"Entirely My Shortcomings" ... Vice Chairman Jeong Yong-jin Apologizes to Customers and Employees

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jung Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae Group, who sparked controversy with his 'destroy communism' remarks, apologized to customers and employees through social networking services (SNS).

On the 13th, Vice Chairman Jung shared a newspaper article reporting the statement released by the Emart Labor Union on his Instagram, writing, "If even one colleague or customer turns away because of me, nothing can be justified! If anyone was hurt by my freedom, it is entirely my shortcoming."

The National Emart Labor Union, affiliated with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, issued a statement the day before titled "Businessman Yong-jin, destroying communism is fine, but first look back at the business you have done," expressing "deep concern over Vice Chairman Jung's words and actions that cause discord among customers and the public and damage the company's image in a difficult environment where Emart, the group's main business, is holding its own against competitors through employees' efforts despite the increase in online shopping and various regulations." They also pointed out, "While it is your freedom to say what you want, you must consider that the aftermath affects tens of thousands of Shinsegae and Emart employees and their families."

Earlier, on the 6th of this month, Vice Chairman Jung posted an article featuring a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping on his Instagram, along with hashtags such as 'destroy communism,' 'air defense and counterintelligence,' and 'victory and unification.' After the controversy spread, he deleted the post and uploaded a photo of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, explaining that his 'destroy communism' was aimed not at China but at "the kids living above us" (North Korea).

However, the controversy expanded into the political sphere when Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, visited Emart on the 8th and posted a photo purchasing anchovies and beans, which reminded people of 'destroy communism.' Subsequently, on the 10th, Shinsegae's stock price fell 6.80% in one day in the stock market, and many posts calling for a boycott of Shinsegae Group affiliates such as Starbucks and Emart began to appear online.

In response, Vice Chairman Jung stated, "If the sense to calculate that my everyday language can be used politically, and the quick wit to know where to tie my shoelaces are the traits of a businessman... I will cultivate them," which was interpreted as an effort to manage the situation related to the controversy.

On the same day, seemingly accepting the union's criticism, he took a step back, saying that the boycott by customers was entirely due to his shortcomings. Vice Chairman Jung had previously emphasized in his New Year's address and other occasions that "customers and employees are values that cannot be compromised."

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