MINI Korea Launches Limited-Run MINI 1965 Victory Edition MINI Korea said on the 16th it is releasing the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, a special model marking the classic Mini Cooper’s victory at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. The edition reinterprets the heritage of the Mini Cooper that competed in the Monte Carlo Rally, applying exterior cues that evoke the winning car. A prominent “52” graphic on the side references the 1965 rally car’s entry number. The 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke two-tone alloy wheels feature edition-only wheel caps in red an March 16, 2026

Hana Financial to Launch 500 Billion Won Infrastructure Fund Focused on AI, Renewables Hana Financial Group will commit 500 billion won to support future-focused strategic sectors, including renewable energy and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Hana Financial said Monday it will form the Hana Modu Growth Infrastructure Fund to expand the flow of private capital into what it called “productive finance.” The fund will be financed entirely by Hana Financial Group affiliates. Hana Bank will contribute 400 billion won, joined by Hana Securities with 50 billion won, Hana March 16, 2026

Air Premia Cuts 18 Seats to Expand Economy Legroom to 33 Inches Air Premia is reducing seat counts to increase economy-class legroom to 33 inches, part of a broader effort to improve cabin space. The airline said Monday it cut the total number of seats on aircraft HL8701 from 344 to 326, a reduction of 18 seats. As a result, economy seat pitch on the aircraft has been expanded from 31 inches to 33 inches. After the reconfiguration, HL8701 will enter service starting Monday. Routes operated by the aircraft will offer the wider seat spacing. Air Premia March 16, 2026

T’way Air cargo volume jumps 130% in two years as long-haul network expands T’way Air said its cargo business is maintaining steady growth, supported by an expanded global network and the introduction of larger aircraft. The airline said Monday that its first-quarter cargo volume this year was provisionally tallied at about 9,000 metric tons. That is up about 130% from about 4,000 tons in the first quarter of 2024, expanding the business to about 2.3 times its size in two years. T’way Air also reported that its total cargo volume last year rose 92% from about 18, March 16, 2026

Yamaha Korea, Hyundai SangGong Motors Show 2026 Sports Boats and Outboards at KIBS Yamaha Korea’s Hyundai SangGong Motors took part in the 19th Korea International Boat Show (KIBS), showcasing 2026-model sports boats, outboard motors and other marine leisure products, the company said, calling the exhibition a success. The event was held March 6-8 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, drawing large numbers of marine leisure industry officials and visitors from Korea and abroad. KIBS, co-hosted by Gyeonggi Province and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, is the coun March 16, 2026

Hyundai Opens 400kW EV Fast-Charging Station at Germany’s Nürburgring Hyundai Motor Co. has opened an electric vehicle fast-charging station inside Germany’s Nürburgring circuit capable of charging at up to 400 kW. The automaker said March 16 that its high-performance brand, Hyundai N, began operating the Nürburgring N fast-charging station on March 14 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife track. The Nürburgring, often called one of the world’s most demanding tracks, is a popular destination for car enthusiasts. Hyundai built the station in the parking lot at the March 16, 2026

Netflix’s ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature Netflix’s animated film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ won an Oscar on Sunday night, taking the Academy Award for best animated feature at the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The film beat fellow nominees ‘Arco,’ ‘Elio,’ ‘Little Amelie’ and ‘Zootopia 2.’ Director Maggie Kang thanked fans and said, “I’m sorry it took so long to make a movie with a protagonist who looks like me.” She added, “The next generation won’t have to long for movies like t March 16, 2026

Hanwha Tech and Life Units Expand AI-Driven Synergies, Pursue New Businesses Hanwha Group’s Tech and Life Solutions units, which are pursuing a corporate split, are stepping up efforts to develop new business models by creating synergies across divisions. The group aims to improve customer convenience, strengthen competitiveness across businesses and secure new revenue by opening new markets. The push is expected to gain momentum as the management drive of Kim Dong-seon, vice president of Hanwha Galleria and Hanwha Vision, combines with artificial intelligence acr March 16, 2026

Autonomous A2Z, Busan Bus Operators Sign Deal to Advance Self-Driving Transit Autonomous A2Z, a South Korean autonomous-driving company, said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Metropolitan City Bus Transport Business Association on March 13 for “mutually beneficial cooperation to innovate public transportation based on autonomous driving.” The company said the agreement is aimed at combining advanced autonomous-driving technology with existing public transit operating experience to improve Busan’s autonomous public transportation services and bu March 16, 2026

KATECH Named Korea’s Accredited Testing Body for Low-Speed Autonomous Driving Korea Automobile Technology Institute said Sunday it has built a nationally accredited testing system to verify the safety and performance of low-speed autonomous driving systems in South Korea. KATECH’s Cooperative Driving Automation Research Center said it received approval from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme to expand its scope of accreditation based on the KS X ISO 22737 international standard. ISO 22737 sets out performance evaluation standards for low-speed autonomous dri March 16, 2026