Homeplus Workers Rally at Blue House... "MBK Must Be Strictly Punished"

by Im Onyu

Published 13 Jul.2026 17:32(KST)

Updated 14 Jul.2026 07:20(KST)

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On July 13, the day Homeplus suspended operations at all of its large retail stores, Homeplus workers gathered in front of the Blue House to call for immediate government intervention.

Ansoo Yong, branch head of the Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Federation, staged a surprise protest during a press conference announcing the Mart Union's stance on the closure of all Homeplus stores held in front of the Blue House on the 13th, urging the establishment of normalization measures and the enactment of a private equity fund regulation bill. Photo by Yonhap News

The Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Union held a press conference at 4:30 p.m. that day in front of Sarangchae at the Blue House in Jongno-gu. Ansoo Yong, branch head of the Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Union, said, "The Lee Jaemyung administration has repeatedly promised to normalize Homeplus and to protect the livelihoods of workers and small business owners," adding, "But what has the government actually given us in return?"

He went on to urge, "Stop wasting time and thoroughly investigate the responsibility of MBK Partners, the main shareholder of Homeplus, as well as Kim Byung-joo, and impose strict punishment. Immediately implement all emergency measures, including public funds, to normalize Homeplus and protect the livelihoods of workers and in-store business owners."

Before the press conference, Ansoo Yong staged a surprise protest by running toward the Blue House, causing a commotion on site. When stopped by police, he lay down on the road and cried out, "Why won't you meet with us? How are we supposed to survive if operations are suspended like this?" Police warned that occupying the road could be treated as an unreported assembly and could result in punishment.