Journalist

Oh Joo-Seok
  • Hanwha Aerospace, KAI sign pact to develop aircraft engines, drones
    Hanwha Aerospace, KAI sign pact to develop aircraft engines, drones SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have agreed to cooperate on key future defense and aerospace projects, including development of aircraft engines and unmanned aircraft systems, the companies said on Friday. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Feb. 5 at Hanwha Building in central Seoul aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of South Korea’s defense industry. The signing ceremony was attended by Hanwha Aerospace Chief Executive Son Jae-il and KAI Chief Executive Cha Jae-byung. Under the agreement, the companies will pursue joint development and export opportunities in unmanned aircraft, collaborate on development and marketing of aircraft equipped with homegrown engines, and work together to expand into the global commercial space market. Hanwha Aerospace and KAI, both long-time participants in South Korea’s state-led aerospace programs, said their combined experience in airframe and engine development is expected to generate synergies, particularly in next-generation defense platforms. The companies plan to conduct joint research and development and technical cooperation, including work toward an advanced engine for a future aircraft expected to succeed South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 fighter jet. They will also establish a regular “Future Aerospace Strategy Committee” involving senior executives to coordinate mid- to long-term cooperation plans. Cha said the partnership would help expand exports of Korean defense products while supporting government efforts to promote balanced regional development. Son said the agreement aims to create “a new model for exports and shared growth” across the defense and aerospace ecosystem, adding that Hanwha Aerospace plans to gradually expand cooperation with KAI in future projects. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-06 10:26:28
  • Korea Auto Journalists Association Names Renault Korea Filante February Car of the Month
    Korea Auto Journalists Association Names Renault Korea Filante February Car of the Month The Korea Automobile Journalists Association said Thursday it has selected Renault Korea’s Filante as its car of the month for February 2026. The association’s Car of the Year selection committee reviews newly launched and facelifted models each month and announces a car of the month. Finalists included Kia’s The All-New Seltos, Renault Korea’s Filante, Genesis’ GV60 Magma, GMC’s Acadia, KG Mobility’s Musso and Peugeot’s All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid. The Filante won with 36 points out of a possible 50. The Filante scored 7.7 out of 10 for interior and exterior design, perceived quality, safety and convenience features. It received 7.3 points for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, and 6.7 for power performance, overall product competitiveness and purchase intent. Jung Chi Yeon, chair of the committee, said the Filante offers “a new interpretation that goes beyond existing vehicle-class boundaries,” citing an exterior developed through collaboration between Renault design centers in South Korea and France and an interior based on a “premium tech lounge” concept.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 10:00:00
  • Jeju Air Adds Ninth Boeing 737-8 as It Pushes Fleet Modernization
    Jeju Air Adds Ninth Boeing 737-8 as It Pushes Fleet Modernization Jeju Air said Thursday it has added its ninth Boeing 737-8, a next-generation aircraft, through a purchase. With the latest delivery, next-generation aircraft now account for 21% of its passenger fleet, and owned aircraft make up 35%, the airline said. Jeju Air began purchasing 737-8s in 2023 and brought in a total of eight next-generation aircraft through last year. It plans to add seven more purchased 737-8s this year, including the ninth aircraft, focusing on fleet modernization, operational improvements and flight stability. The airline is also replacing older aircraft. After returning one aging aircraft when its lease expired in November, it plans to return another this month, it said. Jeju Air said it is strengthening maintenance capabilities and pilot training to support safe operations. It has also signed a business agreement with Boeing on competency-based training and assessment, or CBTA, to improve emergency response capabilities. "Introducing next-generation aircraft and increasing the share of owned planes is a mid- to long-term strategy to boost both operational stability and cost competitiveness," a Jeju Air official said. "Through fleet modernization, we will further solidify the foundation for sustainable growth." 2026-02-06 09:48:00
