Journalist

Oh Joo-seok
  • Test Drive: 2027 Hyundai Mighty Offers SUV-Like Comfort
    Test Drive: 2027 Hyundai Mighty Offers SUV-Like Comfort On May 7, the 2027 New Mighty, a mid-sized cargo truck, maneuvered through the parking lot at Incheon Port. The first noticeable feature inside the vehicle was its upgraded passenger car-like interior. Despite the rough terrain and sea breeze outside, the cabin was surprisingly quiet. The windshield glass and direct glazing method significantly reduced external noise. Handong-wook, a researcher from Hyundai's Mighty development team, explained, "Unlike the previous model, which used rubber to attach the windshield, this new Mighty integrates the glass with the body like a passenger vehicle, improving wind noise, sound insulation, and corrosion resistance." Sitting in the driver's seat, I felt a gentle jolt as the air seat absorbed shocks, reducing strain on my back. The interior featured a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a wide digital display, creating an SUV-level environment. Controls for driver assistance were conveniently placed within easy reach, reflecting thoughtful design for long-haul drivers. The driving performance has also improved. Hyundai introduced an advanced eco-roll feature and an electronic brake control system (EBS) to the Mighty, reducing unnecessary power engagement during long drives and enhancing fuel efficiency. On the same day, Hyundai held an Experience Day at Incheon Sang Sang Platform, unveiling the 2027 New Mighty, New Pavis, 2027 New Xcient, and the New Xcient hydrogen electric truck. The updated New Mighty and New Pavis feature a design inspired by Hyundai's 'H' logo and cube mesh details, presenting a more futuristic and robust appearance compared to previous commercial vehicles. The newly introduced mid-sized cargo truck Pavis focuses on practicality. While the Mighty caters to small businesses and everyday logistics, the Pavis targets logistics corporations and specialized cleaning vehicle markets. The transmission has been upgraded from a six-speed to a nine-speed automatic, optimizing power performance and fuel efficiency for various driving conditions. Hyundai has also prioritized enhancing safety features for both the Mighty and Pavis, expanding the front collision avoidance assist (FCA) to detect pedestrians and cyclists, addressing safety in urban delivery environments where foot and bike traffic is common. An automatic neutral switch feature has been added to improve efficiency during city driving. Hyundai's focus on improving overall competitiveness in driving performance, safety, convenience, and quality is evident in these updated models. The company aims to enhance the perception of trucks as partners in daily work rather than mere tools. Lee Cheol-min, head of Hyundai's domestic marketing division, stated, "The direction of change for the Mighty and Pavis can be summed up as 'stronger and more modern.' We have reinforced the fundamentals to ensure stability even on rough roads and heavy loads." 2026-05-07 22:07:31
  • KAI Reports Record Sales of 1.09 Trillion Won in Q1, Driven by Aircraft Exports
    KAI Reports Record Sales of 1.09 Trillion Won in Q1, Driven by Aircraft Exports Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) achieved record sales of 1.09 trillion won in the first quarter of 2026, fueled by increased aircraft exports. The growth in domestic system development and overseas aircraft sales is expected to continue. KAI reported on May 6 that its consolidated revenue for Q1 reached 1.09 trillion won, with operating profit at 671 billion won and net profit at 413 billion won. These figures represent increases of 56.3% in revenue, 43.4% in operating profit, and 41.7% in net profit compared to the same period last year. This strong performance is attributed to stable domestic operations, expansion in international markets, and future project developments. The rollout of the KF-21 fighter jet in March, along with ongoing domestic projects like the Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter (MCH), contributed significantly to the revenue growth, alongside deliveries of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and FA-50GF. Notably, aircraft exports surged by 79.5% year-on-year, reaching 307.1 billion won, marking the highest growth in sales. Sales from the delivery of two T-50i aircraft to Indonesia, along with contracts for the FA-50M in Malaysia and FA-50PL in Poland, reflected stable growth in international operations. Revenue from aircraft parts also rose by 11.6% to 222.8 billion won, driven by a recovery in the commercial aircraft market. The satellite sector, identified as a future growth area, contributed 10.4 billion won to the overall revenue. KAI's order backlog has also increased, with domestic and international projects like communication equipment upgrades and FA-50PH PBL contracts growing by 29.4% year-on-year to 309.3 billion won. With the KF-21's integration into the Air Force and additional deliveries of the LAH expected in the second half of the year, KAI anticipates achieving record sales. A KAI official stated, "If the additional deliveries of the KF-21 and LAH proceed smoothly, we can expect record sales this year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:43:36
  • Hyundai Motor Launches Updated Mighty, Pavise and Xcient Trucks, Including Hydrogen Model
