Journalist

Han Ji-hyun
  • Hyundai Wia Launches Dodam Sand Cookies Made With South Gyeongsang Produce
    Hyundai Wia Launches 'Dodam Sand' Cookies Made With South Gyeongsang Produce Hyundai Wia said it launched “Dodam Sand,” a sandwich cookie made with agricultural products from South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday. The company said it developed the product with the South Gyeongsang provincial government, the Rural and Fishing Village Mutual Growth Cooperation Fund, the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and social enterprise Gonggonggonggan to support local farms and help build a sustainable community by growing it into a signature regional specialty. Hyundai Wia said the product was created using 300 million won it contributed to the mutual growth fund. Over about a year, the provincial government, local farms and residents worked together on planning, ingredient selection, final production and marketing. The packaging uses Hyundai Wia’s mascot “Dodami,” modeled after the endangered sable, to convey a friendly design and the message of ecosystem restoration. Dodam Sand comes in four flavors meant to reflect the province’s seasons: raspberries grown in Gimhae, mulberries from Sancheong, persimmons grown in Changwon and yuzu from Namhae. The cookies use gourmet butter and jam made from local fruit to highlight the fruit’s flavor and a soft texture. Hyundai Wia said all sales proceeds will be donated to a “green forest creation” project it is developing with the provincial government. The funds will be used to restore mountains heavily damaged by last year’s wildfires and to help create habitat for endangered animals in the region, including sables. The company said it plans to start funding through Naver Happybean on Monday. It also plans to expand sales through pop-up stores at Changwon Jungang Station and the Jinhae Gunhangje festival, and by entering online open markets. “A result of putting our heads together to grow with the region is Dodam Sand,” a Hyundai Wia official said. “We hope Dodam Sand becomes a snack that represents the region and a seed that helps local farms and forests grow.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 08:45:00
  • HL Mando Posts Record Sales on Robotics Demand, Nears 10 Trillion Won Revenue Mark
    HL Mando Posts Record Sales on Robotics Demand, Nears 10 Trillion Won Revenue Mark HL Mando said it set a record for annual sales, helped by growing interest in humanoid robots, despite headwinds including the impact of U.S. tariffs and a global slowdown in electric vehicle sales. The company expects demand to surge this year for actuators, a key humanoid-robot component, lifting expectations for improved results. On Feb. 5, HL Mando disclosed preliminary consolidated results of 9.4548 trillion won ($9,454.8 billion) in revenue and 357.1 billion won ($357.1 billion) in operating profit for last year. Revenue rose 6.9% from a year earlier, while operating profit fell 0.5%. Fourth-quarter revenue increased 1.6% to 2.4616 trillion won ($2,461.6 billion), and operating profit dropped 28.2% to 79.7 billion won ($79.7 billion). Operating profit slipped from a year earlier after one-time costs, but revenue hit an all-time high. HL Mando cited expanding sales in emerging markets by major customers including Hyundai Motor Group and stronger sales of higher-margin models such as hybrids. As demand for HEV and EV parts increased, its operating margin improved to the 4% range last year from the 3% range in 2023. The company said momentum could continue this year on expectations for a larger North American robotaxi market, growth in emerging markets such as India, and rising actuator demand. HL Mando supplies actuators for quadruped robots to multiple global robotics companies. It also supplies parts including steering systems (R-EPS), integrated drive modules (IDM) and suspension components to the top three robotaxi companies in the United States and the No. 1 robotaxi company in China. Actuators are expected to be a key growth driver. They control robot movement and account for about 50% to 70% of total cost, the company said. Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus targets commercialization in 2027, and Hyundai Motor’s Atlas targets 2028. HL Mando plans to begin mass production of actuators in 2028-2029. A securities industry official said HL Mando aims to raise actuator revenue to 26% of total sales, or 2.3 trillion won ($2,300 billion), around 2035. The official said expanding global robotics customers, along with robotaxi operators’ plans to broaden service cities and increase fleet sizes this year, should support continued earnings growth. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 18:15:00
  • KAI posts 2025 operating profit of 269.2 billion won, up 12%
