Journalist

Oh Joo-Seok
  • Audi Group Operating Profit Falls 13.6% as U.S. Tariffs Weigh on Results
    Audi Group Operating Profit Falls 13.6% as U.S. Tariffs Weigh on Results 아우디 그룹은 전기차 판매 확대에도 불구하고 영업 이익이 13.6% 하락했다. 미국 관세가 실적에 반영된 영향이다. 19일 아우디코리아에 따르면 아우디그룹은 2025년 회계연도 매출이 655억 유로로, 전년 645억3200만 유로보다 1.5% 증가했다. 영업이익은 33억7100만 유로로 전년 39억300만 유로 대비 13.6% 감소했다. 아우디그룹은 미국 관세 등의 여파로 12억 유로 손실이 발생했다고 밝혔다. 영업이익률은 5.1%로 전년 6.0%보다 0.9%포인트 하락했다. 아우디는 지난해 총 162만3551대를 판매했으며, 순수 전기차 인도량은 22만3032대로 전년 대비 36% 증가해 역대 최대를 기록했다. Q6 e-트론(약 8만4000대)과 A6 e-트론(3만7000대)이 증가세를 이끌었다. 다만 아우디, 벤틀리, 람보르기니, 두카티로 구성된 그룹 전체 자동차 인도량은 164만4429대로 전년 169만2548대보다 2.8% 감소했다. 오토바이는 5만895대가 인도됐다. 게르놋 될너 아우디 AG CEO는 "지정학적 불확실성과 글로벌 경쟁 심화로 자동차 산업은 여전히 도전적인 환경에 놓여 있다"며 "아우디는 이러한 상황에 대응하기 위해 과감한 결정을 내리고 있으며, 2026년에는 핵심 신차 출시와 전략적 파트너십, F1 진출을 통해 경쟁력을 더욱 강화할 것"이라고 말했다. 아우디는 올해 주요 신차 출시를 이어갈 예정이다. 새로운 엔트리 전기차 패밀리인 '아우디 A2 e-트론'과 플래그십 SUV '아우디 Q9'을 선보이며, 글로벌 고객 수요에 맞춘 제품 전략을 강화한다. 또한 포뮬러 1(F1) 진출을 통해 브랜드 경쟁력을 강화할 계획이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 09:18:18
  • Innocean Expands Digital Out-of-Home Ads Using Building Facades and Urban Spaces
    Innocean Expands Digital Out-of-Home Ads Using Building Facades and Urban Spaces Innocean said Thursday it is expanding operations of an “integrated digital out-of-home advertising business” that uses building exteriors and urban spaces. The company’s DOOH business converts building facades and unused space into digital media platforms that carry advertising as well as cultural content and brand communications. The company said the approach is designed to create new revenue opportunities for building owners and real estate developers while offering city residents new things to see and do in public spaces. Innocean said it is pursuing tailored media strategies that go beyond operating ad inventory, factoring in location, foot traffic and the context of each site. It cited media projects at Shinsegae Square in Myeongdong, Shinsegae Central City in Banpo and the Gangnam Montessori Building as examples that helped raise awareness of the buildings themselves. “Timeless Moment,” shown at Shinsegae Square in Myeongdong, won a Red Dot main prize, the company said. “The world’s biggest lifeguard,” carried out with Shinsegae Property and the Grand Josun Busan media, received the top prize in the outdoor advertising category at the Korea Advertising Awards and an iF Design Award main prize, it said. Innocean said it plans to broaden its outdoor advertising business step by step, expanding from existing sites to include more unused building space. Kim Jae-pil, executive director and head of Innocean’s media division, said the company will continue to expand a DOOH ecosystem that increases the value of urban spaces through integrated solutions combining creative and media operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 09:03:23
  • Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun’s 2025 Pay Totaled 17.46 Billion Won, Up 51.6%
    Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun’s 2025 Pay Totaled 17.46 Billion Won, Up 51.6% Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun received total compensation of 17.461 billion won last year, the company disclosed.  According to Hyundai Motor’s annual business report filed on Tuesday, Chung received 9.001 billion won from Hyundai Motor, including 4.5 billion won in salary and 4.501 billion won in bonuses and other income. That was up 1.914 billion won, or 27.0%, from 7.087 billion won a year earlier. Chung also received 5.4 billion won from affiliate Kia and 3.06 billion won from Hyundai Mobis. It was the first time he received compensation from Kia, the filing said. With Kia’s pay included, Chung’s total rose 5.943 billion won, or 51.6%, from 11.518 billion won the previous year. Hyundai Motor said the compensation reflected its executive pay table and factors including duties and rank, tenure, leadership, expertise and contribution to the company. Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Jang Jaehoon received 5.416 billion won in total compensation last year, up 59.3% from the year before. Jose Munoz, who has served as Hyundai Motor’s first foreign CEO since last year, received 9.729 billion won, up 242.7% from 2.839 billion won in 2024. Based on Hyundai Motor compensation alone, Munoz received more than Chung.  2026-03-18 17:57:30
  • KAI Names Kim Jong-chul CEO as Export Push and Leadership Scrutiny Grow