    Hyundai Motor Launches Updated Mighty, Pavise and Xcient Trucks, Including Hydrogen Model Hyundai Motor Co. on Wednesday launched three updated commercial truck lines, including a refreshed hydrogen fuel cell model, as it seeks to bolster its position in South Korea’s sluggish freight-truck market. The automaker said it released the 2027 “The New Mighty” and “The New Pavise,” along with the 2027 “Xcient” and “The New Xcient Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck.” Hyundai said the design updates create a shared family look across the Xcient, Pavise and Mighty lineup, reinforcing a tougher brand identity. Hyundai introduced the Mighty in 2015 and the Pavise in 2019, and is now rolling out the latest facelifted versions. The company said it significantly improved product competitiveness, citing a passenger-car-like driver’s seat and advanced driver-assistance systems. The launches come as the domestic freight-truck market has recently weakened. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s vehicle registration data, South Korea had 3,695,232 freight trucks last year, down 0.6% from 3,716,743 the year before. The decline appears to reflect a combination of a logistics slowdown and fewer drivers. Hyundai said it has released a facelifted Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck for the first time in four years, aiming to move closer to leading the market for eco-friendly commercial vehicles. Hydrogen trucks, suited for medium- and long-distance hauling, emit almost no carbon dioxide while driving and are seen as a key option for cleaner logistics. Under guidelines from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, hydrogen vehicles were assessed as delivering about a 13,000-metric-ton carbon reduction effect compared with diesel commercial trucks over a cumulative 20 million kilometers of driving, the company said. Analysts also say competition in the commercial-vehicle market is shifting toward low-emission models. As South Korea expands its Nationally Determined Contribution targets, domestic commercial-vehicle brands have been rolling out electric- and hydrogen-based freight trucks. Tata Daewoo Mobility has launched the midsize electric truck “Gixen,” and MAN Truck & Bus Korea has said it plans to introduce an electric truck in the country. “Mighty, Pavise and Xcient, which support Korea’s logistics and construction sites, have evolved into tougher and smarter vehicles by actively reflecting customer feedback,” a Hyundai official said. “We will continue innovating as a reliable partner that helps customers succeed in their commercial-vehicle business.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 10:04:58
  • Trump Weighs 25% Tariff on EU Cars, Opening U.S. Market Fight for Korean and Japanese Brands
    Trump Weighs 25% Tariff on EU Cars, Opening U.S. Market Fight for Korean and Japanese Brands The U.S. auto market is on edge as Washington signals it may impose a 25% tariff on passenger and commercial vehicles from Europe. With European car prices likely to rise in the United States, industry watchers say Korean and Japanese automakers could try to capture any opening. Industry officials said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is reviewing a 25% tariff on European-made passenger cars. Last year, the United States and the European Union agreed to cut tariffs on some items, including autos, from 25% to about 15%. Trump, however, warned on May 1 that tariffs could be raised, citing issues such as the EU’s implementation of the trade agreement. The industry expects Korean and Japanese brands to benefit because they face a relatively lower tariff burden. In the U.S. market, a tariff structure of about 15% remains in place for Korean and Japanese brands, according to the report. German automakers such as BMW operate plants in the United States, but some models, including sedans, are still exported from Europe. European brands in the U.S. market are generally seen as concentrated in luxury sedans and SUVs aimed at middle-income buyers, along with Volkswagen’s midpriced and lower-priced models. If higher tariffs are reflected in sticker prices, price resistance is expected to grow, especially for lower-priced models. Korean and Japanese brands are expected to target that segment. According to market research firm Wards Intelligence, Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia sold a combined 1,836,172 vehicles in the United States last year, taking an 11.3% share to rank fourth. They trailed General Motors with 2,841,328 vehicles (17.5%), Toyota with 2,518,071 (15.5%) and Ford with 2,133,892 (13.1%). Among European brands, BMW sold 388,897 vehicles, placing it in the top 10. Analysts said a tariff increase on European cars could lead to Korean and Japanese brands splitting some of the market share previously held by European automakers. Korea and Japan both have strengths in hybrids. According to the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association’s U.S. electrified-vehicle sales data, Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 64,742 hybrids in the U.S. market in the first quarter, up 63.7% from a year earlier. That ranked third behind Toyota (281,699) and Honda (95,612). Their electrification strategies differ, however. Hyundai Motor Group is rapidly expanding its electric-vehicle lineup alongside hybrids, while Japanese EVs have struggled to gain broad popularity in global markets, the report said. Recent U.S. sales trends have been mixed for the two. Last month, Hyundai and Kia sold 159,216 vehicles in the United States, down 2.1% from a year earlier. Toyota sold 222,378, down 4.6%. Hyundai is offering incentives of up to $10,000 (14.55 million won) on the Ioniq 9 in the U.S. market. Kia has also moved aggressively, including cutting prices on the EV6. Moon Hak-hoon, a professor in the Department of Future Automobiles at Osan University, said, “The U.S. market has a strong preference for premium brands, so the impact on European brands could be limited.” He added, “But if there is some opening in the midpriced and lower-priced market, Korean and Japanese brands have plenty of room to target it.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 18:04:16
