CJ announced on the 9th that Chairman Lee Jae-hyun recently visited Japan to inspect local operations and meet with key figures in related industries to explore possibilities for global business expansion. The field management included key figures from the group, such as Kim Hong-ki, CEO of CJ Corporation, Lee Seok-jun, head of the CJ Future Management Research Institute, and Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM.
Chairman Lee first visited the Japan headquarters to assess business performance. He noted, "The renewed Korean Wave in Japan is not merely a trend but a crucial opportunity for the global spread of K-culture," adding, "Prepared projects in Japan, such as Bibigo and content, must not miss this opportunity." He specifically mentioned, "We must accelerate localization and build global infrastructure to enhance competitiveness and quickly broaden demand in the global market to leap forward as a leading corporation."
Lee instructed the executives attending both in person and via video conference to actively seek new business opportunities such as Olive Young's entry into Japan and enhance the competitiveness of existing operations through collaboration with local partners.
Chairman Lee also met with key executives of the TBS Group, including Chairman Takashi Sasaki and President Ryujiro Abe, to reaffirm the partnership between the two companies and discuss cooperation plans. He subsequently held discussions with Okafuji Masahiro, chairman of Itochu Corporation, Seiji Imai, chairman of Mizuho Financial Group, and Masahiko Kato, president of Mizuho Bank, regarding business collaboration and new ventures.
Chairman Lee met with several experts in cultural content from both South Korea and Japan, including Takeo Hoshi, a professor at the University of Tokyo, who is considered one of the top experts in Japan's economy and currency, to share perspectives on economic conditions and trends.
A CJ representative stated, "This global field management aims to directly understand local trends amidst the spread of K-culture, particularly among Japan’s younger generation, and assess the status of global expansion. Through domestic and international field management, we plan to share the group’s vision with employees and enhance communication with internal and external parties to accelerate global territory expansion."