E-mart's new CEO Kang Heui-seok. For the first time in its 26-year history E-mart has named an outsider as its new CEO. Shinsegae Group's discount store chain said Kang Heui-seok will replace outgoing CEO Lee Gap-su who has stepped down from the role, taking responsibility for the chain's poor performance. Kang had previously served as a partner of Bain & Company Seoul and Shanghai offices since 2005, leading consumer products and retail practices. Before joining the global consulting firm, he had worked at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as a director.