Journalist

Oh Jooseok
  • 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
  • Jeju Air Returns to Profit on Fleet Upgrade and Rebounding Japan, Southeast Asia Demand
    Jeju Air Returns to Profit on Fleet Upgrade and Rebounding Japan, Southeast Asia Demand Jeju Air, which had been shaken by fallout from an accident, returned to the black for the first time in five quarters as rival low-cost carriers stayed in the red. The turnaround came as its fleet upgrade coincided with recovering demand on Japan and Southeast Asia routes. According to the airline industry on Monday, Jeju Air posted operating profit of 18.6 billion won in the fourth quarter of last year, swinging to a profit. The carrier said it has moved past the lingering risk tied to the Muan disaster and returned to profitability after five quarters, helped by fleet modernization and demand recovery. Jeju Air has focused on upgrading its fleet over the past three years by adding newer passenger jets. It began introducing the Boeing 737-8 in 2023 with two aircraft, added six last year and one more early this year, bringing the total to nine. About 21% of its 43 passenger aircraft are newer models less than three years old. A higher share of new aircraft has translated into lower fuel costs. Jeju Air said its cumulative fuel expenses for the first through third quarters of 2025 fell about 19% from the same period in 2024. The airline plans to increase the number of new aircraft to 40 by 2030. It is also seeking liquidity by selling 43.3 billion won worth of shares in its subsidiary AK I&S to AK Holdings. “When we bring in new aircraft, operators benefit from better fuel efficiency, and passengers find them more convenient because they have phone charging ports,” a Jeju Air official said, adding the company is “gradually moving away from the past downturn.” The profit swing is effectively the only performance improvement among the low-cost carrier “big three.” Jin Air, which has already reported results, posted an operating loss of 9.7 billion won in the fourth quarter of last year. T’way Air, which has yet to report, is also expected to post a loss; the securities-industry consensus estimates its fourth-quarter operating loss at 45 billion won. Expectations for first-quarter results are also rising as the industry enters its peak season. Passenger demand has strengthened amid eased restrictions on group tourism from China and continued preference for travel to Japan. Jeju Air carried 1.176 million passengers in January, up 33.5% from a year earlier. Jeju Air has expanded the share of its Japan routes to 42%. Securities firms forecast the airline will post a first-quarter profit of 80.7 billion won this year. Oh Jeong Ha, an analyst at Daol Investment & Securities, said, “Jeju Air is the only short-haul low-cost carrier without restrictions,” adding that the first-quarter peak-season effect, including the overlap of Lunar New Year and Independence Movement Day, could support an annual profit as well.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 18:03:00
  • Hyundai Motor CEO Munoz: 125.2 trillion won for South Korea, 35 trillion won for North America over 5 years
    Hyundai Motor CEO Munoz: 125.2 trillion won for South Korea, 35 trillion won for North America over 5 years Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz laid out large investment plans for South Korea and the United States, while also signaling a push to expand in emerging markets such as China and India. In an email to employees on Monday titled “Our Goals and Direction for 2026,” Munoz said Hyundai Motor will invest 125.2 trillion won in South Korea over the next five years, its largest-ever domestic investment plan, and about 35 trillion won in North America, or $26 billion. He added that the company is preparing to expand production capacity in India and restructure its China business, a strategy aimed at strengthening growth in South Korea and the U.S. while pursuing opportunities in India and China. For this year, Munoz set targets of global sales of 4.16 million vehicles, revenue growth of 1% to 2% and an operating profit margin of 6.3% to 7.3%. He said Hyundai Motor plans to sustain momentum with the launch of a Genesis hybrid and a range-extended electric vehicle, or EREV, slated for next year. “South Korea delivered stable growth on the back of the successful launches of the Palisade and Ioniq 9, and North America posted record-high sales for five straight years,” Munoz said. He said Europe accelerated its shift to electrification despite a tough regulatory environment, India’s EV sales grew by more than 750%, and Hyundai Motor is strengthening its strategy in China to match intense competition. Munoz attributed Hyundai Motor’s recent share-price gains to its “vision for physical AI and robotics” presented at CES, as well as revenue performance, strong execution and steady results. He said the company can achieve its 2030 strategy using the same PM² approach that drove last year’s results: moving quickly, preparing early, responding nimbly to change and working as “one global team.” Hyundai Motor also reaffirmed its long-term targets: global sales of 5.55 million vehicles by 2030, including 3.3 million eco-friendly vehicles, or 60% of the total. It set an operating profit margin goal of 8% to 9% and said it plans to expand its hybrid lineup to at least 18 models.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:22:56
