Journalist

Oh Joo-Seok
  • T’way Air Sets Up Special Transport Control Center for Lunar New Year Travel Rush
    T’way Air Sets Up Special Transport Control Center for Lunar New Year Travel Rush T’way Air said Thursday it will operate a “special transport control center” to handle higher demand and heavier airport congestion during the Lunar New Year holiday travel period. The airline said it will strengthen its response system, assign essential staff by department and move to a 24-hour emergency duty schedule to improve passenger convenience and ensure safe operations. T’way Air also highlighted its “easy boarding pass” feature, which lets passengers view their boarding pass immediately from the app’s main screen after completing online check-in. The feature allows boarding-pass access using saved information even for nonmembers or when offline. The airline said it also provides a “boarding guidance” function that offers real-time, day-of-departure information at the airport, including congestion levels, gate details and remaining time to the flight, to help passengers manage routes and waiting times more efficiently. A T’way Air official said, “In preparation for the increase in airport passengers during the Lunar New Year holiday period, we are continuously upgrading our digital services so customers flying with T’way Air can start their trips more conveniently and efficiently.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 10:27:00
  • Hyundai Palisade, Kia EV9 win top honors at Canada Car of the Year awards
    Hyundai Palisade, Kia EV9 win top honors at Canada Car of the Year awards Hyundai Motor Group said Friday that the Hyundai Palisade won 2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and the Kia EV9 won 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. The Canadian Car of the Year awards are decided by a 53-member jury of Canadian auto experts and journalists, who test-drive vehicles and vote in four categories: passenger car, utility vehicle, electric passenger car and electric utility vehicle. With the Palisade and EV9 wins, Hyundai Motor Group said it has taken two awards at the Canadian Car of the Year program for four straight years. The group has also won Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year five times in the past six years: the GV80 in 2021, Tucson in 2022, Ioniq 5 in 2023, Santa Fe in 2025 and the Palisade this year. One local outlet previously described the run as a “dynasty,” the company said. Jurors said the Palisade stands out for “an appealing balance of performance and fuel efficiency” from its next-generation hybrid powertrain, along with a range of safety systems. They praised the EV9 as “the best three-row electric vehicle,” citing its styling, an available GT option with more than 500 horsepower, and overall value, price and size. The Palisade was also selected as the utility winner at last month’s 2026 North American Car of the Year awards, scoring 270 points to finish well ahead of the Nissan Leaf (135) and Lucid Gravity (85). Hyundai Motor Group said the model posted its highest annual global sales since its 2018 launch last year, with 211,215 units sold on an IR basis. The EV9 won two titles at the 2024 World Car Awards: World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. It has also been recognized by major organizations and media outlets, including 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and the 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, the company said. A Hyundai Motor Group official said the dual wins in Canada show the company’s innovation and product competitiveness as it seeks to lead future mobility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 10:09:00
  • Chaevi Wins Contract to Inspect and Maintain Environment Ministry Fast-Charging Sites
    Chaevi Wins Contract to Inspect and Maintain Environment Ministry Fast-Charging Sites Chaevi, a South Korean electric vehicle charger company, said Thursday it was selected as the top bidder in a Korea Automobile Environmental Association tender to provide on-site inspections and outsourced maintenance for the Ministry of Environment’s fast-charging facilities. Chaevi has carried out the ministry’s outsourced maintenance work for the past two years, and the latest award extends its role for a fourth straight year. The contract covers 4,603 fast-charging bays installed in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Daejeon and Sejong. The term runs for two years through Dec. 31 of next year. The company said it will handle regular, unscheduled, emergency and special inspections, along with fault diagnosis, rapid restoration, repairs to related facilities, and relocation or removal work across the charging infrastructure. CEO Choi Young Hun said, “Through this selection, we will do our best in maintenance and management so that public fast-charging facilities can be operated with the industry’s highest level of quality and reliability.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:57:00
  • Renault Korea Says New Filante Tops 5,000 Orders Ahead of March Deliveries