    KAI Names Kim Jong-chul CEO as Export Push and Leadership Scrutiny Grow Kim Jong-chul, former head of the Defense Technology Protection Bureau at South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, has been confirmed as the new CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries. Attention is focused on whether he can overcome recurring criticism over military-linked appointments and deliver on urgent tasks, including expanding exports of key weapons systems such as the domestically developed KF-21 supersonic fighter.  KAI said it held an extraordinary shareholders meeting and a board meeting on Tuesday and approved Kim’s appointment. The decision moves the company toward ending an eight-month leadership vacuum following the departure of Kang Goo-young. KAI’s CEO nomination committee had recommended Kim on Feb. 27 as an inside director candidate, calling him “a suitable leader with outstanding expertise across the defense industry and insight into future businesses.” Kim is a graduate of the 31st class of the Air Force Academy. He served about 23 years as an Air Force officer before joining DAPA in 2006 through a special recruitment program at the Grade 4 level. Inside KAI, views on his background are divided, with some describing him as a political appointment and others as a hands-on defense procurement specialist. Kim previously served as vice chair of the Smart Strong Military Committee in Lee Jae-myung’s presidential campaign, prompting claims that his appointment is a reward for political service. Concerns have also been raised as KAI has repeatedly named leaders with military backgrounds, including Kang, who previously served as Air Force vice chief of staff and head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’ Military Support Headquarters. Others point to Kim’s more than 20 years at DAPA after retiring as an Air Force lieutenant colonel. As a founding member of the agency, he served in roles including head of the defense export support team and director of offset trade, and was credited with helping open export channels for South Korea’s defense industry. Kim is expected to begin his public schedule by attending the rollout ceremony for the first mass-produced KF-21 aircraft, set for March 25. With global competition intensifying, KAI faces pressure to secure leadership stability and profitability. Expanding exports of the KF-21 and the FA-50 light attack aircraft is seen as the company’s top task. KAI has set targets this year of 5.7306 trillion won in revenue and 10.4383 trillion won in orders. Last year, on a consolidated basis, it posted 3.6964 trillion won in revenue and 6.3946 trillion won in orders, meaning the new goals are roughly double. Kim met with the labor union on March 13 and pledged to stabilize management and streamline what he called unnecessary task force teams. The move was seen as an effort to simplify the organization and focus on competitiveness in winning contracts. How KAI manages cooperation with Hanwha Group, which recently acquired a 4.99% stake, has also become a key issue. The purchase drew attention because it came as calls for privatization have persisted, putting KAI’s response under industry scrutiny. A KAI official said Kim faces the dual challenge of expanding exports while stabilizing the organization, adding that “early leadership will determine success or failure.” 2026-03-18 16:57:21
  • Chabot Mobility Named to FT-Statista Asia-Pacific High-Growth List for Third Straight Year
    Chabot Mobility Named to FT-Statista Asia-Pacific High-Growth List for Third Straight Year Mobility platform company Chabot Mobility said Tuesday it was named for a third consecutive year to the “2026 Asia-Pacific High-Growth Companies” list jointly compiled by the Financial Times and global research firm Statista. Now in its eighth edition, the annual ranking selects 500 companies across 14 Asia-Pacific countries based on high compound annual revenue growth. The list is widely watched as a gauge of growth momentum among startups and technology firms because it emphasizes revenue performance rather than company size or brand recognition. The latest assessment was based on revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. Chabot Mobility ranked No. 237 among the 500 companies. In the IT and software category, which accounts for about 21% of the list, it placed No. 42. Among South Korean companies, which make up about 15% of the total list with 79 firms, Chabot Mobility ranked No. 59. It placed No. 15 in South Korea’s IT and software category, the company said. Founded in 2016, Chabot Mobility said it has expanded from new-car quote comparisons into auto finance brokerage, direct insurance and vehicle management services, linking drivers’ needs across the vehicle life cycle on a single platform. It reported