    KAI posts 2025 operating profit of 269.2 billion won, up 12% Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, said Wednesday it posted preliminary 2025 revenue of 3.6964 trillion won and operating profit of 269.2 billion won. Revenue rose 1.7% from a year earlier and operating profit increased 11.8%. Net profit climbed 9.6% to 187.3 billion won, the company said. Fourth-quarter revenue was 1.4667 trillion won and operating profit was 77.0 billion won, up 34% and 82.7%, respectively, from a year earlier. KAI said orders rose 30.4% to 6.3946 trillion won, driven by the first mass-production contract for the KF-21, a second mass-production batch for a medical evacuation helicopter, expanded helicopter procurement by the Korea Forest Service, and exports of the FA-50PH to the Philippines. The company said additional exports of the FA-50PH and follow-on work such as an airframe life-extension program for Indonesia’s KT-1 helped secure a long-term revenue base of more than 40 years. Its order backlog at the end of 2025 stood at 27.3437 trillion won, up more than 10% from a year earlier. For 2026, KAI forecast revenue of 5.7306 trillion won and orders of 10.4383 trillion won, up 58.1% and 63%, respectively, from the prior year on a separate basis. The company said it expects revenue to top 5 trillion won for the first time since its founding, with the KF-21 moving into mass production after 10 years and six months of system development, alongside Light Armed Helicopter, or LAH, production. KAI also said it expects production stabilization for the FA-50PL for Poland and the FA-50M for Malaysia, and higher aircraft-structure exports as the commercial aviation market recovers. On orders, KAI said it will pursue the KF-21’s first export, expand additional exports and follow-on support for the FA-50 and Surion, and push domestic programs including a third LAH mass-production batch and a broader government helicopter market. Chief Executive Cha Jae Byung said, “Last year was a year in which we steadily advanced major development programs and diversified our global business, once again proving KAI’s technological capabilities and reliability.” He added, “This year, we will complete development of the KF-21, which the entire nation has long hoped for, and successfully carry out mass production and the first export, focusing all companywide capabilities on creating sustainable future value for South Korea’s aerospace industry.” KAI also said its board approved issuing 500 billion won in convertible bonds. It said 400 billion won will be used to prepare for full-scale KF-21 and LAH mass production, and 100 billion won will go to materials costs and advance component purchases to support on-time deliveries of the FA-50 and Surion (KUH) and strengthen competitiveness in winning orders. 2026-02-05 17:00:19
  • BYD Korea Unveils Dolphin Electric Hatchback, Starting at 24.5 Million Won
    BYD Korea Unveils Dolphin Electric Hatchback, Starting at 24.5 Million Won BYD Korea on Wednesday unveiled the BYD Dolphin, a small electric hatchback aimed at the urban EV market. The company said the Dolphin is optimized for city driving, with efficient packaging and a price positioned to appeal to first-time EV buyers, commuters and consumers looking to downsize. Its exterior follows BYD’s EV design concept, “Ocean Aesthetics,” reinterpreting the dolphin’s flowing curves and movement in a modern style. Despite its compact size, the Dolphin has a 2,700-millimeter wheelbase and seats five. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to as much as 1,310 liters, BYD Korea said. The model will be offered in two trims: the Dolphin and the long-range, higher-performance Dolphin Active. The Dolphin Active produces 150 kW (about 204 horsepower) and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.0 seconds. Both trims are built on the EV-only e-Platform 3.0 and include a heat-pump system to improve energy efficiency across driving conditions. The car uses BYD’s Blade Battery. The Ministry of Environment-certified driving range is up to 354 kilometers per charge (Dolphin Active). With fast charging, the battery can be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes, the company said. A rotating 10.1-inch touch display supports T Map navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Features include vehicle-to-load capability, a panoramic glass roof with an electronic sunshade, and a 3D surround-view monitor. The Dolphin Active adds a two-tone exterior color option, ventilated front seats and wireless smartphone charging. The Dolphin earned a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, BYD Korea said. All trims come standard with seven airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems. Prices, after eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits and before subsidies, are set at 24.5 million won for the Dolphin and 29.2 million won for the Dolphin Active. BYD Korea said the Dolphin will go on sale nationwide starting Feb. 11, with test drives available at BYD showrooms. Deliveries of the Dolphin Active are scheduled to begin in March on a rolling basis. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 10:51:00
  • Peugeot Launches All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid Seven-Seat SUV
    Peugeot Launches All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid Seven-Seat SUV Peugeot said Wednesday it has launched the seven-seat family SUV “All New 5008 Smart Hybrid” and has begun full-scale sales. The All New 5008 is billed as a “real French SUV,” with planning, engineering, design and production completed in France. Peugeot said it emphasizes family-focused space and practicality, along with the brand’s distinctive design. Peugeot said the model combines a 2,900mm wheelbase with a seven-seat layout and a smart-hybrid system, positioning it for both daily driving and travel. Buyers are offered a special extended-warranty promotion: 990,000 won for the Allure trim and 1.09 million won for the GT trim. The program extends coverage beyond the basic warranty period (36 months or 100,000 kilometers). Based on the new-vehicle registration date, coverage can be extended up to five years or 130,000 kilometers. Customers can enroll within six months of registration or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Separately, Peugeot is offering a five-year free maintenance program. Consumables such as engine oil, the engine oil filter and the air-cleaner filter can be replaced free of charge five times over five years. The All New 5008 is sold in two trims, Allure and GT. The Allure is priced at 48.9 million won. The GT is priced at 55.9 million won, limited to 300 vehicles as a launch promotion. With individual consumption tax cuts applied, the Allure costs 48.14 million won and the GT costs 54,999,000 won. Peugeot said buyers can also apply benefits for families with multiple children. Test drives are available starting Wednesday at Peugeot showrooms nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 10:24:00
  • T’way Air Holds 2025 Aviation Security Awards Ceremony
    T’way Air Holds 2025 Aviation Security Awards Ceremony T’way Air said Wednesday it held its “2025 Aviation Security Awards Ceremony” and recognized departments and employees for contributions to aviation security. The company said the event was aimed at preventing security incidents through active employee participation and strengthening on-site security capabilities. Awards were presented in two categories: the Aviation Security Excellence Award and the Aviation Security Contribution Award. The Excellence Award went to departments and employees credited with identifying and preventing potential security threats in advance or reducing risks through new, decisive ideas. The Contribution Award recognized departments and employees for supporting aviation security work through strict compliance with procedures. The Paris branch received the Excellence Award, and Cabin Crew 4 received the Contribution Award. In the individual category, Tokyo branch manager Seok Da Mi won the Excellence Award, while Kim Jae Cheol, a senior captain with B737 Flight Crew 3, and cabin crew manager Kim Gi Rang of Cabin Crew 1 received Contribution Awards. “A small amount of attention in the field and strict adherence to procedures are the starting point for preventing aviation security incidents,” a T’way Air official said. The official said the airline will continue the awards program to build an advanced aviation security culture with participation from employees, worksites and partner companies across the industry. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 09:45:00
  • Polestar’s Rise: From Swedish Racing Roots to a Fast-Growing EV Brand
    Polestar’s Rise: From Swedish Racing Roots to a Fast-Growing EV Brand What happens when Volvo’s belief that “safety can’t be an option” meets a racing mindset built on pushing performance to the limit? In an EV market dominated by established names such as Tesla, Volkswagen and Hyundai, Sweden-born Polestar has positioned itself as a performance-focused electric brand with an unusual origin story: a European automaker’s safety-first DNA combined with China-based manufacturing and ownership ties. With competition expected to intensify amid concerns about oversupply of Chinese EVs, Polestar says it aims to set a new benchmark between the legacy internal-combustion world and the shift to electric vehicles. ◆From a 1996 launch to a “star” in EVs; up 296.6% in South Korea in a year Polestar traces its roots to Flash Engineering, a Swedish racing team founded in 1996 by STCC champion Jan “Flash” Nilsson. The team developed by tuning Volvo cars for performance, blending Volvo’s “safety can’t be an option” philosophy with racing’s goal of maximizing output. It later rebranded as Polestar Racing and, in 2009, became Volvo’s official performance partner. After Volvo’s acquisition, Polestar debuted as an independent brand in 2015. In 2017, it was absorbed with Volvo into China’s Geely Holding Group and was remade as an electric performance brand. Polestar’s lineup uses simple numbering from 1 to 6. Its first model, the Polestar 1, was a plug-in hybrid rated at 600 horsepower and up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) of electric-only range, drawing attention in the late 2010s as EVs gained momentum. The first sedan, the Polestar 2, competed with Tesla’s Model 3 and helped establish the brand globally. Polestar 4 became a strong seller in the premium EV segment, and Polestar 5 and 6 are scheduled to be unveiled this year. In South Korea, Polestar Automotive Korea sold 2,957 vehicles in 2025, up 296.6% from 800 in 2024, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association. The Polestar 4 accounted for about 90% of sales and led the 60 million won-and-above premium EV import segment last year, beating models including the BMW i5 and Audi Q4 e-tron. The company attributed the result to product quality and brand image rather than heavy promotions or discounting. The Polestar 4’s design removes the rear window to create a more open second-row feel, and it is rated for more than 511 kilometers (318 miles) of range per charge in the long-range single-motor version. It is also rated at up to 544 horsepower and 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. A Polestar Korea official said the company will “provide Swedish premium value through a differentiated customer experience” and strengthen leadership in the luxury EV market by launching the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5. ◆Not a “Chinese brand wearing a European mask,” Polestar says; aiming