  • Survey: 75% of South Korean new-car shoppers are open to EVs, wary of Chinese brands
    Survey: 75% of South Korean new-car shoppers are open to EVs, wary of Chinese brands Consumers say trust and safety matter most when buying an electric vehicle, a survey found. Chabot Mobility said on Monday that 75.1% of 450 people planning to buy a new car this year expressed interest in purchasing an EV. The largest share, 41.9%, said an EV is among the options they are considering. Another 18.4% said they are actively considering an EV, and 9.4% said they have decided on one. By age group, interest was highest among people in their 20s, at 100%, and those in their 30s, at 85.4%. Rates were lower among people in their 50s and those 60 and older. Cost was the top reason for considering an EV. Savings on charging compared with fuel costs led responses at 62.5%, followed by government subsidies at 41.3% and tax benefits at 32.7%. The biggest factors holding buyers back were infrastructure and safety concerns: lack of charging infrastructure (45.3%), worries about safety such as fires (34.9%) and charging time (32.8%). Asked how government EV subsidies affect vehicle choice, 37.9% said they have some influence and 29.6% said they have a very large influence, meaning about 67% view subsidies as a key factor. Views of Chinese EV brands showed both interest and caution. The most common response, at 38.6%, was that respondents are interested but still do not trust them. Price competitiveness was cited as the biggest attraction, at 64.3%. For advanced driver-assistance features such as full self-driving, 76.5% said they would pay extra. The most preferred price range was 3 million to under 5 million won, at 40.5%. Looking ahead, the most common expectation for how autonomous-driving advances will affect buying decisions was a greater emphasis on safety standards, at 26.7%. "EVs are now a practical purchase alternative, evaluated beyond an eco-friendly image in terms of lower running costs and total cost of ownership," a Chabot Mobility official said. The official added that Chinese EV brands are drawing interest on price, but said building trust in quality and safety will be key to gaining a foothold in the market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:19:56
  • K Car Posts Record 2025 Operating Profit of 76 Billion Won
    K Car Posts Record 2025 Operating Profit of 76 Billion Won K Car, a South Korean used-car platform that sells vehicles directly, said it set record highs in both revenue and operating profit last year. The company said Monday it posted preliminary full-year revenue of 2.4388 trillion won and operating profit of 76 billion won. Revenue rose 6% from a year earlier and operating profit increased 11.5%. K Car said it lifted sales 1.4% despite a 2.2% year-over-year drop in used-car registrations amid financial-market volatility and worries about a slowing economy. Annual used-car sales totaled 156,290 vehicles, raising its market share to 12.7%. Retail sales came to 114,496 vehicles, with online transactions accounting for 55.9%. Auction sales totaled 41,794 vehicles, up 6.5% from a year earlier and a record, the company said. K Car said it plans to launch new businesses this year, including a service that supports safer direct transactions between individuals, as it aims to broaden its platform across different types of deals. CEO Jung In Guk said the company has continued to expand its share steadily as the market shifts toward corporate operators, citing brand trust and diversified buying and selling channels. He said K Car will respond quickly to market changes and pursue sustainable growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:19:23
  • Hyundai Motor CEO unveils massive Korea, US investment plans
    Hyundai Motor CEO unveils massive Korea, US investment plans SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor plans record investments in South Korea and major spending in North America while seeking renewed growth in emerging markets including India and China, CEO Jose Munoz said in a message to employees. In an internal email sent Monday, Munoz said Hyundai Motor would invest 125.2 trillion won in South Korea over the next five years, marking the company’s largest-ever domestic commitment. The automaker also plans to invest about 35 trillion won in North America. For this year, the company targets global sales of 4.16 million vehicles, revenue growth of 1 to 2 percent, and an operating profit margin of 6.3 to 7.3 percent, Munoz said. Hyundai plans to sustain momentum through the launch of a Genesis hybrid model and a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV), which is scheduled to enter the market next year. Munoz cited solid performance across major markets, saying South Korea achieved stable growth following successful launches of models including the Palisade and Ioniq 9, while North America recorded sales growth for a fifth consecutive year. Munoz said the company’s recent share-price gains reflect not only its future mobility vision — including advances in robotics and physical artificial intelligence showcased at CES — but also strong operating performance and consistent financial results. He also emphasized Hyundai’s internal management approach, urging employees to “move fast, prepare ahead, respond nimbly to change, and work as one global team.” Hyundai Motor reaffirmed its long-term goal of selling 5.55 million vehicles annually by 2030, including 3.3 million eco-friendly models, equivalent to about 60 percent of total sales. The company also aims to achieve an operating profit margin of 8 to 9 percent and plans to expand its hybrid lineup to at least 18 models by the end of the decade. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-10 14:55:23
  • Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop long-range air-to-air missile
    Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop long-range air-to-air missile SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - South Korean defense firms Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said on Monday they will jointly develop a long-range air-to-air missile and cooperate on overseas marketing to expand exports of South Korean aircraft and air-launched weapons systems. Under a memorandum of understanding they signed a day earlier at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they will cooperate on integrating air-launched weapons into South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet and FA-50 light combat aircraft. Hanwha Aerospace said it is conducting preliminary research with the agency on next-generation air weapons, including long-range air-to-air missiles powered by solid-ramjet engines, as well as supersonic air-to-surface and air-to-ship missiles. Demand for comprehensive defense packages has been rising as overseas customers increasingly seek integrated solutions covering aircraft platforms, weapons systems and operational support, KAI Chief Executive Cha Jae-byung said. “Korean defense products are gaining credibility, and customers are asking for packages that include not only aircraft but entire operational systems,” Cha said in a press release, adding domestic defense firms would work together to expand exports through joint marketing. Hanwha Aerospace Chief Executive Son Jae-il said combining Hanwha’s missile development experience across air-to-air, air-to-surface and surface-to-air systems with KAI’s aircraft integration capabilities would support the development of indigenous air-launched weapons. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-10 11:11:21
  • Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop weapons for South Korean aircraft
    Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop weapons for South Korean aircraft Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries, known as KAI, said they will work together to develop a domestically produced long-range air-to-air missile for installation on South Korean aircraft. The companies also plan joint marketing to expand exports of South Korean aircraft and air-launched weapons. Hanwha Aerospace said Tuesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with KAI on Monday (local time) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the third World Defense Show. The agreement covers cooperation on aircraft-weapons business projects. Under the MOU, the companies will cooperate on systems integration of air-launched weapons for the KF-21 and FA-50 fighter platforms and pursue joint marketing aimed at exporting aircraft and aircraft weapons. They said they plan to carry out aircraft-weapons development projects led by the Agency for Defense Development to secure technology at a global top-tier level. Hanwha Aerospace said it is conducting preliminary research, overseen by the Agency for Defense Development, on advanced weapons including long-range air-to-air missiles and supersonic air-to-ground and air-to-ship missiles based on ducted solid-ramjet engines. KAI CEO Cha Jae Byung said that as confidence in South Korea’s defense technology has grown, overseas customers have recently been asking for Korean-made packages covering not only aircraft platforms but also broader operating systems. He said domestic defense companies will join forces through joint marketing to expand exports. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae Il said he is confident the company can meet its goals for developing domestically produced aircraft weapons by combining Hanwha’s experience in missile development — including air-to-air, air-to-ground and surface-to-air programs — with KAI’s capabilities in fighter integration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 09:45:00