Journalist

Oh Joo-Seok
  • Korean Air invests in drone startup to boost unmanned aircraft capabilities
    Korean Air invests in drone startup to boost unmanned aircraft capabilities SEOUL, January 26 (AJP) - Korean Air has made a strategic investment in drone specialist Pablo Air, aiming to secure core unmanned-aircraft technologies and expand its presence beyond its traditional aviation business. The two companies signed a strategic equity investment agreement on Jan. 23 at Korean Air’s Seosomun office in central Seoul, according to Korean Air, Monday. Pablo Air specializes in swarm artificial intelligence technology, which allows multiple drones to operate as a coordinated group, similar to birds flying in formation. Pablo Air has demonstrated its technological competitiveness by becoming the first company in South Korea to reach Stage 4 of a five-stage “swarm coordination” technology framework, according to Korean Air. Korean Air said the deal forms part of its mid- to long-term growth strategy in aerospace, which it has identified as a key future business area. The company plans to apply Pablo Air’s swarm AI autonomous-flight algorithms, integrated control platform, and small- and medium-sized drone development capabilities to its own medium- and large-sized unmanned aircraft, expanding its footprint in the defense sector. The partnership goes beyond financial backing and is intended to support Pablo Air’s stable growth by combining the infrastructure of a large corporation with the agility of a technology venture, Korean Air said. The two sides plan to conduct joint research and development on swarm flight, explore new business models, and share unmanned-aircraft technologies and business expertise. “This investment is a strategic choice to secure future competitiveness in a rapidly changing industrial environment and part of our efforts to build a healthy industrial ecosystem,” a Korean Air official said. “We will continue to pursue technological innovation and shared growth by strengthening cooperation with capable small and venture companies.” Korean Air operates a dedicated unmanned-aircraft business unit and develops drones domestically. It said it has produced multiple systems now in use by the South Korean military and local governments, including medium-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance drones, low-observable unmanned wingmen, division-level reconnaissance drones, multipurpose unmanned helicopters and vertical takeoff-and-landing unmanned aircraft. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-26 09:10:09
  • South Koreas Jin Air posts first annual loss in 3 years, hit by weak won
    South Korea's Jin Air posts first annual loss in 3 years, hit by weak won SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air returned to the red last year for the first time in three years, pressured by a weak won and intensifying competition in the airline industry. The company said on Monday that its standalone revenue fell 5.5 percent from a year earlier to 1.38 trillion won ($1 billion), based on preliminary results. Profitability swung to a loss for the first time since 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted travel. Jin Air posted an operating loss of 16.3 billion won last year, compared with an operating profit of 163.1 billion won in 2024. The airline had recorded operating profits for 10 consecutive quarters from the fourth quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of last year, but slipped into an operating loss in the second quarter due mainly to the won's weakness. Its annual net result also turned negative, with a net loss of 8.8 billion won, reversing a net profit of 95.7 billion won a year earlier. Despite the headwinds, the carrier said it launched new routes, including Incheon-Ishigaki in April and Jeju-Taipei in October, and worked to improve operating efficiency in an effort to cushion the impact on earnings. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-19 17:15:24
  • Hyundai Motors Palisade named North Americas top utility vehicle of the year
    Hyundai Motor's Palisade named North America's top utility vehicle of the year SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor said on Thursday that its Palisade sport utility vehicle has been named this year's North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, citing the model’s upgraded hybrid system and strong appeal in the U.S. market. Finalists in the 2026 utility category included the Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity and Nissan Leaf. Hyundai said the Palisade emerged as the winner following close competition. Judges cited the Palisade’s next-generation hybrid system, which improves both performance and fuel efficiency, as well as its spacious interior designed to meet North American consumer preferences, the company said. The Palisade’s new hybrid system features a transmission with two integrated motors and can be paired with multiple engine configurations, allowing performance and fuel economy to be optimized by vehicle type, Hyundai said. Electrification-focused technologies also enhance driving performance, ride comfort and the in-vehicle experience. Jeff Gilbert, chairman of the award jury, said the Palisade “sets the standard for a 21st-century family vehicle,” pointing to its interior space, driving dynamics and range of technologies. The North American Car of the Year awards, established in 1994, are among the auto industry’s most closely watched honors. 2026-01-15 10:37:57
