Journalist

Oh Jooseok
  • Jin Air Unveils 12 In-Flight Meal Options, Adds 7 New Menu Items
    Jin Air Unveils 12 In-Flight Meal Options, Adds 7 New Menu Items Jin Air passengers will soon be able to order new in-flight dishes such as braised beef short ribs over rice and deodeok bibimbap.  Jin Air said it will revamp its in-flight meals starting on the 16th, shifting from 15 items to 12 and introducing seven new options. Items previously sold as single dishes will be offered as set meals that include snacks and dessert.  The new menu items are braised beef short ribs over rice, deodeok bibimbap, beef porridge, garlic shrimp poke, jambon-butter bagel, shrimp-and-taco chirashi sushi, and chamnamul bulgogi pasta. The airline said it selected items that scored highly in internal reviews. Existing offerings such as bibimbap, spicy pork wraps, kimchi fried rice, sausage omelet rice and a bulgogi sandwich were also upgraded, the airline said.  Bibimbap now comes with more toppings, and the spicy pork wrap set adds fresh wrap vegetables and ssamjang to improve the overall dish. Jin Air also redesigned its tableware packaging. For items such as bibimbap and poke, it introduced pulp-based bowl containers for easier use, and added Jin Air illustrations to the packaging to reinforce its brand image. The airline moved up the cutoff for purchasing in-flight meals to 48 hours before departure, from 72 hours, giving passengers more flexibility in choosing menus. To mark the revamp, Jin Air will run an online members-only promotion from the 18th through April 17, offering a 2,000-won discount coupon for pre-ordered in-flight meals. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 10:30:15
  • MINI Korea Launches Limited-Run MINI 1965 Victory Edition
    MINI Korea Launches Limited-Run MINI 1965 Victory Edition MINI Korea said on the 16th it is releasing the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, a special model marking the classic Mini Cooper’s victory at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. The edition reinterprets the heritage of the Mini Cooper that competed in the Monte Carlo Rally, applying exterior cues that evoke the winning car. A prominent “52” graphic on the side references the 1965 rally car’s entry number. The 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke two-tone alloy wheels feature edition-only wheel caps in red and white, along with valve caps numbered “52.” The interior also uses a sporty look and color scheme unique to the edition. The MINI 1965 Victory Edition will be sold in two versions: a battery-electric model and an internal-combustion model. The electric version uses a motor rated at 258 horsepower and 35.7 kg·m of maximum torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 5.9 seconds and has a single-charge range of 291 km under the Environment Ministry standard. The gasoline version pairs a MINI TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 231 horsepower and 38.8 kg·m of maximum torque with a seven-speed Steptronic Sport dual-clutch automatic transmission. It goes from 0 to 100 kph in 6.1 seconds. Both versions include safety and convenience features such as Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go, Driving Assistant Plus with lane-keeping assist, Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View, Remote 3D View and a drive recorder, and a Korea-specific MINI navigation system based on T map. MINI Korea said sales will be limited to 25 units of the all-electric MINI JCW Victory Edition and 50 units of the MINI JCW Victory Edition, offered through the MINI Shop Online. Prices in South Korea are 61.5 million won and 56.1 million won, respectively. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 10:03:05
  • Air Premia Cuts 18 Seats to Expand Economy Legroom to 33 Inches
    Air Premia Cuts 18 Seats to Expand Economy Legroom to 33 Inches Air Premia is reducing seat counts to increase economy-class legroom to 33 inches, part of a broader effort to improve cabin space. The airline said Monday it cut the total number of seats on aircraft HL8701 from 344 to 326, a reduction of 18 seats. As a result, economy seat pitch on the aircraft has been expanded from 31 inches to 33 inches. After the reconfiguration, HL8701 will enter service starting Monday. Routes operated by the aircraft will offer the wider seat spacing. Air Premia said it has been steadily pursuing seat-space improvements to enhance comfort for long-haul passengers. In 2024, the airline also adjusted two aircraft that had been operated with 338 seats to 320 seats, expanding economy seat pitch. Air Premia operates nine aircraft with the following configurations: 309 seats (three aircraft), 320 seats (two), 326 seats (two) and 344 seats (two). All aircraft except the 344-seat planes are operated with economy seat pitch of at least 33 inches. The airline said it plans to expand economy seat pitch to 33 inches or more across its entire fleet within the year. Air Premia also replaced the cabin carpet as part of the latest changes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 09:33:16
  • T’way Air cargo volume jumps 130% in two years as long-haul network expands
    T’way Air cargo volume jumps 130% in two years as long-haul network expands T’way Air said its cargo business is maintaining steady growth, supported by an expanded global network and the introduction of larger aircraft. The airline said Monday that its first-quarter cargo volume this year was provisionally tallied at about 9,000 metric tons. That is up about 130% from about 4,000 tons in the first quarter of 2024, expanding the business to about 2.3 times its size in two years. T’way Air also reported that its total cargo volume last year rose 92% from about 18,000 tons a year earlier to 34,000 tons. The company attributed the gains to the successful establishment of medium- and long-haul routes, including European services to Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Frankfurt, as well as flights to Sydney and Vancouver, along with what it called strategic cargo sales efforts. T’way Air said it has optimized processes for higher-value shipments such as cosmetics and e-commerce cargo, as well as fresh foods and semiconductor parts. It also said it is strengthening cold-chain capabilities based on temperature-control solutions. A company official said the cargo business has entered a stable phase and is positioning itself as a trusted supplier in global markets. The official said the airline will prioritize safe operations while continuing to upgrade cargo capabilities and pursue sustainable growth. The airline said it will begin introducing Airbus’ next-generation A330-900NEO aircraft in stages starting this year. It said the model can cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by about 25% compared with existing aircraft and is expected to support higher cargo volumes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 09:12:17
