Tag: franchise

franchise

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Dunkin' franchisor loses battle over 2.1 billion won fine for forcing purchases on franchise owners

A Seoul court upheld an antitrust fine against BR Korea for requiring franchisees to buy supplies only through the company.

2026.7.6

Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin, center, attends a ceremony in Hanoi to mark the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Kyungpook National University and Vietnam’s FPT University on March 5. [MINISTRY OF EDUCATION]

Education Ministry to make it easier for Korean universities to set up overseas programs

The Ministry of Education plans to ease regulations regarding the establishment of overseas franchise programs by Korean universities as foreign demand for Korean higher education grows.

2026.4.6

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Dining Brands Group CEO Song Ho-seop speaks at chicken franchise BHC's store in Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 21, 2024. [DINING BRANDS GROUP]

Korean food franchises resume overseas push amid weak domestic demand, intensifying competition

Korean food franchises are resuming their push into overseas markets as weakening domestic demand and intensifying competition at home drive companies to seek new growth.

2026.4.5

The Gyeongdong Market in eastern Seoul is filled with shoppers on Oct. 3. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Stores forced to stay open during Chuseok by headquarters, franchise owners say

Despite slow sales during the Chuseok holiday, many small business owners say they were forced to keep their stores open due to pressure from franchise headquarters or contractors.

2025.10.9

Police officers are at the scene of a fatal stabbing incident at a pizza franchise in Gwanak District, southern Seoul on Sept. 3. [YONHAP]

Pizza shop stabbing highlights soaring delivery costs and franchise pressure

A fatal stabbing by a struggling pizza franchisee highlights financial issues faced by single-owner outlets reliant on delivery services.

2025.9.5

People line up to enter a McDonald's in Beijing on Aug. 20 as McDonald's resumes the sale of milkshakes that were discontinued in China in 2014. [AP/YONHAP]

McDonald's to offer discounted combo meals, WSJ reports

McDonald's and franchisees have agreed to reduce prices on eight combo meals by 15 percent and introduce $5 and $8 specials following discussions in which financial support was offered to encourage price drops.

2025.8.20

Prospective entrepreneurs receive consultations at the 77th World Franchise Expo held at Seoul Trade Exhibition Center in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on April 17. [YONHAP]

As small businesses tumble, gov't pushes to end franchise contract termination fees

The government is pushing to waive all franchise contract termination fees in a bid to alleviate the burden on small business owners, but industry insiders fear that it could give way to irresponsible management and higher risk exposure.

2025.7.24

Song Young-su, head of the Paris Croissant labor union, third from left in the back row, speaks during the launch ceremony of the Transformation Office held at SPC Group headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seocho District, southern Seoul, on July 21. Paris Croissant CEO Hur Jin-soo, center in the back row, chairs the task force. [SPC]

SPC Group forms task force to improve worker safety after fatal workplace accidents

Korean bakery and restaurant conglomerate SPC Group is doubling down on its efforts to prevent fatal workplace accidents that have taken its employees' lives over the past years with an internal task force to overhaul its management practices.

2025.7.22

A Hong Kong Banjeom restaurant, operated by celebrity chef Paik Jong-won's company Theborn Korea, offers discounts on May 13 in Seoul. [YONHAP]

Franchise restaurant owners sour on brand power amid scandals, slumping profits

Franchises may be losing their charm for business owners, especially restaurants and cafes.

2025.5.17

Passerbys walk by a Pizza Hut store in Seoul on Nov. 5. [YONHAP]

Pizza Hut lost in court. Now hundreds of others want to sue.

Pizza Hut Korea's court loss over ingredient markup fees has prompted other franchisees to consider lawsuits, revealing industry-wide issues with cost transparency and revenue-sharing practices among food and beverage chains.

2024.11.27