  • CES 2026 : Boston Dynamics Atlas wins CNETs top robot honor at CES 2026
    CES 2026 : Boston Dynamics' Atlas wins CNET's top robot honor at CES 2026 SEOUL, January 09 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group said Thursday that Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by its robotics company Boston Dynamics, won CNET’s Best Robot award in the Best of CES 2026 honors. Atlas is central to Hyundai Motor Group’s AI robotics strategy unveiled in Las Vegas. The next-generation, electric Atlas development model, shown for the first time at CES 2026, was designed for high efficiency in real manufacturing settings, with autonomous learning and flexibility to handle varied work environments, the group said. CNET cited Atlas’ natural, humanlike walking ability and refined design in naming it Best Robot at CES 2026. The outlet said the robot supports the group’s vision of human-centered AI robotics through next-generation machines built to collaborate with people. “Atlas was easily the best of the many humanoid robots we saw at CES 2026,” CNET said. “The prototype demonstrated on the show floor left a strong impression with its natural gait, and the product version, closer to mass production, has completed preparations to be deployed at Hyundai Motor Group manufacturing plants starting this year.” Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy Atlas first in 2028 at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, or HMGMA, in Savannah, Georgia. It will begin with processes where safety and quality gains have been verified, such as parts sequencing, and then expand use in stages. By 2030, the group plans to broaden Atlas’ role to various parts-assembly processes and more complex work, including repetitive tasks and handling heavy loads, to improve worker safety and accelerate smart-factory innovation. After performance verification, it plans to expand deployment across the group’s global production sites. Developed for industrial use, Atlas is a general-purpose humanoid robot designed to integrate smoothly with existing factory equipment. It can lift up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and perform delicate tasks, and it is designed to be waterproof and washable for easier maintenance. The robot is built to operate reliably from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius (minus 4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). It also includes advanced rotary joints and sensors for autonomous movement and work in complex industrial environments, and it can quickly adapt to new tasks through AI-based learning. With a fully rotating joint structure offering 56 degrees of freedom and a human-size hand equipped with tactile sensors, it can autonomously handle high-difficulty tasks. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, said, “Atlas is the best robot we have developed, and this award means the team’s efforts are bearing fruit as we work to bring the world’s top humanoid to market.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-09 15:56:10
  • Hyundai Motor chairman puts AI, software, robotics at core of future strategy
    Hyundai Motor chairman puts AI, software, robotics at core of future strategy SEOUL, January 05 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group will place artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicles and robotics at the core of its future mobility strategy this year, Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in a New Year's message on Monday. Cautioning that rapid advances in AI are reshaping competition and driving a major transition in global manufacturing, Chung called for bold cooperation with a wide range of partners to respond to the AI-driven shift. “Even in the automotive market, we have entered an era in which a product’s core competitiveness is determined by AI capability,” Chung said. He added that global industry leaders have already secured an advantage through massive investments, while Hyundai Motor Group’s capabilities “are not yet sufficient.” Citing increasingly complex global trade conflicts that could weigh on business conditions and profitability, Chung warned that geopolitical disputes could disrupt operations or harm business in certain regions. To address these challenges, Chung outlined key priorities including customer-focused restructuring, clearer assessment of realities and faster decision-making, expanded support for supply-chain partners, broader ecosystems through cooperation with diverse partners, and leadership in setting new industry and product standards. “As competition intensifies, the strongest pillar that will protect us is restructuring born from deep reflection,” Chung said. He urged employees to question whether customer perspectives are fully reflected in planning and development and whether they can stand behind the quality of products. Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest 125.2 trillion won in South Korea from this year through 2030 to help foster the domestic and global automotive industry ecosystem. 2026-01-05 11:06:40
  • Tesla price cuts set to spur EV competition in South Korea
