Old tensions inhibit Japanese grocers wanting to enter South Korea

Despite growing popularity of food from Japan, concerns about boycotts and targeting persist

20250811 Don Quijote pop-up store in Seoul Main

When Japanese discount retailer Don Quijote opened a pop-up store at the Hyundai Seoul department store last month, over 1,000 customers flocked in every day. (Photo by Don Huh)

DON HUH

SEOUL -- In July, Japanese discount retailer Don Quijote opened a pop-up store at the Hyundai Seoul department store. Despite fewer than 40 products -- mostly private-label foods and some character goods -- there were long queues.

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