Homeplus at a crossroads of revival or liquidation; Gyeonggi workers demand government action

Homeplus faces a critical juncture as it navigates court-supervised restructuring, with the possibility of liquidation looming. This uncertainty has sparked anxiety among its workforce, tenants, and the broader local economy.

The Progressive Party's Gyeonggi Provincial Chapter and the Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Workers Union held a press conference outside the Homeplus Buksuwon branch, emphasizing that the company's crisis extends beyond its own operations. They highlighted the precarious livelihoods of workers, tenants, suppliers, and local businesses dependent on the retail giant.

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The Homeplus situation is not just a problem for one company, but an issue that affects the livelihoods of workers, tenants, suppliers, and the local economy.

Labor representatives are calling for the National Assembly to establish a discussion forum involving the government, creditors, major shareholders, and labor unions. They also requested the National Assembly pass a resolution urging the court to delay its decision and for the government to explore public intervention measures.

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If liquidation discussions become a reality, the livelihoods of workers, tenants, and suppliers could be shaken all at once.

According to the protesters, over 3,000 direct employees have lost their jobs since the restructuring process began, and 35 stores have closed, leaving 3,500 employees on forced leave. They estimate that the livelihoods of up to 300,000 people, including those from partner companies, tenants, suppliers, and local small business owners, are at stake.

"The closure of stores like Ilsan, Ansan Gojan, Dong Suwon, Goyang, and KINTEX is leading to the recession of surrounding commercial areas and the local economy," stated Jang Gyeong-ran, head of the Mart Union's Gyeonggi branch. "This is no longer a problem for workers to bear; it is an issue the government must answer."

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The closure of stores like Ilsan, Ansan Gojan, Dong Suwon, Goyang, and KINTEX is leading to the recession of surrounding commercial areas and the local economy. This is no longer a problem for workers to bear; it is an issue the government must answer.