in the Ungcheon district built by Hanwha Construction.

Since returning from Japan in May after two months, Chairman Shin has been visiting sites frequently regardless of weekends and holidays. During his so-called 'shuttle management' traveling between Korea and Japan to lead Lotte Group in both countries, he was suddenly grounded due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). After returning, he visited Lotte World Mall and Lotte Mart in Jamsil, Seoul, followed by Lotte Chilsung Beverage's smart factory in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. He also visited Lotte Department Store Incheon Terminal to directly hear customer feedback.

In particular, regarding the hotel business, he showed interest and affection by appearing at an official event for the first time. On the 17th of last month, Chairman Shin attended the 'Grand Opening Ceremony' of Lotte Hotel's premium 6-star hotel, Signiel Busan. After the ceremony, he personally participated in a hotel tour with Lotte Holdings Vice Chairmen Hwang Gak-gyu and Song Yong-duk, inspecting guest rooms and facilities throughout Signiel Busan. His visit to Yeosu Belmer is also interpreted as an example of his interest in the hotel business.

A Lotte Holdings official said, "Chairman Shin visits business sites every weekend accompanied only by his personal secretary," adding, "It is understood that he quietly inspects the sites unofficially rather than bringing company personnel officially."

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