The CJ Group Story from Humble Roots to Global Expansion

The CJ Group's story is one of humble roots and remarkable growth. Founded in 1953 by Choi Jae-won, the company started with a small food processing business in Seoul, South Korea.

Choi Jae-won's vision was to create a company that would bring people together through food. He began by producing a popular Korean sauce called CJ Sauce, which quickly gained a loyal following.

The company's early success was fueled by its commitment to quality and innovation. CJ Group's focus on research and development allowed it to stay ahead of the curve in the food industry.

Today, CJ Group is a global company with a diverse portfolio of businesses, including food, bio, and entertainment.

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CJ Group has a rich history that spans over five decades. The company was formed in 2011 after the merger of CJ Media, CJ Entertainment, Mnet media, On-Media, and CJ Internet, which became CJ E&M.

CJ E&M has been a significant player in the development of Korean pop culture and the spread of "Korean Wave" (Korean: Hallyu). The company created successful TV programs such as "Superstar K" and films like "Masquerade" and 2020 Academy Awards winner "Parasite."

In 1998, CJ Group introduced the first multiplex theaters, CGV, to South Korea. This was a significant milestone in the company's history, marking the beginning of its expansion into the entertainment industry.

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In the 1970s, CJ continued its growth as a Food & Food Service company.

CJ entered the feed business in 1973 with the launch of 'Pungnyeon Feed'.

The company developed mass-production techniques for "Dashida", a seasoning product, and technology for the mass-production of nucleic acids for the first time in South Korea in 1977.

CJ launched its first nucleic acid seasoning, "AIMEE", in 1977.

In 1979, CJ was renamed 'CheilJedang Corp.' and started producing cooking oil under the Beksul brand.

The 1980s saw CJ expand into processed food items such as beverages and frozen foods, and enter the bio business based on new advanced technologies.

CJ established Eugene Tech International, a local subsidiary, in New Jersey, U.S. in 1984.

In 1986, CJ's Biotechnology & Pharmaceutics division succeeded in becoming the third in the world to develop Alpha-interferon, an anticancer medicine.

CJ launched 'Hepaccine-B', a hepatitis vaccine, and entered the frozen food industry in 1987.

The company established CheilJedang Indonesia in 1988 and began constructing a MSG plant in 1990.

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In 1991, CJ began transitioning from a focus on the food and bio industry to life and culture. This marked the beginning of a period of growth and conversion.

The company developed new food products, including 'Condition', a supplemental drink that alleviates hangover symptoms, in 1992, and 'Hetbahn', an aseptic packaged rice, in 1996.

CheilJedang spun off from Samsung in July 1993 and gained independent management, changing into a life and culture group by entering into the food service and entertainment industries. This move was completed with its official separation from Samsung Group in February 1997.

In 1996, CJ became 'CheilJedang Group' and established new affiliates such as Cheil Golden Village, which later became CGV. The company also opened VIPS, a premium steak & salad bar, in 1997.

CJ launched South Korea's first multiplex theater, CGV, in 1998, and entered into the fields of media, entertainment, finance, and information & communication businesses mainly through M&As and establishments of new affiliates.

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In 2017, Chairman Lee Jay-Hyun resumed management duties, marking a significant shift in CJ Group's leadership.

CJ CheilJedang consolidated its four business divisions into two: bio and food, in November 2017. This restructuring move aimed to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

In the same year, CJ CheilJedang acquired Selecta, a Brazil-based producer of concentrated soy protein. This strategic move expanded CJ's presence in the global market.

CJ Healthcare was sold to Kolmar Korea in 2018. This sale marked a significant change in CJ's business portfolio.

CJ E&M and CJ O Shopping were merged to form CJ ENM (CJ Entertainment and Merchandising) in July 2018. This merger created a new entity focused on entertainment and merchandising.

In August 2018, CJ CheilJedang acquired Kahiki Foods, an American frozen food company based in Columbus, Ohio. This acquisition expanded CJ's presence in the US frozen food market.

The following year, CJ CheilJedang acquired another American frozen food company, Schwan's, in 2019. This acquisition further solidified CJ's position in the global frozen food industry.

In November 2021, CJ ENM acquired Endeavor Content, the production company behind the film "La La Land." This acquisition marked a significant step into the global entertainment industry.

The acquired production company was rebranded as FIFTH SEASON in 2022, marking a new chapter in CJ ENM's history.

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CJ Group's business operations are impressive, with a vast network of companies across various industries.

