Journalist

Oh Joo-Seok
  • Hyundais Palisade, Kias EV9 win Canadian vehicle of the year awards
    Hyundai's Palisade, Kia's EV9 win Canadian vehicle of the year awards SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - Two South Korean vehicles have receive top awards at this year's Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, which wraps up its weeklong run this weekend. According to Hyundai Motor Group, the Palisade was named the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, while affiliate Kia's EV9 won the Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year award, presented by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). "Our expert jurors scored the Palisade highly for its interior styling, its overall quality, and for the high consumer appeal this SUV brings to the Canadian marketplace," said Evan Williams, president of AJAC. "Earning this recognition for a fourth time in since 2022 underscores the importance of applying customer and journalistic feedback we've gained over the years, while continuing the strong momentum and leadership of our SUV portfolio in Canada," said Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai' operations in Canada. The annual awards "recognize excellence across four categories: Canadian Car of the Year, Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, Canadian Electric Car of the Year, and Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year." This year's AJAC winners were voted by a jury of 53 auto experts and journalists. 2026-02-13 11:21:46
  • KAI explores space industry cooperation with Saudi Arabia at WDS 2026
    KAI explores space industry cooperation with Saudi Arabia at WDS 2026 Korea Aerospace Industries, known as KAI, said Feb. 13 it discussed potential cooperation on space projects with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment at the World Defense Show WDS 2026 in Riyadh. KAI CEO Cha Jae-byeong met Feb. 10 (local time) with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih to discuss cooperation in future industries that could align with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 project, including space, satellite communications and aviation. KAI said it has been steadily strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia in space and aviation, and expects the latest talks to broaden collaboration. In October 2023 in Riyadh, KAI signed an MOU with the Saudi Space Agency to build a cooperative relationship in the space sector. It has pursued technology development and operations to expand the space market, joint commercialization, and investment in new startups. KAI said it also met with the Saudi Space Agency during the exhibition to reaffirm their strategic partnership. “Saudi Arabia can be a strategic partner for K-Space’s overseas expansion beyond K-defense, including the KF-21,” Cha said. “We will prepare the best proposal to expand cooperation in space and aviation linked to Saudi Vision 2030.” KAI said it built the country’s first private space center in 2020 and is preparing to commercialize mass production and exports of satellites, a key part of the New Space era, based on platforms such as next-generation mid-sized satellites, 6G communications satellites and nanosatellites. The company has participated in government-led satellite development projects over the past 40-plus years, including multipurpose satellites, geostationary composite satellites, next-generation mid-sized satellites, nanosatellites and the 425 satellite program, helping drive commercialization of the private space industry. KAI said the next-generation mid-sized satellites No. 2 and No. 4, for which it served as lead developer, are scheduled for launch this year. 2026-02-13 11:18:00
  • Renault Koreas new hybrid SUV receives 5,000 pre-orders in about a month
    Renault Korea's new hybrid SUV receives 5,000 pre-orders in about a month SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - Renault Korea said on Friday that orders for its new crossover sport utility vehicle have exceeded 5,000 units since pre-orders began last month. According to the France-based automaker, the midsize hybrid Filante, which combines features of a sedan and an SUV, boasts 250 horsepower and artificial intelligence (AI)-based connectivity services. It comes with a price tag of about 43.32 million Korean won (about US$30,000) after tax incentives for eco-friendly vehicles. Deliveries are set to begin next month. The automaker is also preparing promotional events during the Lunar New Year holiday, offering gifts such as mini bags, umbrellas and maintenance coupons to 2,026 customers who visit showrooms for purchase consultations or test drives. 2026-02-13 10:39:41
  • 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