  • Hyundai Opens 400kW EV Fast-Charging Station at Germany’s Nürburgring
    Hyundai Opens 400kW EV Fast-Charging Station at Germany’s Nürburgring Hyundai Motor Co. has opened an electric vehicle fast-charging station inside Germany’s Nürburgring circuit capable of charging at up to 400 kW. The automaker said March 16 that its high-performance brand, Hyundai N, began operating the Nürburgring N fast-charging station on March 14 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife track. The Nürburgring, often called one of the world’s most demanding tracks, is a popular destination for car enthusiasts. Hyundai built the station in the parking lot at the entrance to the circuit’s tourist-drive access point. With the new facility, EV drivers can charge at the entrance and head directly onto the track. Hyundai said it will run the station on a pilot basis starting this month to coincide with the opening of the circuit’s track season this year. The station can charge EVs regardless of brand. It has two direct-current fast chargers, and each unit can charge up to two vehicles, allowing four EVs to charge at the same time. Charging is available at up to 400 kW. The E-GMP-based high-performance EVs Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N can charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes using an 800-volt ultra-fast charging system. After stabilizing and upgrading the service, Hyundai said it will offer free charging at this station starting next month for European Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N users who use the “Charge MyHyundai” app. The Nürburgring N fast-charging station will operate for 10 years from this year through 2035. Hyundai said it is expanding high-performance EV infrastructure in line with Hyundai N’s mission of “high performance for everyone.” In South Korea, it opened its first N fast-charging station at Inje Speedium in 2023 alongside the launch of the Ioniq 5 N. “Beyond proving the potential of high-performance EVs with the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N, we built the N fast-charging station to create an ecosystem where drivers can fully enjoy high-performance experiences on the track,” said Park Jun-woo, head of Hyundai’s N Management Office and an executive director.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 08:57:05
  • Autonomous A2Z, Busan Bus Operators Sign Deal to Advance Self-Driving Transit
    Autonomous A2Z, Busan Bus Operators Sign Deal to Advance Self-Driving Transit Autonomous A2Z, a South Korean autonomous-driving company, said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Metropolitan City Bus Transport Business Association on March 13 for “mutually beneficial cooperation to innovate public transportation based on autonomous driving.” The company said the agreement is aimed at combining advanced autonomous-driving technology with existing public transit operating experience to improve Busan’s autonomous public transportation services and build a cooperative framework to respond to future mobility needs. Under the deal, the two sides plan to cooperate on autonomous-driving demonstrations, joint research based on operational data, joint participation in pilot and demonstration projects, and the creation and operation of a working consultative body. Autonomous A2Z signed a separate MOU in September last year with the Seoul Special City Bus Transport Business Association and related organizations on “K-autonomous driving shared growth.” Last month, it also signed an agreement with the Korea National Federation of Taxi Transport Associations, expanding efforts to build a “Korean-style autonomous driving” ecosystem across public transportation, including buses and taxis. The company said it has accumulated demonstration experience in 13 cities and provinces nationwide, including Seoul, Sejong, Daegu and Anyang. “Autonomous driving technology is not meant to replace existing public transportation, but to work with various modes of mobility, including buses and taxis, to make urban mobility services more efficient as future social infrastructure,” Han said. He added that the company will use its technology and operating experience built in Seoul and other cities to develop an autonomous service model in Busan that works in step with public transportation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 08:36:16
  • KATECH Named Korea’s Accredited Testing Body for Low-Speed Autonomous Driving
    KATECH Named Korea’s Accredited Testing Body for Low-Speed Autonomous Driving Korea Automobile Technology Institute said Sunday it has built a nationally accredited testing system to verify the safety and performance of low-speed autonomous driving systems in South Korea. KATECH’s Cooperative Driving Automation Research Center said it received approval from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme to expand its scope of accreditation based on the KS X ISO 22737 international standard. ISO 22737 sets out performance evaluation standards for low-speed autonomous driving (LSAD) vehicles operating on designated routes such as urban parks, university campuses and industrial complexes. It specifies minimum requirements for autonomous systems traveling at 32 kph (20 mph) or less, including collision avoidance, route compliance and emergency stopping functions. KATECH said it has established a real-road testing framework that reflects scenarios likely to occur in actual traffic, moving beyond evaluations centered on in-lab simulations. It said the tests incorporate a range of scenarios, including situations involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. By verifying the full process of perception, decision-making and control under conditions equivalent to real driving, KATECH said it has