The group's retail arm, which includes E-Mart and Home Plus, operates over 1,200 stores across Asia.

CJ Group's logistics business, CJ Logistics, has a global reach with over 20,000 employees and 1.5 million square meters of warehouse space.

The group's focus on innovation and technology has enabled it to maintain a strong market position in the face of intense competition.

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CJ CheilJedang Food division is a key player in the company's food business.

The food division is part of CJ's larger food and food services operations, which also include CJ Foodville and CJ Freshway.

CJ Foodville is a significant part of CJ's food business, offering a range of services and products.

CJ Freshway is another important component of CJ's food services, providing fresh food options to customers.

Here are some of the key services offered by CJ's food divisions:

CJ also has a logistics and IT division, which supports the company's operations and services.

Logistics & Retail is a crucial aspect of CJ's business operations. CJ Logistics is a key player in this sector, providing efficient and reliable logistics services.

CJ OliveYoung is a retail arm of CJ, offering a wide range of products to customers. CJ ONS is another retail venture, focusing on convenience stores and other retail services.

CJ ENM Commerce Division is also part of CJ's retail operations, handling various aspects of commerce and trade. CJ Logistics E&C Division is involved in the engineering and construction of logistics facilities, ensuring that CJ's logistics operations are supported by robust infrastructure.

Here are some of the key players in CJ's Logistics & Retail sector:

CJ Group's entertainment and media division is quite impressive. CJ ENM Entertainment Division is a key player in this sector.

One of the notable subsidiaries is CJ CGV, a multiplex cinema chain that offers a premium movie-going experience.

CJ ENM also has a division called CJ Powercast, which is a part of their entertainment and media business.

CJ LiveCity is another interesting venture that's part of CJ Group's entertainment and media portfolio.

Here are some of the key entities in CJ Group's entertainment and media division:

CJ Group has a complex history of affiliations and subsidiaries that have changed over the years.

The group's Beverage Division was sold to Lotte Group in 2001. This was a significant move, marking the beginning of a new era for CJ's beverage business.

CJ Investment & Securities has had a few owners over the years. It was first sold to Hyundai Heavy Industries Group in 2008, and then again to DGB Financial Group in 2018, who renamed it iM Securities.

CJ Asset Management also changed hands in 2008, when it was sold to Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. It was later sold to VI AMC in 2020 and is now known as VI Asset Management.

ChampVision, also known as Champ TV, was sold to Taekwang Group in 2011. This marked a new chapter for the company, which would go on to become an important part of the Taekwang Group's media portfolio.

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Here is a list of some of the notable affiliates and subsidiaries that CJ Group has had:

CJ Group has been expanding its business globally, with a significant presence in over 100 countries worldwide.

The company's international expansion began in the 1960s, when it started exporting Korean products to other countries.

CJ Group's global network includes a diverse range of businesses, from food and logistics to entertainment and biotechnology.

In 2019, CJ Group acquired a majority stake in a US-based food company, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts.

CJ Group's expansion into new markets has also led to the creation of new jobs and opportunities for local communities.

The company's commitment to innovation and technology has enabled it to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive global market.

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CJ Group has been involved in a long-standing family feud with Samsung, its former parent company. This feud has been highly publicized and has led to some intense media attention.

The feud began with a civil suit filed by Lee Maeng-hee, the former president of CJ, and his sister Lee Sook-hee against Lee Kun-hee, the CEO of Samsung. They claimed that Lee Kun-hee had illegally acquired his inheritance by concealing parts of their father's assets.

The case was highly publicized, with both sides quoted in the media attacking each other. The feud was further intensified when it was discovered that a Samsung employee had tailed Lee Jay-hyun, the chairman of CJ Group.

In January 2013, the court ruled against Lee Maeng-hee, finding that there was not enough evidence to prove that the dividends and proceeds of Samsung were part of the inheritance. This was a significant blow to the family's claims.

Lee Jay-hyun, the chairman of CJ Group, was arrested in 2013 and convicted in 2014 of tax evasion and embezzlement. He was released from prison in August 2016 as part of an annual presidential pardon.

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CJ Group is a diversified conglomerate with a presence in various industries.

CJ Group's Bio Division is a key part of its operations, encompassing CJ CheilJedang's Bio Division, CJ Feed & Care, and CJ Bioscience.

These divisions work together to provide a range of products and services, including CJ CheilJedang's Bio DivisionCJ Feed & CareCJ Bioscience offerings.

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