    Tesla price cuts set to spur EV competition in South Korea SEOUL, January 02 (AJP) - Tesla’s decision to cut prices on key electric-vehicle models in South Korea is expected to intensify competition in the country’s EV market, as expanded government subsidies and the growing presence of imported brands put pressure on domestic automakers. The U.S. firm has discounted the Model 3 Performance all-wheel-drive version by up to 9 million won ($760), lowering its price below 60 million won, the threshold for eligibility for South Korea’s EV purchase subsidies. The move comes as Seoul strengthens policy support for electric vehicles and as Chinese manufacturers prepare to enter the market with lower-priced models. Under the government’s revised 2026 EV purchase subsidy plan released on Jan. 1, buyers who scrap or sell gasoline-powered or other internal-combustion vehicles and then purchase an EV will be eligible for up to 1 million won in additional subsidies starting this year. The measure broadens support as South Korea works toward its 2035 national greenhouse gas reduction target under its nationally determined contribution (NDC), though per-vehicle subsidy amounts remain unchanged from last year. Industry officials expect competition between domestic and imported brands to intensify under the expanded incentives, with around 20 new EV models scheduled to launch in South Korea this year. Imported brands have steadily increased their market share. According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, new EV registrations in South Korea totaled about 207,000 units from January through November last year. Imported vehicles accounted for 84,045 units, or 40.6 percent of the market, up from 25 percent in 2022 and 29.2 percent in 2023. Tesla remains one of the dominant players. Led by the Model Y, the company sold 55,594 vehicles in South Korea from January through November last year, ranking second behind Kia, which sold 59,939 units. Model Y sales reached 46,927 units, the highest of any EV model sold in the country. Chinese automakers are also expanding their presence. BYD, which ranked third in South Korea’s imported EV market in its first year, has signaled plans to launch the compact electric SUV Dolphin, which it said could be priced in the 20 million won range after subsidies. Following Zeekr’s market entry last year, Xpeng is also expected to enter the South Korean market this year. Domestic automakers are responding with new models. Hyundai Motor plans to launch the Genesis flagship electric GV90, while Kia is preparing to introduce new electrified vehicles, including GT versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5. “The EV market will see very fierce competition this year as imported brands move into South Korea to strengthen global competitiveness,” said Kim Pil-soo, a professor of future mobility at Daelim University College. Hyundai and Kia “have no choice but to roll out proven models” to defend their home market against foreign rivals competing aggressively on price, he said. 2026-01-02 08:25:10
  • Weak won squeezes Korean airliners, KALs profit to fall by double digits
    Weak won squeezes Korean airliners, KAL's profit to fall by double digits Weak won squeezes South Korea’s airlines, with Korean Air the lone profit holdout SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) -The Korean won, averaging its weakest level on record this year, has eaten into profitability across South Korea’s airline industry by driving up U.S. dollar-denominated costs for aircraft leases and fuel. According to financial data provider FnGuide, Korean Air’s consolidated operating profit for the year is estimated at 1.40 trillion won ($1.05 billion), down 33.5 percent from 2.14 trillion won a year earlier. The decline largely reflects rising costs linked to the weaker exchange rate. Airlines are particularly vulnerable to currency swings because a significant share of their expenses — including fuel, aircraft leases and maintenance — is denominated in the greenback. The weak won has also dampened outbound travel demand by raising overseas travel costs for Korean passengers. The blow would have been heavier on smaller carriers. Brokerage-house consensus forecasts show Asiana Airlines posting an operating loss of about 245 billion won this year, partly reflecting the impact of its cargo business divestment. T’way Air is projected to see operating profit fall by 223.1 billion won, Jeju Air by 140.9 billion won, and Jin Air by 4.2 billion won. Intensifying competition on short-haul routes — particularly to Japan and Southeast Asia — has compounded the pressure alongside the weak currency. Choi Min-gi, a senior researcher at Shinhan Securities, said Korean Air is relatively insulated because it earns a higher share of revenue in foreign currencies from inbound passengers and cargo, providing a form of “natural hedge.” Other airlines, he noted, are more directly exposed to exchange-rate fluctuations, which feed quickly into earnings volatility. Foreign-currency expenses account for roughly half of airlines’ operating costs, according to industry estimates. Using an exchange rate of 1,400 won per dollar as a benchmark, the sector calculates that every 10-won depreciation adds about 75.2 billion won in operating costs for Korean Air, 5.1 billion won for Jeju Air, 3.9 billion won for Jin Air and 5.9 billion won for T’way Air. The won that hovered around 1,480 for most of the month eased to 1,440.3 last Friday following verbal intervention and measures to stabilize foreign-exchange supply and demand. Market participants, however, say uncertainty over the currency outlook remains elevated. Asiana Airlines has moved to reinforce its financial buffer by issuing 200 billion won in perpetual bonds. Lee Jong-woo, a professor of business administration at Ajou University, said it would be difficult for both the exchange rate and broader economic conditions to improve meaningfully next year. He added that if industry restructuring and consolidation move forward, reduced competition could eventually help stabilize airline profitability. