Homeplus tenants protest in Seoul as ailing supermarket chain on verge of going bust
By Han Jun-guPosted : July 15, 2026, 17:29Updated : July 15, 2026, 17:56
Protesters march during a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - More than 50 small business owners operating inside ailing supermarket chain Homeplus staged a protest in central Seoul on Wednesday.
In a rally that gathered Homeplus-linked merchants and tenants from across the country, they demanded the government guarantee their right to continue operating and ensure payment of their unpaid dues.
A protester attends a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Protesters attend a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
The massive rally came after Homeplus, whose court rehabilitation was terminated last week, abruptly suspended operations at all 67 of its stores nationwide on Monday, citing an inability to cover costs including electricity and gas bills.
If no new buyer comes to the rescue or Homeplus fails to secure 200 billion South Korean won (about US$133 million) in funds before the court's July 20 deadline, the supermarket chain is expected to proceed toward liquidation.
Protesters attend a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
A protester attends a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Kim Byeong-guk, who is leading the protesters, called on the supermarket chain's major shareholder, MBK Partners, to fulfill its responsibilities to the end, and urged the government to intervene before further damage occurs.
The government is reportedly preparing around 440 billion won in relief funds to support small business owners on the brink of collapse.
Protesters attend a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Protesters attend a rally in central Seoul on July 15, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu