Journalist
Oh Joo-seok
farbrother@ajunews.com
-
JLR Korea Wraps Up '2026 Destination Defender' Off-Road Event in Jincheon JLR Korea is seeking to strengthen its brand competitiveness by emphasizing the off-road capability of its flagship Defender model. The company said April 28 that it successfully concluded the '2026 Destination Defender' event, held for three days starting April 17 in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province. Now in its fourth year, Destination Defender is a customer event built around the Defender philosophy of "going beyond the impossible," bringing together owners and fans who share the brand’s outdoor lifestyle and spirit of adventure. During the event, JLR Korea unveiled the Defender Octa Black for the first time and offered hands-on driving experiences. The Defender Octa Black uses Narvik Black — described as the purest black in the palette — as its exclusive exterior color, finished in gloss for a deeper tone. Equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, it produces 635PS and 76.5 kg·m of torque, delivering strong performance on and off road. Visitors drove on off-road courses and a circuit set up at the Belleforet Moto Arena motorsports venue, experiencing the Defender’s limits across mixed conditions. The off-road program expanded to 15 courses from nine last year, adding sand and mogul-style terrain to hills, water crossings and mud in what the company called its largest and toughest setup yet. On the circuit, participants ran straightaways and winding sections to gauge on-road performance. JLR Korea said the Defender Octa Black reaches 100 kph from a standstill in 4.0 seconds. The model is fitted with 6D Dynamics suspension, designed to provide stable, precise handling across varied surfaces. The event also included a special program marking the launch of the global adventure event 'Defender Trophy,' which the company said symbolizes the Defender spirit of adventure. "As Destination Defender reaches its fourth edition, it is meaningful to share the Defender spirit of adventure with more customers," said Robin Colgan, head of JLR Korea. "By giving people a chance to experience the Defender’s performance firsthand in diverse driving environments, we will continue to spread the brand’s value in everyday life."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 16:21:19 -
Hyundai, Kia and Tesla Battle for South Korea EV Market as Subsidy Rules Shift South Korea’s electric vehicle market is seeing intensifying competition between domestic automakers and imported brands, with policy changes poised to reshape the landscape. The government has revised EV subsidies to award extra points based on contributions to domestic industry, raising the prospect of a shift in market dynamics. The local auto industry is also urging the government to include EVs in a planned “domestic production promotion” tax credit — often described as a Korean version of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act — adding to uncertainty over how incentives will be set. As of Monday, the market has settled into a two-sided contest between Korean and imported brands, according to the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association and other groups. A total of 220,177 EVs were newly registered in South Korea last year. Kia led with 60,609, followed by Tesla with 59,893 and Hyundai with 55,461. Imported EV brands have closed in on domestic makers. Imported EVs accounted for 42.8% of the market last year, compared with 57.2% for Korean brands. The gap narrowed further this year. Tesla, after cutting prices, sold 20,964 vehicles in the first quarter — roughly half its total for all of last year. Over the same period, Hyundai sold 19,040 and Kia sold 34,303. Industry officials say the chase could be disrupted in the second half of this year, after the government said it will shift subsidy criteria from a focus on vehicle and battery performance to an emphasis on contributions to domestic industry and research-and-development results. Another potential turning point is a tax-credit plan scheduled to be announced in July. The domestic production promotion tax credit would allow corporate tax deductions tied to domestic production and sales of strategic-industry products, a structure that favors companies with larger investments in local manufacturing facilities. Hyundai Motor Group has said it will invest 125 trillion won in South Korea by 2030. Tesla, by contrast, has made little domestic production investment, according to the article. Regulatory filings cited by the report show Tesla Korea posted 3.3066 trillion won in revenue last year and recorded 0 won in donations. Most of its vehicles are produced in China and sold in South Korea. A key question is whether EVs will be included in the tax-credit program, which is currently limited to some advanced industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries. The Korea Automobile & Mobility Association and others have formally asked the government to add EVs, arguing that subsidies alone have limits in encouraging domestic production. The association said the share of EVs produced in China in the South Korean market rose to 33.9% last year, and warned that the presence of China-made EVs is increasing. The report also noted that major countries including Japan provide tax credits for EVs through domestic production promotion policies. Still, some concerns have been raised that including EVs in the tax-credit program could shift imported-car prices and reduce consumer choice. Kim Ju-hong, executive director of the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association, said wider EV adoption is needed to energize the domestic EV industry and meet greenhouse-gas reduction targets in the transport sector. “We need to grow the ecosystem for both finished vehicles and parts through not only subsidies but also the introduction of a domestic production promotion tax credit,” Kim said. 2026-04-27 18:14:36 -
