[Edaily Reporter Han Jeon-jin ] The retail industry is launching a series of open recruitment drives for new graduates in the second half of the year. CJ Corp.(001040)has increased its hiring quota by more than 40% compared to last year, making this the largest recruitment drive in the past four years, while Shinsegae Co.,Ltd(004170)has eliminated its internship program to shorten the hiring process. GS Retail(007070)is running internship programs linked to employment opportunities, tailored to the specific characteristics of each business unit.

According to industry sources on the 17th, CJ Corp. is currently conducting an open recruitment drive for new employees in the second half of 2026 across 13 affiliates and business divisions, including CJ CheilJedang Corp., CJ LOGISTICS, Olive Young, and CJ ENM CO., Ltd. The scale of this recruitment drive has increased by more than 40% compared to the same period last year, making it the largest in the past four years.

CJ Corp. plans to proactively secure talent to drive future growth as its overseas business expands beyond K-content to encompass the broader K-lifestyle sector, including food and beauty. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the 30th, and successful candidates will participate in the group’s orientation program in January of next year. Since 2022, CJ Corp. has maintained a proportion of young people aged 19–34 in its total hires at over 70% for four consecutive years.

The company is also working to expand its engagement with young job seekers throughout the recruitment process. It will release an interactive short drama—produced by an in-house startup and CJ ENM CO., Ltd.—on TVING, and will hold recruitment information sessions using CJ OnStyle’s mobile live commerce platform.

Shinsegae Group will also begin its open recruitment for 2027 new hires starting on the 18th. Ten affiliates, including E-MART Co., Ltd., Shinsegae Department Store, Shinsegae Property, SCK Company (Starbucks), and SHINSEGAE INTERNATIONAL, are participating. Applications will be accepted until the 12th of next month, and final selections will be made following interviews in November and December.

Shinsegae Co.,Ltd discontinued the one-month internship program that had been held following the final interview starting last year. The aim is to reduce the burden and uncertainty for applicants and to secure top talent earlier. Final candidates will officially join the company in January of next year and undergo group orientation training.

GS Retail has been conducting its second-half new graduate recruitment for GS25, GS The Fresh, and GS Shop since early this month. The company plans to hire double-digit numbers of new employees in the GS25 sales management, GS The Fresh store operations, and GS Shop MD, PD, and marketing divisions, respectively, and will accept applications until the 21st of this month.

GS Retail has tailored its internship programs differently by business unit. GS25 and GS The Fresh will conduct a four-week internship leading to employment following the first round of interviews with line managers. In contrast, GS Shop will select new hires without a separate internship program.