  • Hyundai Motor union seeks bonus equal to 30% of net profit as wage talks begin
    Hyundai Motor union seeks bonus equal to 30% of net profit as wage talks begin Hyundai Motor Co. labor and management opened this year’s wage negotiations with an initial meeting at the company’s Ulsan plant. Yonhap reported on the 6th that about 60 people attended, including Hyundai Motor CEO Choi Young-il, Korean Metal Workers’ Union Chairman Park Sang-man and Lee Jong-cheol, head of the union’s Hyundai Motor branch. The two sides exchanged greetings and discussed the direction and schedule for this year’s talks. The union has already sent management its demands, including a 149,600 won increase in monthly base pay (excluding seniority-based step increases) and a performance bonus equal to 30% of last year’s net profit. It also called for guarantees on jobs and working conditions related to artificial intelligence. Other demands include adopting a full monthly salary system, raising bonuses from 750% to 800%, shortening working hours without increasing work intensity, extending the retirement age in line with the start of National Pension benefits (up to 65), and hiring additional workers. A tough bargaining process is expected again this year. Last year’s talks ended after the union staged three partial strikes. The agreement included a 100,000 won increase in monthly base pay (including step increases), a performance bonus of 450% plus 15.8 million won, 30 shares of stock and 200,000 won in traditional market gift certificates. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 11:43:46
  • Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics upgrades Atlas humanoid ahead of U.S. plant rollout
    Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics upgrades Atlas humanoid ahead of U.S. plant rollout Hyundai Motor Co.’s humanoid robot Atlas, slated for deployment at the automaker’s U.S. production facilities, has demonstrated advanced gymnastics moves, fueling expectations it could handle more demanding manufacturing work. Boston Dynamics on May 5 (U.S. local time) posted a video on its YouTube channel showing Atlas performing a series of gymnastics positions. In the 43-second short, Atlas moves into a handstand and then holds its body nearly horizontal while supporting itself only on its hands. Around the 19-second mark, Atlas performs an “L-sit,” forming an L shape while balancing on its hands. It holds the position for about five seconds before flipping up to stand upright. The company said the routine goes beyond simple balance or repeated motions, requiring precise, simultaneous control of the upper body, core and arm joints. It also reflects improved ability to hold steady positions, separate from previously shown aerial flips. The demonstration drew favorable reactions ahead of full-scale training planned at U.S. production sites, with viewers noting the difficulty of the moves even for humans. Comments on YouTube included: “The gymnastics moves are really cool,” “Getting ready for the next Olympics,” and “I really like that it’s almost silent.” Boston Dynamics said the video shows Atlas can carry heavy objects, move them and work from irregular postures on a factory floor. Observers pointed to the robot’s ability to support its full body weight steadily on a very small contact area—both hands—as a sign it has reached an advanced technical stage. Boston Dynamics said the routine used a reinforcement learning-based whole-body control system. The video also shows “001” engraved on the side of Atlas’ torso, identifying it as the first development model. The development model includes autonomous learning capability and flexibility designed to adapt to a wide range of work environments. Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy the Atlas development model first at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, or HMGMA, and conduct process-by-process verification. A Hyundai Motor official said earlier videos focused on logistics tasks or flip-style movements, while the latest clip highlights precise control of the body in static positions. The official described it as a demonstration of high-difficulty work capability ahead of planned deployment at U.S. plants in 2028.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 11:15:15
  • Hyundai Rotem’s Korean-Built High-Speed Train Begins Commercial Service in Uzbekistan