  • Hanwha Aerospace, KAI sign MOU to cooperate on defense and space aviation R&D
    Hanwha Aerospace, KAI sign MOU to cooperate on defense and space aviation R&D Hanwha Aerospace has joined hands with Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, to cooperate on future core projects in defense and the space and aviation sectors. Building on aviation technology developed over the past 40 years, the companies plan to pursue development of homegrown engines and unmanned aircraft. Hanwha Aerospace and KAI said Thursday they signed a memorandum of understanding on Feb. 5 at Hanwha Building in central Seoul to strengthen the global competitiveness of South Korea’s defense industry. Attendees included Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae Il and KAI CEO Cha Jae Byung, along with other officials from both companies. Under the agreement, the companies said they will cooperate on joint development and export efforts for unmanned aircraft; development and joint marketing of aircraft equipped with domestically produced engines; and collaboration aimed at entering the global commercial space market. Hanwha Aerospace and KAI said they each have more than 40 years of experience in aircraft airframe development and production. They also cited prior work with the Agency for Defense Development on state-led programs, including development of unmanned aircraft airframes and onboard engines, and said they expect synergies from the partnership. The companies said they will run joint research and development and technical support programs. They said they expect to pursue joint development of an advanced aircraft engine to be installed on a follow-on model to the domestically developed KF-21 fighter. They also plan to regularly operate a “Future Aerospace Strategy Committee” involving top executives to build a mid- to long-term cooperation framework. Cha said, “Through this strategic cooperation, we will support the government’s balanced regional development policy and further expand the export footprint of K-defense.” Son said the MOU is intended to “present a new model for exports and shared growth based on ecosystem innovation across the defense and space aviation sectors,” adding that the company will “step by step expand a win-win growth and cooperation model” with KAI. 2026-02-06 09:33:00
  • Hyundai Motor Group Wins Back-to-Back Honors From Top U.S. Auto Outlets
    Hyundai Motor Group Wins Back-to-Back Honors From Top U.S. Auto Outlets Hyundai Motor Group said Thursday it has posted a string of wins in major U.S. auto awards, highlighting its competitiveness in the market. The group said Car and Driver named 17 of its models as best in their segments in the magazine’s 2026 Editors’ Choice Awards: eight Hyundai vehicles, five Kia vehicles and four Genesis vehicles. Car and Driver selects its Editors’ Choice winners each year after its editors test-drive vehicles sold in the U.S. market and rate them across categories and segments. The outlet cited Hyundai Motor Group’s design, value and driving performance as key strengths, the company said. Hyundai’s Palisade was named best in its class for a seventh straight year, recognized for its exterior styling, upscale interior and broad list of standard convenience features. The Ioniq 5 was cited for fast charging and nimble, stable driving. The Elantra N was praised for handling, and the Santa Cruz for its upscale cabin and ride comfort. Kia’s EV6 was recognized for rapid charging and stable driving performance. The Carnival was cited for its styling and responsive driving, while the K5 was praised for its bold design and class-leading standard features, the group said. Genesis’ GV70 was recognized for its interior and exterior design and convenience features. The GV80 and G80 were cited for elegant interiors and strong value for their classes. The G90 was praised for a quiet, composed ride, a premium cabin and a wide range of convenience features, the company said. Hyundai Motor Group also reported wins from other major U.S. auto outlets. In MotorWeek’s 2026 Drivers’ Choice Awards, the Palisade was named best large utility, and the Kia K4 won best family car. The group said MotorWeek praised the Palisade for a next-generation hybrid system that improves both performance and fuel economy, along with a range of advanced convenience features. The K4 was recognized for its roomy, comfortable interior and smooth driving performance. The company said the Palisade, which it described as a North American Car of the Year winner, also took top honors from both Car and Driver and MotorWeek. In Cars.com’s 2026 Best of Awards, Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid were named best family car, and the Kia EV9 was selected as best electric vehicle, the group said. “Earning strong results in consecutive evaluations by leading U.S. automotive media outlets reflects recognition of our continued efforts to strengthen product competitiveness from the customer’s perspective,” a Hyundai Motor Group official said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 09:12:00