cumulative transaction volume of about 1.4 trillion won and 1.7 million cumulative users, and said it has built a nationwide network of about 32,000 auto dealers. The company said it completed a Series C funding round in 2024, bringing cumulative investment to about 25.6 billion won. It said it is also pursuing additional pre-IPO funding to support expansion into the United States, Japan and Mongolia and to build a foundation for an initial public offering. Chief Executive Officer Kang Seong-geun said the third straight selection reflects global recognition of the market competitiveness and growth momentum of Chabot’s auto-commerce platform. He said the company will further advance its data-driven mobility platform connecting vehicle purchases and management and pursue meaningful growth beyond Asia in global markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 10:33:17
  • Eastar Jet Expands Co-Marketing With Doosan Bears to Reach Younger Baseball Fans
    Eastar Jet Expands Co-Marketing With Doosan Bears to Reach Younger Baseball Fans Eastar Jet said Tuesday it will continue co-marketing with KBO team the Doosan Bears. The airline and the Bears have expanded their brand collaboration for a third straight year since signing a “strategic business agreement for joint marketing” at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in August 2024. Under the agreement, Eastar Jet provides prizes such as airline tickets for events aimed at fans attending the Bears’ home games, while the Bears support promotion of the carrier through advertising placements at Jamsil. With the start of the 2026 KBO League regular season, the partners will roll out additional promotions, including a ticket giveaway tied to the in-stadium cheering event known as “Bravo Time.” Eastar Jet will also hold an “Eastar Jet Brand Day” event next month. “We decided to continue joint marketing with the Doosan Bears this year as well to communicate more closely with pro baseball fans,” an Eastar Jet official said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 09:12:51
  • Porsche Korea Opens First Official Showroom in Jeju
    Porsche Korea Opens First Official Showroom in Jeju Porsche Korea said Tuesday it has opened Porsche Center Jeju, an official showroom for the Jeju region. The center opened Monday, marking the first official Porsche showroom on Jeju since the company operated the “Porsche Now Jeju” pop-up store in 2021. It will be run by Porsche Korea’s authorized dealer, Deutsche Auto. Porsche Center Jeju spans 3,944.54 square meters (about 1,193 pyeong) from one basement level to three stories above ground. The company said the facility features an interior concept using basalt stone and a space design reflecting Jeju’s local character. Customers can receive one-stop service on site, from consultation and test drives to contracts and vehicle delivery. The center includes 15 work bays and charging equipment, and will provide integrated services ranging from routine maintenance to accident repairs, including bodywork and painting. “Based on a value-driven growth strategy with a long-term perspective, Porsche continues to expand the brand experience nationwide,” Porsche Korea CEO Mathias Busse said. “Through Porsche Center Jeju, the first official hub in the Jeju region, we will provide the expertise and differentiated service expected of a premium brand.” Bae Hyun-seok, CEO of Deutsche Auto, said the company will offer a brand experience that fits with Jeju’s natural environment while improving service and convenience for customers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 08:57:18
  • Korean Air Extends Incheon-Dubai Flight Cancellations Through April 19
    Korean Air Extends Incheon-Dubai Flight Cancellations Through April 19 Korean Air said Tuesday it has extended cancellations on its Incheon-to-Dubai route through April 19. The airline took emergency turnaround and cancellation measures for flights KE951 and KE952 starting Feb. 28 after the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Before the airstrikes on Iran, Korean Air was the only South Korean carrier operating a Middle East route, flying round-trip to Dubai seven times a week. The suspension had been set to run through March 5, but cancellations have continued as the conflict persists. Whether service will resume April 20 will be decided later depending on conditions at local airports. A Korean Air official said the extension was due to airspace restrictions tied to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-17 17:24:14
  • Hanwha Aerospace Buys Nearly 5% Stake in KAI, Deepening Defense Ties