    Hyundai Rotem’s Korean-Built High-Speed Train Begins Commercial Service in Uzbekistan Korean-built high-speed trains have entered service on a major rail route in Uzbekistan, marking their first commercial operation overseas. Hyundai Rotem said May 6 that it began revenue service for the new high-speed rolling stock on May 5 local time. The trains will run on the country’s longest rail line, about 1,020 kilometers (634 miles), linking the capital, Tashkent, with Khiva, a Silk Road city in the west. The fleet consists of 42 cars, with seven cars per trainset, designed based on the KTX-Eum (EMU-260). The trains have a top speed of 250 kph (155 mph) and can carry up to 389 passengers. Hyundai Rotem said the distributed-power design offers better acceleration and deceleration efficiency than the locomotive-style high-speed trains previously used locally. Seating is divided into three classes: VIP, business and economy. Hyundai Rotem said the trains were tailored for local conditions, including dust-resistant design for extreme heat and desert environments, to provide safe and comfortable long-distance travel. The company signed a supply contract in 2024 with Uzbekistan Railways (UTY), which it described as the first overseas export of a domestically developed Korean high-speed train. Hyundai Rotem said more than 600 South Korean parts suppliers involved in the project will be able to demonstrate to global markets a stable production, delivery and handover supply chain built with the company. The company said it expects the launch to help improve Uzbekistan’s transportation infrastructure and left open the possibility of entering Vietnam’s high-speed rail market. On April 23, Hyundai Rotem signed a 491 billion won contract with Vietnam’s THACO Group for the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 2 project. A Hyundai Rotem official said the company is moving into commercial operations after holding a launch ceremony in November and starting test runs this year. The official said the company will work to expand additional export bases, including Vietnam, where it has already entered the market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 09:39:16
  • Innocean Opens Bengaluru Office to Expand in India’s Fast-Growing Ad Market
    Innocean Opens Bengaluru Office to Expand in India’s Fast-Growing Ad Market Hyundai Motor Group affiliate Innocean said it is stepping up its push into the global advertising market by establishing a base in Bengaluru, India, as it looks for growth outside a shrinking domestic market. Innocean said May 6 it has opened a local office in Bengaluru — often called India’s Silicon Valley — and will expand its role into a tech-based business solutions hub that combines data, AI and content. Bengaluru is one of India’s key growth centers, home to tech companies, startups and global capability centers. Innocean India said it will build a hybrid business model at the new office by pairing data- and AI-driven performance and predictive analytics with content and platform planning. It also plans to strengthen its role as an offshoring service hub for the company’s global network. India is drawing attention as a new growth market for global advertising. With a population of more than 1.42 billion this year, it is one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Advertising-spend forecasts for major global markets show India’s ad market reached $13.8 billion (about 20.3895 trillion won) last year and is expected to grow 8% this year and 9.7% next year. By contrast, South Korea’s ad market has been contracting. According to the 2024 survey on the domestic broadcasting industry released last year by the Korea Communications Commission, broadcast advertising revenue totaled 2.3073 trillion won, down 183.2 billion won (7.4%) from a year earlier. Innocean India said it plans to expand client touchpoints and strengthen marketing execution, focusing on high-growth industries. Innocean established its India unit in 2005, its first overseas subsidiary, to secure opportunities including Bollywood. As of last year, non-affiliate clients accounted for a share in the 30% range, and the company said it has built a growth structure based on competitiveness in external markets. Chief Executive Officer Kim Jeong-a said the launch of the Bengaluru base is “not simply a regional expansion, but an important turning point for Innocean as it evolves beyond an agency into new business areas.” 2026-05-06 09:03:00
  • Boryeong-AMA International Motor Festival Aims to Become Asia’s Top Event
    Boryeong-AMA International Motor Festival Aims to Become Asia’s Top Event "Honestly, I came because I love cars. Seeing two race cars drifting together gave me a real adrenaline rush," said Yosep, 26, from Puerto Rico, who attended the 2026 Boryeong·AMA International Motor Festival. On May 2, the area around the Mud Expo Plaza in Boryeong, South Chungcheong province, filled early with engine noise and cheers. At the gymkhana and drifting venues, the sound of tires scraping the pavement rarely let up. Crowds packed the stands for a gymkhana exchange event featuring Asian national team-level drivers from South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan. Each time a driver threaded cones and obstacles at speed, spectators erupted. Drivers competed under the same conditions in Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles. Fans also raised smartphones to record drifting demonstrations by popular drivers including Choi Jun. Organizers said the biggest change this year was a stronger focus on hands-on experiences. Instead of simply looking at cars, visitors