  • Hanwha to Debut AI-Enabled Loitering Precision-Guided Weapon at Saudi Defense Show
    Hanwha to Debut AI-Enabled Loitering Precision-Guided Weapon at Saudi Defense Show Hanwha is set to unveil advanced weapons systems to the global market for the first time, including an artificial intelligence-enabled “loitering precision-guided weapon (L-PGW).” Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean said Tuesday they will take part in the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Feb. 8-12 with their largest-ever integrated booth, covering 677 square meters (including 50 square meters outdoors). The biennial show is being held for the third time this year, with 773 companies from 76 countries participating. Hanwha Aerospace’s L-PGW is described as a next-generation capability in which AI independently scouts, identifies and strikes targets. The system uses a new concept in which a suicide drone separates and launches at the moment of attack. Hanwha said it will be the weapon’s first public showing in the global advanced-arms market, which has been led by major U.S. and European firms. Hanwha Systems will also present its vision for AI-based future weapons spanning surveillance and reconnaissance, space and maritime operations. It plans to debut a multipurpose radar (MMR) designed to operate with ground weapon systems and counter evolving low-altitude air threats such as drones. The companies will showcase an AI-based combat management system (CMS), an AESA-based four-sided fixed multifunction radar (MFR), and a “smart battleship” concept incorporating unmanned systems and stealth design. A K9A1 self-propelled howitzer fitted with an STX Engine from South Korea will be displayed as a physical unit and was built to meet Saudi export requirements. Hanwha will also exhibit the Jangbogo-III Batch-II 3,000-ton-class submarine launched in a ceremony last October, along with a submarine base, surface ships and unmanned surface vessels. A Hanwha official said the company will work as “one team” with the South Korean government to develop global markets and enter overseas markets with partner firms, adding it will “make a practical contribution” to Saudi Arabia’s defense and industrial self-reliance and strengthen a strategic partnership.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 17:30:00
  • South Korea’s Imported Car Sales Jump 37.6% in January to 20,960, Led by BMW
    South Korea’s Imported Car Sales Jump 37.6% in January to 20,960, Led by BMW BMW continued to lead South Korea’s imported-car market in January. The Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association said Tuesday that new registrations of imported passenger cars totaled 20,960 in January, up 37.6% from a year earlier. The figure was down 26.7% from December. By brand, BMW ranked first with 6,270 registrations, ahead of Mercedes-Benz with 5,121. It was followed by Tesla (1,966), Lexus (1,464), BYD (1,347), Volvo (1,037), Audi (847) and Porsche (702). By engine displacement, vehicles under 2,000cc accounted for 9,711 (46.3%). Models from 2,000cc to under 3,000cc totaled 5,781 (27.6%); 3,000cc to under 4,000cc, 694 (3.3%); and 4,000cc or more, 344 (1.6%). Other categories, including electric vehicles, totaled 4,430 (21.1%). By origin, European brands made up 15,132 registrations (72.2%), followed by the United States with 2,291 (10.9%), Japan with 2,190 (10.4%) and China with 1,347 (6.4%). By fuel type, hybrids led with 13,949 (66.6%), followed by electric vehicles with 4,430 (21.1%), gasoline with 2,441 (11.6%) and diesel with 140 (0.7%). Of the 20,960 vehicles sold, individual buyers accounted for 12,200 (58.2%) and corporate buyers for 8,760 (41.8%). Among individual purchases, registrations were highest in Gyeonggi (3,711, 30.4%), Seoul (2,464, 20.2%) and Incheon (726, 6.0%). For corporate purchases, Incheon led with 2,930 (33.4%), followed by Seoul with 2,678 (30.6%) and South Gyeongsang with 1,335 (15.2%). The best-selling model in January was the Mercedes-Benz E 200 with 1,207 registrations. The BMW 520 (1,162) and Tesla Model Y (1,134) also ranked near the top. KAIDA Vice Chairman Jeong Yun-young said January registrations rose from a year earlier due to increased electric-vehicle sales and the impact of new brands. 2026-02-04 10:12:00