improved the reliability of evaluations. KATECH said its designation as a nationally accredited testing body is significant because domestic autonomous driving companies have struggled with a lack of accredited testing systems, making it difficult to objectively demonstrate their technology in global markets. KOLAS-accredited test reports issued by KATECH are recognized with the same effect in more than 100 member countries under the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation’s mutual recognition arrangement, it said. KATECH said it plans to begin providing nationally accredited testing services in earnest from the second quarter of this year, targeting leading autonomous driving companies in South Korea and abroad. KATECH said, “This achievement is meaningful in that it links private-sector autonomous driving capabilities with nationally accredited, reliable data, laying the groundwork for a standardized evaluation ecosystem,” adding, “We will actively support domestic autonomous driving companies so they can respond proactively to international technical regulations and enter global markets.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 08:18:14
  • Hanwha System Buys 0.58% Stake in KAI, Citing Space and Defense Cooperation
    Hanwha System Buys 0.58% Stake in KAI, Citing Space and Defense Cooperation Hanwha Group has bought shares in rival Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, for the first time in more than seven years. A business report filed Friday and cited Sunday by South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service said Hanwha System, the group’s defense affiliate, bought 566,635 KAI common shares in November for 59.9 billion won. The stake equals 0.58% of KAI’s outstanding shares. Hanwha last held KAI shares in 2018, when Hanwha Aerospace sold its entire 5.99% stake.  Defense industry officials said closer cooperation between Hanwha and KAI could strengthen South Korea’s competitiveness in defense and aerospace. The two companies, however, have also competed in bids tied to a space project involving a small-satellite system. On the purchase, Hanwha System said the purpose of acquiring the stake was to strengthen cooperation in aerospace and defense businesses, adding that no additional acquisition plan has been decided. 2026-03-15 18:33:15
  • Hanwha Aerospace Signs Long-Term U.S. LNG Purchase Deal With Venture Global
    Hanwha Aerospace Signs Long-Term U.S. LNG Purchase Deal With Venture Global Hanwha Aerospace said March 15 it held a ceremony for a long-term liquefied natural gas purchase agreement with global LNG producer Venture Global. The event in Tokyo was attended by Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il and Venture Global CEO Michael Sabel, along with senior government officials from both countries including South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jeong-gwan and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the company said. The United States held the Indo-Pacific Energy and Minerals Ministerial and Business Forum, or IPEM, in Tokyo on March 14-15, inviting 12 countries from the Indo-Pacific region, including South Korea. Hanwha Aerospace previously signed a deal with Venture Global last month to receive 1.5 million tons of LNG a year for 20 years starting in 2030. “This energy cooperation will once again demonstrate the firm partnership between South Korea and the United States to strengthen energy security,” Son said. “Based on our capabilities in energy and defense, we will continue to play our role as a global security partner.” Hanwha Aerospace said it is working with affiliates to build a global LNG value chain spanning production, distribution and use. Hanwha Ocean has capabilities in building LNG carriers and offshore infrastructure such as floating LNG production facilities, or FLNG. Hanwha Energy operates LNG power generation, and Hanwha Shipping is responsible for stable maritime transport of LNG.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 18:21:15
  • Automakers Rework EV Plans as Demand Cools, Hybrids Regain Focus
    Automakers Rework EV Plans as Demand Cools, Hybrids Regain Focus Global automakers are revising their strategies as growth in the electric-vehicle market slows. U.S. and Japanese carmakers are increasingly dialing back the pace of EV investment and shifting more attention to hybrids. According to the industry on the 15th, Japan’s Honda has decided to temporarily suspend its next-generation EV platform strategy, the “Honda 0 Series.” Development has also effectively halted on the flagship sedan “Saloon,” slated for release next year, and the Acura RSX sport utility vehicle, the report said. That has clouded Honda’s goal of investing 3.5 trillion yen in EVs by 2030 and switching all new vehicles to electric and hydrogen models by 2040. Honda’s decision reflects rising management burdens. Kyodo News and other foreign media reported Honda’s consolidated operating loss for last year is expected to be as much as 690 billion yen, a sharp reversal from an 835.8 billion yen profit a year earlier. This year, losses are forecast to reach as much as 2.5 trillion yen, the reports said. U.S. automakers have also posted operating losses tied to EV investment. Ford reported a $4.8 billion operating loss in its EV division last year. GM, while scaling back EV investment, spent about $6 billion to adjust production lines. Honda is moving to strengthen a hybrid-centered strategy while moderating EV investment. Toyota recently said it plans to increase hybrid production by about 30%, significantly expanding annual output. The Korea Automotive Technology Institute projected the same trend. In a January report, “Global Automotive Industry Issues to Watch in 2026,” it said the eco-friendly vehicle market should keep growing even as policy uncertainty increases. It said consumers are likely to focus on hybrids, which carry relatively lower risk. The global EV market has entered a contraction phase, the article said. Last year, the United States temporarily suspended EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. China ended its purchase-tax exemption policy starting this year and is imposing a tax equal to 5% of an EV’s price. In Europe, there are moves to ease a policy that would ban sales of internal-combustion vehicles starting in 2035. 2026-03-15 18:03:48