    Hanwha Aerospace Buys Nearly 5% Stake in KAI, Deepening Defense Ties Hanwha Group’s move to secure nearly 5% of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is drawing attention in the defense industry, as it could strengthen Hanwha’s position in fighter-jet production through closer cooperation with the aircraft maker. Industry officials said Tuesday that Hanwha Aerospace recently bought a 4.41% stake in KAI. Combined with the 0.58% held by Hanwha Systems, the group’s total stake stands at 4.99%. It marks Hanwha Aerospace’s first KAI share purchase in about seven years, after it sold its entire 5.99% stake in 2018. The purchase makes Hanwha Group KAI’s fourth-largest shareholder. The Export-Import Bank of Korea is KAI’s largest shareholder with a 26.41% stake. Hanwha Aerospace said the investment is intended to “expand cooperation in the aerospace business based on a mid- to long-term strategic partnership and strengthen global export competitiveness.” In South Korea’s defense sector, companies have increasingly pursued joint bids in which a prime contractor signs an export deal and participating firms share the proceeds. A key example is the KF-21 fighter jet, scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force starting in the second half of this year. KAI produces the airframe, while Hanwha Aerospace supplies the engine. Last month, Hanwha and KAI signed an agreement on joint cooperation in future core businesses to boost the global competitiveness of South Korea’s defense industry, and said they would expand that collaboration. Inside KAI, expectations for growth have risen as the company moves toward greater management stability. At an extraordinary shareholders meeting on March 18, shareholders will decide whether to appoint Kim Jong-chul, a former director at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s Defense Technology Protection Bureau, as CEO. Some observers say a management vacuum that has lasted for years is entering a resolution phase. Hanwha has expanded its defense footprint through acquisitions, leaving open the possibility of further KAI share purchases. In 2022, Hanwha secured a 49.3% stake in Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and reorganized it as Hanwha Ocean. Some analysts, however, say Hanwha’s recent expansion could limit the scope for a rapid increase in its KAI stake. At KAI, the labor union has expressed mixed views, citing expectations for business expansion if the company is brought under a large conglomerate, while also warning of potential conflict during any push toward privatization. “This stake purchase is more of a strategic investment to strengthen cooperation than a move to take management control,” one industry official said. “Depending on whether additional shares are bought, the direction of the relationship could change.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-17 17:10:13
  • Thinkware Launches Caltrwin KX and KR Window Tint Film Lineup
    Thinkware Launches Caltrwin KX and KR Window Tint Film Lineup Thinkware said March 17 that its automotive tint brand Caltrwin is launching two new window film lines, KX and KR. The new lineup consists of a reflective type and a nonreflective type, aimed at improving both driving visibility and heat-blocking performance. The reflective KR film is a metal-based product made with a high-purity sputtering process, the company said. It is offered in visible light transmission (VLT) grades of 11% and 27%, with infrared rejection (IRR) of up to 85% and total solar energy rejection (TSER) of 64%. The nonreflective KX film uses nano-ceramic technology based on polymer fusion coating to deliver high clarity and stable heat blocking, Thinkware said. It is available in VLT grades of 6%, 12% and 34%, with IRR of up to 90% and TSER of up to 68%, which the company said can help keep the cabin comfortable in strong sunlight. Caltrwin also offers after-sales service. Customers who have the film installed at an official Caltrwin shop will receive a manufacturer warranty certificate, and the company provides a seven-year quality warranty for issues such as cracking, fading and discoloration. A Thinkware official said the new KX and KR lines focus on core tint performance, including visibility and heat blocking, and are expected to be a good option for customers seeking verified performance at a reasonable price. To mark the launch, Thinkware said it will run a first-come, first-served review event through April 12. The first 10 customers to post an installation review online will receive a premium car wash voucher worth 100,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-17 09:21:17