    Renault Korea Says New Filante Tops 5,000 Orders Ahead of March Deliveries Renault Korea said Thursday that cumulative orders for its Filante, launched last month, have topped 5,000 units. The Filante is designed to blend sedan and SUV features. It includes an illuminated signature lozenge logo, a “tech lounge” interior based on first-class lounge seats, a 250-horsepower Hybrid E-Tech powertrain and AI-based connectivity services. The Filante is priced at 43,319,000 won under reduced individual consumption tax and eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits, and deliveries are set to begin next month. Renault Korea will also hold Lunar New Year holiday promotions. From Thursday through Feb. 19, it will give a lozenge mini padded bag or mini umbrella to 2,026 people who visit showrooms nationwide for Grand Koleos purchase consultations or complete a test drive. Among customers who sign contracts during the period and take delivery by the end of February, 100 will be selected by drawing to receive maintenance coupons worth 100,000 won. Separately, Renault Korea is running a monthlong “Bonjour 2026” Grand Koleos event in February. Some customers who buy the Grand Koleos, or take a test drive or consultation, will receive prizes including a travel gift certificate worth 2 million won (one winner), Samsung steam robot vacuum cleaners (three winners) and CGV Gold Class vouchers for two (20 teams). The maximum Grand Koleos purchase benefit under February terms is 4.8 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:36:00
  • South Korea’s K2 Rifle Moves From Standard-Issue Weapon to Export Product
    South Korea’s K2 Rifle Moves From Standard-Issue Weapon to Export Product In the military, the first weapon most recruits receive is a rifle — a soldier’s most closely guarded piece of equipment. Many carry it so constantly that they can recite its serial number on command, and it rarely changes before discharge. That closeness breeds plenty of barracks stories: seniors jokingly telling new recruits to buy a rifle at the PX, or a trainee getting reprimanded all day after losing a gas regulator at the range. The gas regulator is a small part that can come loose with a light touch, making it a common target for pranks. Rifles long seen as routine military gear are now being sold overseas. Weapons once described simply as “individual arms” have become part of the global defense market. Here is where South Korea’s rifle and ammunition industries stand — and where they may be headed. ◆ From familiar K2 to an export industry The K2 rifle, familiar to many South Koreans through reserve duty, is mainly produced by SNT Motiv. It is widely known as a South Korean adaptation of the U.S. M16. Weighing 3.26 kilograms, it can be fitted with a bayonet for close combat. In the late 2000s, bayonet drills were taught in basic training. Close-quarters fighting can be useful in mountainous terrain, a theme also depicted in the Korean War film “The Front Line.” The K2’s look has changed significantly. The K2C1, introduced in 2016, is an upgraded model designed for modern combat. Its handguard allows easier mounting of equipment such as optics, and its stock can be adjusted for different body sizes. An SNT Motiv official said the upgrade reflected the fact that soldiers have grown larger over the past 30 years since K2 production began. The official said detachable sights and the ability to add a forward grip improved ease of use and combat effectiveness. After the upgrade, the K2C1 became a main domestic weapon. SNT Motiv supplied 16,000 units to South Korea’s military for domestic use in 2024 and another 16,000 last year. Since it was fielded in 2016, cumulative domestic deliveries have reached about 190,000 units. Over the same period, about 40,000 units are reported to have been exported as markets opened in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. SNT Motiv posted operating profit of 102.6 billion won last year, up 4.5% from a year earlier. Dasan Machineries also added to the export trend, signing a contract early this year to export about 15,000 DSAR-15P 5.56 mm carbine rifles to the Philippines. A Dasan Machineries official said the company secured an edge with a clear bidding strategy in competition with defense firms from Brazil, Turkey and the Philippines. ◆ An evolving ammunition market Ammunition is so tightly controlled in the military that units typically have a dedicated noncommissioned officer overseeing it. Many reservists recall spending hours searching for missing shell casings after live-fire training. South Korea’s leading ammunition maker is Poongsan. Much of the 5.56 mm ammunition issued at firing ranges is produced there. According to filings with the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system, Poongsan posted 775.9 billion won in revenue last year through the third quarter from sales of military and sports ammunition. Over the same period, its U.S. subsidiary, PMC Ammunition, recorded US$99.7 million (1.435 trillion won) in results, reflecting sales of small-caliber rounds beyond South Korea and into the U.S. market. Ammunition has taken on greater importance as drones emerge as a key threat in modern warfare, spurring competition to develop rounds designed to intercept them. In the global defense industry, developing 30 mm airburst ammunition for counter-drone use has become a major task. Rheinmetall of Germany is widely cited as a leading developer of 30 mm airburst ammunition. U.S. defense contractor Northrop Grumman is developing 50 mm ammunition for drone interception based on experience from the war in Ukraine. Research and Markets forecasts the counter-drone ammunition market will grow at an average annual rate of 14.5%, from US$1.52 billion in 2025 to US$1.75 billion this year. Nam Myeong Ryeol, head of Korea University’s K-Defense Industry Research Center, said South Korean rifles are drawing attention in export markets because they perform reliably in harsh conditions, can be supplied in large quantities on time, and are price-competitive. <Editor’s note> Covering the defense industry. Aju Business Daily reporter Oh Ju Seok enlisted as an enlisted soldier at a unit in Incheon in 2009 and was discharged in 2013 with the rank of staff sergeant. He describes himself as a middle-aged military enthusiast who still cannot let go of the armed forces, and asks seniors and juniors for their support and guidance. 2026-02-12 18:06:48
  • Test drive: KG Mobility revives Musso pickup with new diesel and gas options