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-29 05:38:21
  • Hyundai Motor Group extends European recovery on hybrid demand
    Hyundai Motor Group extends European recovery on hybrid demand SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group continued its recovery in Europe in November, supported by solid demand for electrified vehicles, particularly hybrids. Hyundai Motor and Kia sold a combined 79,901 vehicles in Europe during the month, up 0.2 percent from a year earlier, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) showed on Tuesday. Hyundai’s sales rose 3.7 percent to 41,026 units, while Kia’s deliveries fell 3.2 percent to 38,875. Their combined market share slipped 0.2 percentage points to 7.4 percent. Overall European vehicle sales increased 2.4 percent to 1,079,563 units in November. From January through November 2025, Hyundai and Kia’s cumulative European sales fell 2.6 percent from a year earlier to 959,317 vehicles. Their market share for the period stood at 7.9 percent, down 0.4 percentage points. 2025-12-23 16:08:50
  • Imported cars win over more South Korean motorists, survey reveals
    Imported cars win over more South Korean motorists, survey reveals SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - More motorists are showing increased interest in imported cars, according to a survey by the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) released on Thursday. The association surveyed about 1,500 motorists and found that the majority of respondents or 66.3 percent held a favorable view of imported cars, while only 4.9 percent gave a negative response. The rest were neutral. The main reasons cited were the growing presence of imported cars (37.1 percent), comparable prices to South Korean brands (17.7 percent), better quality and performance (12.9 percent), and respect for personal choice (9.1 percent). When asked why they bought imported cars, most respondents cited quality, durability, and driving performance, with those who already owned imports expressing more favorable views. More than three in 10 consumers planning to buy a new car within the next two years said they are considering an imported brand. "Imported cars are becoming common options for many," a KAIDA official said, adding that they may spur competition and help raise overall quality in the auto market. 2025-12-18 17:02:28
  • Hanwha Systems to supply cockpit displays for F-15 jets in deal with Boeing
    Hanwha Systems to supply cockpit displays for F-15 jets in deal with Boeing SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Systems said on Thursday it has secured its first foothold in the U.S. defense market by winning a contract to export digital avionics equipment to Boeing. The South Korean defense company said it has signed a deal to supply Boeing with a large-area multifunction display, known as the enhanced large-area display (ELAD), for F-15K fighter jets and the U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX aircraft. The display integrates information that was previously shown across multiple cockpit instruments into a single large screen, allowing pilots to access critical flight and mission data more quickly and improving situational awareness and operational efficiency, the company said. Hanwha Systems said the initial deliveries and application of its avionics to the F-15K fleet are expected to support greater participation by South Korean technology providers in U.S.-led fighter jet upgrade programs. The company attributed the contract to government-backed industrial cooperation and defense sales diplomacy, including support from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and its aviation program office. DAPA signed an industrial cooperation memorandum of understanding with Boeing in November last year as part of efforts to upgrade South Korea’s F-15K fleet and expand the role of domestic companies in major overseas procurement programs. Hanwha Systems said being a supplier of the large cockpit display for the F-15 platform will open the door to further opportunities in the U.S. defense market. The company also supplies seven core avionics systems for South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 fighter jet, including the mission computer, multifunction display, audio control and communication system, and terrain-following computer, all developed using domestic technology. In addition, Hanwha Systems provides the KF-21 with domestically produced systems such as an infrared search-and-track sensor and electro-optical targeting equipment. 2025-12-18 09:49:04