South Korea to Hold Largest-Ever Youth Jobs Fair With About 700 Companies The government and business groups will hold the largest job fair on record to address youth employment difficulties, offering a one-stop program from hiring consultations to on-site interviews and job training. About 700 companies will participate online and offline. The Korea Enterprises Federation said Sunday it will host the "2026 Korea Shared Growth Job Fair" on April 28-29 at the aT Center in Seoul’s Yangjae area with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and 15 major conglomerate groups, including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG. Organizers said the event is the biggest of its kind, with about 700 participating companies across online and in-person programs. It was designed as an integrated hiring event that combines counseling, interviews, training and hands-on activities, rather than simply posting job openings. Companies taking part on site include LS Electric, Oracle Korea, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Kolmar Korea, HDC Labs, SK Shieldus and Starbucks, among others. The lineup spans partners of large companies, mid-sized and small firms, startups and foreign companies, with a focus on reducing job mismatches. The venue will run themed zones tailored to job seekers. About 170 companies will join a hiring consultation zone to provide job-specific information. A K-Digital Training zone will offer guidance on government-backed programs to develop digital talent. A K-Digital Training zone featuring participants such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Engineering & Construction will operate alongside a promotion zone for shared-growth programs involving large and smaller companies, with participants including Samsung C&T, POSCO and Hanssem. Organizers said job seekers can connect hiring opportunities with better understanding of roles and skills development. In an intensive interview zone, 10 mid-sized and small companies — including three based outside the Seoul area — will conduct first-round interviews. Support services such as suit rentals and hair and makeup assistance will also be provided. In one-on-one coffee chats with working professionals, employees from companies including Kakao, Toss and SK will share job-search strategies by role. Organizers will also run experience-based events aimed at encouraging young job seekers to participate. An LED photo zone will allow visitors to take commemorative photos against backdrops of well-known sites that have drawn attention among younger people, including Yeonjudae on Gwanaksan Mountain. A program to create self-promotion business cards will let participants present their strengths and job skills. A stamp-tour event will award prizes to those who complete all stamps by visiting company booths, with giveaways planned including iPads and gift certificates for Starbucks and Olive Young. The federation said it will continue an online job fair through July 31 on Saramin, an online recruitment platform, after the in-person event ends.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 12:10:19 -
BMW Korea Says BMW M FEST 2026 Draws About 10,000 Visitors in Incheon BMW Korea said April 27 that BMW M FEST 2026, its high-performance car festival that opened April 23, ended with about 10,000 visitors. The four-day event on Yeongjong Island in Incheon was open to BMW M owners and anyone interested in the BMW M brand. Attendance was about double last year’s level, the company said. Interest was strong even before the festival began. All time slots for the driving programs sold out within 30 minutes of online reservations opening, BMW Korea said. A total of 35 BMW M models were displayed, including vehicles currently sold in South Korea. The festival also featured a 40th anniversary exhibit for the BMW M3 and showcased the BMW XM Label KITH Edition, produced in collaboration with luxury lifestyle brand Kith, the company said. Dedicated areas were set up for BMW Motorrad M motorcycles, M Performance parts and lifestyle products, highlighting the M brand’s design and identity. The festival ran ride-along driving experiences in BMW M models driven by professional drivers, allowing visitors to feel the vehicles’ performance and handling. Programs included the M Taxi, Convertible Taxi, Exclusive Taxi, Gymkhana Taxi, Drift Taxi and Off-Road Taxi, giving attendees a chance to experience BMW M driving capabilities firsthand. Evening concerts closed out the festival. On April 25, BIBI, No Brain and Crying Nut performed. On April 26, Jaurim and Dynamic Duo took the stage, BMW Korea said. BMW Korea said it also offers M-focused services beyond the festival, including the GEN M Privilege membership program and the M Performance Garage service network. 2026-04-27 09:41:34 -