    Test drive: KG Mobility revives Musso pickup with new diesel and gas options "An appealing vehicle with a solid, heavyweight feel." South Korea’s Musso pickup is back. KG Mobility (KGM) is rolling out a new Musso this year, packaging what it calls 24 years of pickup heritage as it moves to expand its share of the market. On Tuesday, the reporter drove about 120 kilometers (75 miles) round trip from Times Square in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo district to Have Fun Cafe in Paju to test the new Musso. The diesel model felt large enough to fill a parking-space lane edge to edge. From the moment it left a basement level and threaded through a narrow ramp, the Musso’s pickup character was clear. With its long body, simply exiting the garage felt like a test. After climbing wet pavement on a steep, winding section to street level, the relief was simple: it made it out without a scrape. Once on the road, the high seating position provided more stability than expected. Forward visibility was easy, and the wide body was simple to judge — a feel somewhere between a large truck and an SUV. At a stoplight near Yeongdeungpo Market, the auto stop-start system kicked in. Pressing the brake shut off the engine, noticeably reducing noise, and it restarted smoothly as soon as the driver lifted off the pedal. The diesel model was quieter than the stereotype suggests. On the Jayuro expressway near Ilsan, the diesel 2.2-liter engine delivered its rated 202 horsepower and 45.0 kg·m of torque. Over rough sections, the suspension absorbed bumps smoothly. The ride benefited from a “five-link dynamic suspension,” a setup the article said is used on premium vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Jeep models, keeping body movement in check on uneven pavement. For the return trip, the driver switched to the Musso’s 2.0-liter turbo gasoline model — the biggest change in the new lineup. It is rated at 217 horsepower and 38.7 kg·m of torque. While the diesel emphasizes torque and fuel economy, the gasoline version is positioned for quieter operation and quicker response, which was evident on the Jayuro. The test drive suggested KGM is trying to broaden the pickup into a more everyday vehicle. The new Musso traces its roots to the 2002 Musso Sports, South Korea’s first sport utility truck (SUT), followed by the Actyon Sports (2006), Korando Sports (2012) and Rexton Sports & Khan (2018). KGM says it has sold close to 500,000 pickups in South Korea, a market long seen as unfriendly to the segment. The new Musso also aims to strengthen utility as a work vehicle. The standard model offers 1,011 liters of cargo space and can carry up to 400 kilograms (882 pounds). The long-deck version provides 1,262 liters and supports up to 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds). Options such as a hardtop are also available, positioning it for both commuting and leisure use.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 15:03:00
  • Hyundai Motor Group Plans New Brand Support Unit to Link Cars and Future Businesses
    Hyundai Motor Group Plans New Brand Support Unit to Link Cars and Future Businesses Hyundai Motor Group is moving to create a new brand support organization aimed at linking its core auto business with new ventures. Industry officials said Tuesday the group has recently been planning a unit called “HMG Brand Experience,” intended to provide smoother support for brands that are currently spread across the group. The organization is expected to serve as a staff function supporting both the traditional auto business and new areas such as robotics. The group is making large investments this year in future businesses including robotics, autonomous driving and hydrogen energy. A Hyundai Motor Group official said the HMG Brand Experience unit was part of an organizational overhaul plan finalized late last year, adding that the group will focus on securing future leadership. 2026-02-10 18:48:27
  • Jeju Air Returns to Profit on Fleet Upgrade and Rebounding Japan, Southeast Asia Demand
    Jeju Air Returns to Profit on Fleet Upgrade and Rebounding Japan, Southeast Asia Demand Jeju Air, which had been shaken by fallout from an accident, returned to the black for the first time in five quarters as rival low-cost carriers stayed in the red. The turnaround came as its fleet upgrade coincided with recovering demand on Japan and Southeast Asia routes. According to the airline industry on Monday, Jeju Air posted operating profit of 18.6 billion won in the fourth quarter of last year, swinging to a profit. The carrier said it has moved past the lingering risk tied to the Muan disaster and returned to profitability after five quarters, helped by fleet modernization and demand recovery. Jeju Air has focused on upgrading its fleet over the past three years by adding newer passenger jets. It began introducing the Boeing 737-8 in 2023 with two aircraft, added six last year and one more early this year, bringing the total to nine. About 21% of its 43 passenger aircraft are newer models less than three years old. A higher share of new aircraft has translated into lower fuel costs. Jeju Air said its cumulative fuel expenses for the first through third quarters of 2025 fell about 19% from the same period in 2024. The airline plans to increase the number of new aircraft to 40 by 2030. It is also seeking liquidity by selling 43.3 billion won worth of shares in its subsidiary AK I&S to AK Holdings. “When we bring in new aircraft, operators benefit from better fuel efficiency, and passengers find them more convenient because they have phone charging ports,” a Jeju Air official said, adding the company is “gradually moving away from the past downturn.” The profit swing is effectively the only performance improvement among