South Korean Designer Drives Key Revenue Growth at MacKenzie-Childs, Strategic Partner in Macy’s Turnaround

As Macy’s reports third-quarter earnings that surpassed market expectations, attention has turned to the strategic partnerships fueling the retailer’s recovery. Among these is MacKenzie-Childs, where South Korean designer Jae Nam is being recognized for his role in one of the brand's fast-growing and most profitable divisions, which is a key component in Macy’s "A Bold New Chapter" restructuring strategy.   Macy’s recently reported third-quarter net sales of $4.7 billion, exceeding its guidance of $4.5 to $4.6 billion. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) profit of $0.09, performing well above the anticipated $0.13 loss. Much of this success is linked to a 3.2% sales increase at Macy’s "First 50" stores, the strongest growth in 13 quarters. During the earnings call, CEO Tony Spring noted that partnerships with high-margin premium brands like MacKenzie-Childs have been instrumental in strengthening the company’s revenue structure.   Founded in 1983 in Aurora, New York, MacKenzie-Childs is a staple of the American luxury homeware market. While the brand is well-known for its "Entertaining Kitchen" line, the business side of the brand relies on a balance of artistic identity and manufacturing precision.   Jae Nam has become a figure in this core revenue division. Being involved in the full product development cycle, from initial concept and prototyping to mass production engineering, Nam is currently designing with a focus on a major expansion of the brand’s flagship enamelware and ceramicware collections. These lines have become focal points for Macy’s and other premium retail partners looking to capture the luxury market.   Nam’s impact is as much financial as it is creative. By utilizing advanced CAD and prototyping workflows, he successfully transitioned previously outsourced component production to an in-house model, generating significant cost savings. Furthermore, he addressed a persistent industry challenge regarding full-coverage decaling through innovative software workflows, proving that design-led technical solutions can directly improve a company’s bottom line.   Beyond technical optimization, Nam has developed large-scale themed collections that have secured approval from both senior leadership and wholesale partners. His work on American-made ceramicware, a category representing the brand’s highest level of craftsmanship, introduced minimalist silhouettes that have expanded the brand’s reach into retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.   Nam’s approach is rooted in his background at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. His time at RISD, an institution noted for its rigorous focus on the intersection of art and industry, allowed him to develop a deep understanding of materials and manufacturing. Following his studies, he worked with the Brown University Department of Visual Arts, conducting workshops in CNC machining, metalwork, and woodworking. These experiences helped him systematize a design process that is now applied to navigating complex global manufacturing operations.   As the home entertaining market continues its post-pandemic evolution, the retail industry is shifting toward quality-driven differentiation. Nam’s career reflects a broader trend: design is no longer just an aesthetic pursuit but a primary driver of business performance. By bridging the gap between artistic vision and operational excellence, Nam is helping MacKenzie-Childs deliver products that satisfy both consumer demand for cultural value and corporate requirements for profitability    정현식 기자turnaround designer partnerships fueling south korean that partnerships

2026.01.22. 16:49

U-MINE KOREA Launches AI-Based Wellness Innovation BodyJet AI in Korean Market and Opens Korea’s First Healing Café, Begins Taking International Orders

South Korean wellness technology company U-MINE Korea Co., Ltd. announced the completion of its next-generation AI enabled full-body steam sauna capsule system, BodyJet AI, a groundbreaking innovation poised to redefine the global health and beauty market. After six years of success with its first generation “BodyJet”, the newly upgraded AI-based model is now ready to lead in a new era of intelligent wellness care.   The U-MINE Korea BodyJet AI features seven automated wellness modes—Cure, Healing, Sport, Detox, Silver (for senior clients), Kids, and Free—designed to tailor bespoke care programs for each client’s needs and considering their individual physical condition. This allows for smart reclining and automatic seat adjustment based on a client’s height, providing a fully comfortable and personalized sauna experience.   According to U-MINE Korea’s Honorary CEO Mr. Yoo Ma-In,  “Clients are now able to have their body composition measured via InBody scans before and after a 20-minute session to immediately verify the changes in levels of body fat, visceral fat, muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate. These rapid changes are due to the uniquely engineered steam system built into the new BodyJet AI.”   Even prior to its official domestic release, BodyJet AI is already gaining international traction. U-MINE Korea has secured a contract for 30,000 units from a US buyer and has confirmed its participation in the Las Vegas Expo from July 15 to 17. Additional contracts are underway with buyers in Vietnam (15,000 units), Japan, Australia, Dubai, the UK, Eastern Europe, India, and Indonesia.   “Even people who avoid physical exercise can experience measurable improvements in body composition using the BodyJet AI,” said the CEO. “This isn’t just a steam sauna—it’s a next-level health solution.”   Domestically, Korea’s first ‘BodyJet Healing Café’ having completed its construction and interior design is now in the final steps preparing to open. The café combines AI steam care with a relaxing environment where visitors can enjoy coffee and light refreshments post-session. UMINE Korea will expand availability of the BodyJet AI to aesthetic salons and beauty centers, offering integrated health and beauty care programs ranging from body detox to skincare and hair loss treatments.   U-Mine Korea expressed its vision for global growth: “We believe the BodyJet AI represents the future of health and beauty. Our goal is to elevate K-Wellness on the global stage by offering solutions that address modern lifestyles and offer holistic well-being.”    최지원 기자korea international south korean mine korea wellness care

