Chung Yong-jin returns after 13 years, testing E-Mart stock

Published on 10/25/2026 at 00:58 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Chung Yong-jin returns after 13 years on October 23, 2026. A 64 percent rise to KRW 25.6 billion tests E-Mart stock.

Leadership shifts toward accountability

On October 23, 2026, Chung Yong-jin was named to return as E-Mart CEO after 13 years.
Separate second-quarter operating profit rose 64 percent to KRW 25.6 billion.
E-Mart will publish its next earnings report on February 17, 2027.

E-Mart, KR7139480008, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

E-Mart (KR7139480008) generated KRW 25.6 billion in separate operating profit in the second quarter, up 64 percent from the prior-year period, according to Seoul Economic Daily on October 23, 2026. The same reshuffle puts Chung Yong-jin back in charge of E-Mart after 13 years, alongside incoming co-CEO Kim Hong-keuk.

Leadership takes direct responsibility

The management change gives E-Mart's turnaround a sharper accountability test. Seoul Economic Daily reported that Chung will return as chief executive after shareholder approval, while Kim will lead E-Mart and SSG.com. The dual role links the retailer's physical stores with its online business under one management structure.

The timing matters because the latest quarterly comparison is mixed. Separate operating profit reached KRW 25.6 billion in the second quarter, a 64 percent year-over-year increase, while the broader group still needs stronger performance from its online and convenience-store subsidiaries.

What does the profit gain change?

The 64 percent increase gives the core retail business a stronger base, but it does not settle the consolidated earnings question. Management must convert the improvement in the main store operation into durable growth across the wider group, particularly as online competition continues to pressure traditional retail.

Next results arrive February 17, 2027

The next scheduled earnings report is February 17, 2027, according to Investing.com. That report will show whether the second-quarter operating improvement continued after the leadership announcement.

KRX valuation remains compressed

E-Mart closed at KRW 69,500 on the KRX on October 23, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. KST. The 52-week range was KRW 68,100 to KRW 136,400, leaving the stock near its yearly low, while market capitalization stood at KRW 1.9 trillion as of October 23, 2026.