the low-cost carrier “big three.” Jin Air, which has already reported results, posted an operating loss of 9.7 billion won in the fourth quarter of last year. T’way Air, which has yet to report, is also expected to post a loss; the securities-industry consensus estimates its fourth-quarter operating loss at 45 billion won. Expectations for first-quarter results are also rising as the industry enters its peak season. Passenger demand has strengthened amid eased restrictions on group tourism from China and continued preference for travel to Japan. Jeju Air carried 1.176 million passengers in January, up 33.5% from a year earlier. Jeju Air has expanded the share of its Japan routes to 42%. Securities firms forecast the airline will post a first-quarter profit of 80.7 billion won this year. Oh Jeong Ha, an analyst at Daol Investment & Securities, said, “Jeju Air is the only short-haul low-cost carrier without restrictions,” adding that the first-quarter peak-season effect, including the overlap of Lunar New Year and Independence Movement Day, could support an annual profit as well.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 18:03:00
  • Hyundai Motor CEO Munoz: 125.2 trillion won for South Korea, 35 trillion won for North America over 5 years
    Hyundai Motor CEO Munoz: 125.2 trillion won for South Korea, 35 trillion won for North America over 5 years Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz laid out large investment plans for South Korea and the United States, while also signaling a push to expand in emerging markets such as China and India. In an email to employees on Monday titled “Our Goals and Direction for 2026,” Munoz said Hyundai Motor will invest 125.2 trillion won in South Korea over the next five years, its largest-ever domestic investment plan, and about 35 trillion won in North America, or $26 billion. He added that the company is preparing to expand production capacity in India and restructure its China business, a strategy aimed at strengthening growth in South Korea and the U.S. while pursuing opportunities in India and China. For this year, Munoz set targets of global sales of 4.16 million vehicles, revenue growth of 1% to 2% and an operating profit margin of 6.3% to 7.3%. He said Hyundai Motor plans to sustain momentum with the launch of a Genesis hybrid and a range-extended electric vehicle, or EREV, slated for next year. “South Korea delivered stable growth on the back of the successful launches of the Palisade and Ioniq 9, and North America posted record-high sales for five straight years,” Munoz said. He said Europe accelerated its shift to electrification despite a tough regulatory environment, India’s EV sales grew by more than 750%, and Hyundai Motor is strengthening its strategy in China to match intense competition. Munoz attributed Hyundai Motor’s recent share-price gains to its “vision for physical AI and robotics” presented at CES, as well as revenue performance, strong execution and steady results. He said the company can achieve its 2030 strategy using the same PM² approach that drove last year’s results: moving quickly, preparing early, responding nimbly to change and working as “one global team.” Hyundai Motor also reaffirmed its long-term targets: global sales of 5.55 million vehicles by 2030, including 3.3 million eco-friendly vehicles, or 60% of the total. It set an operating profit margin goal of 8% to 9% and said it plans to expand its hybrid lineup to at least 18 models.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:22:56
  • Survey: 75% of South Korean new-car shoppers are open to EVs, wary of Chinese brands
    Survey: 75% of South Korean new-car shoppers are open to EVs, wary of Chinese brands Consumers say trust and safety matter most when buying an electric vehicle, a survey found. Chabot Mobility said on Monday that 75.1% of 450 people planning to buy a new car this year expressed interest in purchasing an EV. The largest share, 41.9%, said an EV is among the options they are considering. Another 18.4% said they are actively considering an EV, and 9.4% said they have decided on one. By age group, interest was highest among people in their 20s, at 100%, and those in their 30s, at 85.4%. Rates were lower among people in their 50s and those 60 and older. Cost was the top reason for considering an EV. Savings on charging compared with fuel costs led responses at 62.5%, followed by government subsidies at 41.3% and tax benefits at 32.7%. The biggest factors holding buyers back were infrastructure and safety concerns: lack of charging infrastructure (45.3%), worries about safety such as fires (34.9%) and charging time (32.8%). Asked how government EV subsidies affect vehicle choice, 37.9% said they have some influence and 29.6% said they have a very large influence, meaning about 67% view subsidies as a key factor. Views of Chinese EV brands showed both interest and caution. The most common response, at 38.6%, was that respondents are interested but still do not trust them. Price competitiveness was cited as the biggest attraction, at 64.3%. For advanced driver-assistance features such as full self-driving, 76.5% said they would pay extra. The most preferred price range was 3 million to under 5 million won, at 40.5%. Looking ahead, the most common expectation for how autonomous-driving advances will affect buying decisions was a greater emphasis on safety standards, at 26.7%. "EVs are now a practical purchase alternative, evaluated beyond an eco-friendly image in terms of lower running costs and total cost of ownership," a Chabot Mobility official said. The official added that Chinese EV brands are drawing interest on price, but said building trust in quality and safety will be key to gaining a foothold in the market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:19:56