2025.06.17. 22:52

Korean Painter Suh Jeong-min brings hanji masterpieces to Art Miami 2024

Renowned South Korean painter Suh Jeong-min is set to display seven extraordinary paintings at Art Miami 2024, which will be held in the United States next month.     Known for his innovative reinterpretation of traditional Korean art forms, Suh is a celebrated figure in the global art community.   Ahead of the event, Suh met media outlets to show his signature style that features large-scale works, some spanning over 10 meters.     Crafted using hanji—traditional Korean paper often utilized in calligraphy—his pieces embody the seamless integration of tradition and innovation.   Tireless artist in pursuit of “Korean Line”   The 63-year-old continues to maintain an intense work schedule, dedicating up to 15 hours a day to his craft without taking holidays.     His artistic process involves a meticulous 10-step preparation for creating his materials made of hanji used for calligraphy practice. He is in charge of every stage of production, reflecting his disciplined approach to his art.   “My artistic philosophy revolves around the intrinsic value of labor,” Suh explained. “I strive to elevate it from a means of survival to a profound source of inspiration and meaning.”   “By preserving traditional materials and methods while embracing contemporary themes, I aim to position modern Korean art within the global art history narrative.”   A hallmark of Suh’s work is his exploration of the “Korean line,” a concept deeply rooted in Taoist and Buddhist philosophies.     Unlike the sharpness of Chinese art or the rigidity of Japanese aesthetics, the Korean line, Suh explains, is “soft, unassuming, and elegant—an embodiment of understated beauty.”   At the heart of this pursuit lies hanji, a material he describes as “prized for its resilience, texture, and timeless quality, outlasting conventional canvases by several centuries.”     By combining Eastern aesthetics with modern artistic inquiries, Suh’s use of hanji exemplifies his commitment to honoring Korean heritage while innovating within its framework.   “The Korean line and hanji reflect my effort to bridge tradition and modernity,” Suh said. “They allow me to preserve conventional materials and methods while embracing the challenges of contemporary expression.”   Watchers often highlight how Suh’s work achieves a harmonious coexistence of old and new, creating a timeless dialogue between culture, philosophy, and the human spirit.   A Global Stage: From Europe to Miami   Suh has long sought to captivate global audiences, particularly in Europe, often regarded as the heart of the art world. His participation in international art fairs has been instrumental in sharing his unique vision and philosophy.   “My work seems to resonate deeply with collectors and critics in Europe and beyond,” Suh said. “Exhibitions in Germany, France, and Italy have garnered praise for blending Eastern and Western sensibilities, offering a refreshing perspective in global art dialogues.”   Suh’s next major showcase, Art Miami 2024, will run from December 3 to December 8 at One Herald Plaza, a prestigious waterfront venue in downtown Miami.     As one of the most attended contemporary art fairs globally, Art Miami serves as a leading destination for acquiring significant works from the 20th and 21st centuries.   Looking ahead, Suh plans to continue his international journey, with exhibitions scheduled in the United States and Hong Kong next year.     “I hope to solidify a place for modern Korean art on the world stage,” Suh shared.   강동현 기자 [email protected] painter korean art korean line south korean

2024.11.24. 17:07

'HARIBO' is proud to bring moments of childlike happiness to South Korean consumers

HARIBO the world's leading manufacturer of fruit gum products has established HARIBO Korea Ltd.  on January 2nd, 2023.    HARIBO has been active in the South Korean market under the leadership of the business unit HARIBO Asia Pacific since 2012. During the last ten years HARIBO has become the market leader for fruit gum in South Korea.    The step that has been taken now underlines the importance of the South Korean market for HARIBO and the company commitment to develop the fruit gum category in the country. As part of this, starting from March 2022, James Lee has been appointed as Country Manager for Korea.   “HARIBO was created to inspire moments of childlike happiness”, explains Nikolay Karpuzov, Head of HARIBO Asia Pacific in Singapore. “The need for small moments of joy is what connects us especially in challenging times. That’s why HARIBO today is the leading jelly brand in South Korea. More than 85 percent of Koreans know HARIBO, and 55 percent have bought products from the company in recent months.  In order to continue building the category and developing our business we have established a new country organization in South Korea. We are pleased to have been able to win over Mr. James Lee as a very experienced and committed Country Manager. Mr. Lee and the whole HARIBO Korea team will continue working in hand with our distribution partner Samkyoung. Samkyoung has been instrumental in HARIBO success in recent years, and we trust our partnership will take HARIBO business to new heights in the future”.     “At HARIBO we believe everyone should have moments of childlike happiness”, explains James Lee. “That’s why we listen to our consumers in South Korea and continue to create exciting new treats providing a choice for all. Establishing HARIBO Korea is an important step and will enable us to serve better our consumers and customers and engage deeper with all other stakeholders in category.   I am proud to lead our business in South Korea. And I am excited to further drive our success story.  I am convinced that HARIBO in South Korea is going to go places.”    김진우 기자 ([email protected])consumers happiness south korean childlike happiness koreans know

2023.03.23. 1:50