  • Actor Kim Woo Bin Named Polestar Brand Ambassador
    Actor Kim Woo Bin Named Polestar Brand Ambassador Swedish electric-vehicle brand Polestar said Tuesday it has selected actor Kim Woo Bin as a brand ambassador. Under the partnership, Kim will experience Polestar products and the brand firsthand and take part in a range of online and in-person activities, including brand events and digital content, to broaden engagement with Polestar customers. Polestar Korea said it focused on Kim’s polished, trustworthy image, saying it aligns with Polestar’s core values of Scandinavian design, performance and sustainability. The company said his emphasis on restrained aesthetics and authenticity is expected to help deliver Polestar’s brand message. Ham Jong Sung, CEO of Polestar Korea, said, “Actor Kim Woo Bin has been loved for a long time based on his distinct style and trustworthy image,” adding that he is expected to convey Polestar’s values of design, performance and sustainability to customers “more sincerely.” Kim said, “I’m happy to be with Polestar. I want to share the brand’s appeal honestly and sincerely.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:30:00
  • Korean Air Launches Generative AI Chatbot for Customer Service
    Korean Air Launches Generative AI Chatbot for Customer Service Korean Air said Tuesday it has launched the “Korean Air AI Chatbot,” adding generative artificial intelligence to its online customer-service chatbot. The chatbot is built on generative AI trained on a large volume of data, including airline rules, the company said. Customers can type questions in everyday language — for example, asking how many checked bags are allowed for an economy-class trip from Incheon to Paris — and receive an answer tailored to the request. To improve reliability, Korean Air said the chatbot provides the source of its answers along with links to related pages. The airline also said it has completed an AI-focused database designed to minimize “hallucinations” and deliver verified responses. The service is available on Korean Air’s official website and mobile app. Korean Air expanded language support from four — Korean, English, simplified Chinese and Japanese — to 13 by adding traditional Chinese, French, Russian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Thai and Vietnamese. If users need more help beyond the chatbot’s response, they can type “connect to an agent” to move directly from the chatbot screen to a customer-service representative, the airline said. Agent support is available only in Korean and English. Korean Air said it plans to add features in stages based on customer experience, expanding beyond information such as airline policies to functions including ticket purchases and reservation lookups. “With the AI chatbot service, customers can experience more accurate and faster support, as well as convenient and smart service for global customers,” a Korean Air official said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:00:00
  • Renault Korea Adds ChatGPT-Based Generative AI to Renault Filante Tips App
    Renault Korea Adds ChatGPT-Based Generative AI to Renault Filante Tips App Renault Korea said Tuesday it has added ChatGPT-based generative artificial intelligence to “Tips,” its vehicle guide application for Renault Filante. Tips is an integrated guide service designed to help drivers quickly resolve questions that come up while using the vehicle, the company said. Its main feature, “AI My Car Assistant,” uses generative AI to provide information in a conversational format. Unlike keyword-based searches, it allows users to continue exploring information through dialogue for more natural guidance, Renault Korea said. The app also offers a digital owner’s manual so drivers can view vehicle information at a glance. Users can browse categories such as getting to know the car, driving, convenience features, multimedia, maintenance and vehicle information, or ask the AI assistant directly. For information that may be needed immediately while driving, the app provides separate menus. A news section offers the latest vehicle-related updates and key notices, while a warning-lights section explains dashboard warning indicators to help drivers quickly understand the situation. “While vehicle functions have become more advanced and the amount of information provided has continued to grow, many drivers still struggle to find what they need during actual driving,” said Choi Seong Gyu, head of Renault Korea’s research center. “Renault Korea has actively introduced AI-based features so customers can use their vehicles more easily and conveniently,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 08:30:00