LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault and daughter Delphine visit South Korea

In May 2026, Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of the French luxury group LVMH, travelled to South Korea. He was accompanied by his daughter Delphine Arnault, chief executive of Christian Dior, the group's fashion house. Reports described it as his first Korean visit in about three years.

During the trip, Arnault toured major department stores in Seoul, including Lotte Department Store's Jamsil branch, where he was received by Lotte executives. Korean media also reported a stop at a Shinsegae flagship store, another leading retailer. The tours let the group see how its brands are displayed and sold in one of its important Asian markets.

The visit mattered because South Korea is among the world's largest per-capita luxury markets, and department stores such as Lotte are key partners for global brands. Arnault's presence, alongside his daughter, who holds one of the group's senior roles, signalled the importance LVMH places on Korean retail relationships. It also set the stage for later events involving Delphine Arnault in the country.