Fine Digital Launches FineVu LX9 Power Rearview Mirror Dash Cam With QHD Video Fine Digital said Sunday it has launched the FineVu LX9 Power, a rearview mirror-integrated dash cam. The company said the model is designed to provide an unobstructed, wide field of view from front to rear. When a rear camera is installed inside or outside the vehicle, the E-mirror view displays the rear scene on the mirror screen. With an exterior rear camera connected, parking guide lines appear to help drivers judge direction and distance. The device uses a 26-centimeter IPS panel for a clear image with minimal color distortion from different angles. Its 2-in-1 integrated design clips onto an existing rearview mirror to reduce visual obstruction. Fine Digital said its “Smart Wide View” offers a wider rear angle than a standard mirror. Video quality is upgraded with QHD (2560×1440) recording for both front and rear. Front-and-rear HDR is intended to keep footage clear in backlighting, at night, and during sudden lighting changes such as entering or exiting tunnels and parking garages. With an optional FineVu Wi-Fi dongle, the dash cam can link to the company’s FineVu Wi-Fi app. It also supports ADAS PLUS features, including alerts when the vehicle ahead starts moving and warning sounds for lane departure linked to drowsiness or inattention. Fine Digital said the unit includes heat-dissipation design that automatically cuts power above a set temperature, along with a low-voltage protection mode for use in summer heat and in winter conditions that can lead to battery drain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 09:13:07 -
Audi Korea Reopens Renovated Gangbuk Showroom in Seoul Audi Korea said Sunday that its official dealer, Gojin Motors, has reopened the Audi Gangbuk showroom after renovations. The showroom in Mia-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, is a revamped version of the former Mia showroom. It offers 1,472 square meters (15,844 square feet) of display and consultation space, with customer flow designed to make it easier for visitors to experience Audi vehicles. The site is about a three-minute walk from Exit 1 of Mia Sageori Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. It sits along Dobong-ro, a major arterial road in northern Seoul, providing access from areas including Uijeongbu and Jongno. The Gangbuk showroom also includes a dedicated area for the recently launched The New Audi A6, the company’s flagship premium sedan. Through May 31, visitors who register via QR code after visiting the showroom will receive Audi lifestyle goods, and those who request a price quote will be offered additional benefits on a first-come, first-served basis.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 08:57:14 -
Nexen Tire to Supply OE Tires for 2026 Jeep Cherokee in North America Nexen Tire said Sunday it will supply original equipment tires for the North American launch of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee SUV, a Stellantis brand. The 2026 Cherokee is the brand’s first vehicle to feature a full hybrid system and can travel more than 500 miles (about 800 kilometers) on a single tank of fuel, the company said. The model will be fitted with Nexen’s Roadian GTX, which the company said is designed to balance braking, snow traction and wear performance with low noise and ride comfort. Nexen said the tire maintains stable braking in both summer heat and winter cold, and uses an optimized zigzag tread pattern to spread road pressure and reduce sudden pull for steadier driving. Nexen said the Roadian GTX has also been selected as an OE tire for vehicles including Kia’s EV5 and EV6 and Renault’s Filante, citing those fitments as evidence of its quality and performance for electric and hybrid models. The company said it has expanded cooperation with Stellantis, including Jeep, based on ongoing research and development and quality competitiveness. A Nexen Tire official said supplying OE tires for Jeep’s first hybrid SUV in North America “once again proves our competitiveness in the future mobility market.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 08:47:05 -
Peugeot CEO Eyes Korea Growth as Brand Expands Into Larger Electric Concepts "I want to see more Peugeot vehicles on the roads in Korea. That's why we are doing this (Beijing) motor show," Alain Favey, CEO of the Peugeot brand, said. Favey made the remarks April 24 at a briefing with the Korea Automobile Journalists Association on the sidelines of the Beijing Motor Show (Auto China 2026), signaling that Peugeot is open to bringing its large concept cars to South Korea. Peugeot unveiled two large concept vehicles at the show, including one about 8.2 meters (about 26.9 feet) long. The Concept 6 is a sedan and the Concept 8 is a sport utility vehicle. The display underscored Peugeot's push to expand beyond its small-car image into larger models. "The concept cars we revealed today were built with the future in mind," Favey said. "The Korean market has high barriers to entry, but if there is an opportunity, we want to enter." He also raised the possibility of electrified versions. Working with its local partner in China, Dongfeng, Peugeot plans to broaden its powertrain offerings, including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids. "These two concept cars can meet the needs of different markets," he said, adding that Peugeot will also introduce two additional EVs. Asked how to introduce the appeal of Peugeot and other French cars to Korean consumers, Favey cited three points: "First is Peugeot's design, second is the joy of driving, and third is meeting the needs of each local market." He said the biggest takeaway from the exhibition was "diversity," while noting that some uniformity was also visible. He said Peugeot aims to stand out with French-based design and an "e-DNA" sensibility. Favey also detailed Peugeot's approach to China, saying the brand will keep "the joy of driving" as a core value while pursuing electrification and differentiated design and technology. "In China, new energy vehicles already account for 64%, so it is important to respond to local customer expectations," he said. He added that Peugeot wants to differentiate itself in design, suspension and driving feel, and will pursue competitiveness by combining smart-solution technology with design.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 15:07:30 -