were encouraged to get in them. The 73,430-square-meter (about 22,000-pyeong) Mud Expo Plaza was lined with vehicles ranging from the latest sports cars to tuned cars and campers. Many visitors sat inside or inspected interiors up close. Kim Si-ho, 17, from Seongnam, Gyeonggi province, said, "It was great to be able to ride in cars you don't usually get to see," adding, "I'm studying an automotive field, and I think it will help with my career path." A Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) booth in the center of the venue drew steady traffic from motorsports fans, with attention on display models such as the GR86 sports car and a GR Supra stock car. Some visitors also tried a simulator set up separately. At experience booths for advance reservation holders, tire squeal continued throughout the day. Toyota Korea ran slalom, lane-change and drifting programs. In a drifting ride-along with a professional driver, participants felt the car push outward at higher speeds in an understeer moment, then swing into oversteer as the rear slid and the vehicle began circling. Organizers said the GR86's low center of gravity helped keep the spins stable. The Boryeong·AMA International Motor Festival began in 2011 as an on-campus event at Ajou Motor College. It has since grown into a major local festival alongside Boryeong's Mud Festival, becoming a regional signature event within five years of being held around Boryeong Beach. Organizers said more than 140,000 people attended on the first day of the opening ceremony. Ajou Motor College and the city of Boryeong said they want to expand the festival internationally. Park Sang-hyeon, a professor in Ajou Motor College's motorsports program, said the event is widening exchanges with overseas drivers centered on key disciplines such as gymkhana and drifting. "Our goal is to gradually expand the scale and grow it beyond Korea into the No. 1 motor festival in Asia," Park said. This year's gymkhana Asia top-eight exchange event included many drivers from Asian countries including Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan who are active in an organization under the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, organizers said. They said they plan to strengthen the event's international competition character through a broader global network. Organizers also said discussions are underway to bring in global brands beyond Toyota, saying participation by major automakers could expand experience programs and raise the event's industrial value. Park said the festival has grown to a global scale with support for grassroots motorsports from Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, adding that the number of domestic and overseas manufacturers seeking to participate continues to rise and the event could be larger next year. Boryeong officials also said they want to make the motor festival a core local attraction. Mayor Kim Dong-il said about 200,000 people visited last year's event, generating an estimated 19 billion won in production-inducing effects. "We will foster it as one of Boryeong's two major festivals along with the Mud Festival," Kim said. According to the city, the Mud Festival that opened last July drew about 1.69 million visitors over 17 days and produced an estimated 94 billion won in production-inducing effects. The city said that, measured by impact relative to duration, the AMA International Motor Festival delivered similar results. Ajou Motor College said it is emphasizing its role linking education and industry, with ambitions to boost the region through international exchange. President Han Myeong-seok said students took part in planning and running the event. "This event is a hands-on educational site where students participate in the entire process from planning to operations," Han said. "We will grow it into a platform that connects industry, the region and talent." 2026-05-03 15:03:41
  • Jeep Rubicon Tops 1 Million in Global Cumulative Sales
    Jeep Rubicon Tops 1 Million in Global Cumulative Sales Jeep said on the 30th that global cumulative sales of its Rubicon models have surpassed 1 million units. Rubicon is positioned as the top tier of Jeep’s off-road lineup and a benchmark for rough-terrain capability worldwide. In South Korea, Rubicon trims accounted for a growing share of Wrangler and Gladiator sales over the past three years, rising from 61% in 2023 to 72.4% in 2024 and more than 73.4% last year, reaching 78.7% as of March this year. The Rubicon name comes from the notorious Rubicon Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada. When the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon debuted in 2003, it drew attention for offering off-road readiness without requiring separate modifications. Key features included Tru-Lok electronic front and rear axle-locking differentials and a Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with a 4:1 ratio, Jeep said. Jeep said the Gladiator Rubicon extended Rubicon DNA into the pickup segment. It is the only pickup to earn Trail Rated certification, the company said, demonstrating stable performance across varied off-road conditions. With towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms, it has broadened options for outdoor use and helped define what Jeep describes as an off-road lifestyle beyond basic transportation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 17:16:29