Survey: 89% of South Korean firms oppose immediate punishment in safety inspections Most companies say they feel burdened by an “immediate punishment” approach in occupational safety and health inspections, warning that penalties without a chance to correct problems could increase administrative 대응 rather than improvements at worksites. The Korea Employers Federation said on April 26 that in a survey of 216 domestic companies on problems and improvements in the industrial safety and health inspection system, 89% (193 companies) responded negatively to being punished immediately during inspections without an opportunity to fix issues. The most common reason, cited by 38% (74 companies), was concern that inspectors could overuse findings of legal violations to boost performance. The results come as the government moves to expand the number of industrial safety inspectors and shift inspection policy toward immediate punishment, the federation said. Companies also warned that if even minor violations lead to penalties, they may focus on paperwork and other administrative responses instead of reducing workplace hazards. Distrust of inspectors was also widespread. In the survey, 56% (120 companies) said their level of trust in industrial safety inspectors was low. The top reason was “enforcing the law uniformly without understanding the industry,” cited by 41% (49 companies). By company size, 65% of firms with 300 or more employees, 60% of firms with 50 to 299 employees, and 50% of firms with fewer than 50 employees said trust was low. Larger workplaces were more likely to see problems with punishment-centered inspections. On whether the method of selecting inspection targets is appropriate, 53% (115 companies) responded negatively. Among them, 49% said detailed criteria are not disclosed, and 45% said workplace risk levels are not considered. Companies called for a shift in inspection policy. The most common request was “granting an opportunity to correct minor violations,” at 64%, followed by “expanding guidance and consulting focused on improving risk factors,” at 62%. Among companies inspected over the past three years, 49% said the main issues cited were minor violations such as posting material safety data sheets (MSDS) and missing safety signs. The biggest difficulties during inspections were the burden of assigning staff for administrative work such as preparing documents (82%) and the burden of criminal penalties and fines (78%). Lim Woo-taek, head of the federation’s Safety and Health Headquarters, said companies have strong concerns about immediate punishment during inspections and that trust in inspectors is lacking. He said the government should shift inspections toward prevention rather than punishment, including giving companies a chance to correct minor violations, and should strengthen inspectors’ expertise and capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 12:05:37 -
Hyundai Motor Group’s Vision Pulse safety campaign wins at The One Show and Spikes Asia Hyundai and Kia said April 26 that their “Vision Pulse technology campaign” won two top prizes at The One Show and a bronze award at Spikes Asia, two major international advertising competitions. At The One Show, the campaign received top honors in the Intellectual Property & Product Design category and the Experimental & Research and Development category. At Spikes Asia, it won bronze in the Innovation category. Vision Pulse is an advanced driving safety technology that uses ultra-wideband, or UWB, signals to detect the location of nearby obstacles in real time to assist drivers. When a vehicle, driver or pedestrian carries a UWB device, the system exchanges signals and issues warnings to both sides if a collision is expected. Because it uses ultra-wideband signals in the gigahertz range, the company said interference is low and diffraction and penetration performance are strong. That allows the system to identify an object’s precise location within about 10 centimeters, within a radius of about 100 meters, even in obstacle-heavy areas such as urban intersections. Hyundai and Kia piloted the technology with kindergarten children and buses as part of a campaign aimed at improving school commute safety, and released a video of the project in January. To make the device easy for children to carry, the companies produced the UWB module as a guardian-character key ring. The key ring also functions as a sleep mood light, designed so children naturally connect it to power at bedtime, enabling charging. Judges at The One Show and Spikes Asia cited the campaign’s cost efficiency and scalability through integration with an existing digital key ecosystem, and its use of technology to address a real-world safety issue. Hyundai Motor Group has also expanded UWB applications to industrial settings. It is running a demonstration project to help prevent collisions between forklifts and workers by applying Vision Pulse to a production line at Kia’s PBV Conversion Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, last year. Hyundai Motor said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Port Authority in October last year and plans to verify the technology through demonstration projects aimed at preventing collisions between industrial mobility equipment and workers at Busan Port terminals and nearby logistics areas. A Hyundai and Kia official said the back-to-back wins at The One Show and Spikes Asia reflected recognition of the companies’ commitment to solving social problems by combining advanced technology with creativity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 10:10:01