to be an EV “dream car” Polestar’s identity reflects how global the auto industry has become. It markets itself with Swedish design and engineering, relies on China for much of its production infrastructure, and has raised capital through a Nasdaq listing. That mix has led some to label it a “Chinese brand wearing a European mask.” Polestar rejects that framing and says it is building a “dream car” identity in the EV era, similar to how Porsche used racing to become a symbol of performance. The company has also promoted a vision of a “climate-neutral car in 2030.” One example is a campaign tied to Climate Week NYC, using outdoor ads across New York and social media to highlight the impact of internal-combustion vehicles on consumers and society, focusing on what it called a hard-to-break dependence between gasoline cars and drivers. Polestar has also pointed to a moonshot project aimed at a fully climate-neutral vehicle without carbon offsets, and a GT Polestar 5 linked to a renewable-energy smelter. Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s head of sustainability, said, “As many traditional automakers are rolling back climate pledges, we are going the other way,” adding that EVs are “the most efficient and scalable alternative” for responding to climate change. Polestar says its cross-border structure shows how manufacturing ecosystems are being reshaped beyond traditional “national brand” labels. Its push in the EV transition is ongoing as the broader auto industry moves through a period of change. <Editor’s note> As times change, choices about where people live, what they wear and what they eat have become more important than simply making a living. A similar leather bag can cost 100,000 won under one label but sell for 100 million won if made by Hermès. This series looks at the forces behind brands that can sway consumer decisions and determine corporate fortunes, and at the intense competition companies face to build them. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 18:03:00
  • South Koreas EV registrations jump 50 percent in 2025, ending two-year slump
    South Korea's EV registrations jump 50 percent in 2025, ending two-year slump SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - New electric-vehicle registrations in South Korea topped 220,000 last year, ending two consecutive years of decline and returning to growth, according to industry data released on Tuesday. In its 2025 report, the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA) said new EV registrations rose 50.1 percent from a year earlier to 220,177 units. EV penetration — the share of EVs in new vehicle purchases — reached 13.1 percent, entering double digits for the first time. KAMA attributed the rebound to early disbursement of government subsidies and other policy support, aggressive sales promotions by automakers and an expanded lineup of new models. The recovery was driven in large part by strong demand for Tesla’s Model Y, which sold 50,397 units and accounted for 26.6 percent of the passenger EV market, KAMA said. Domestic automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia helped broaden the market with new models including the EV4, EV5, EV9 GT, PV5 and Ioniq 9. KG Mobility also entered a new segment with South Korea’s first electric pickup, the Musso EV. By automaker, Kia led the market with 60,609 registrations, followed by Tesla with 59,893 and Hyundai Motor with 55,461. Imported EVs continued to gain ground, taking a 42.8 percent market share. The share of domestically produced EVs fell to 57.2 percent, down from 75 percent in 2022. China-made EVs surged 112.4 percent from a year earlier to 74,728 units, emerging as a major force in the market. KAMA cited increased imports of China-produced Teslas and the market entry of brands such as BYD and Polestar. Industry officials said the growing presence of China-made EVs could broaden consumer choice and put downward pressure on prices, but also risks weakening South Korea’s manufacturing base and intensifying supply-chain competition, calling for longer-term policy responses. KAMA said the market’s recovery reflected a combination of policy support and the popularity of specific models rather than broad-based mass adoption or a structural shift in demand. The association called for a more active government role to meet South Korea’s national greenhouse gas reduction target, and to strengthen industry competitiveness. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-20 13:42:29
  • Hyundai Motor brings in Tesla veteran to accelerate robotics ambitions
    Hyundai Motor brings in Tesla veteran to accelerate robotics ambitions SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group has recruited Milan Kovac, a former Tesla executive who led development of projects including the humanoid robot Optimus, in a move aimed at strengthening its push for artificial intelligence and robotics. Hyundai said Kovac has been appointed as an adviser to the group and is expected to be named an outside director at Boston Dynamics, a robotics company owned by Hyundai Motor Group. Kovac brings nearly two decades of experience spanning software, hardware and AI-driven robotics systems, the company said. Most recently at Tesla, he oversaw development of the Optimus humanoid robot and a camera-based, vision-centered autonomous-driving system, playing a key role in the firm's push toward AI-centric mobility and automation. Hyundai said the appointment is intended to accelerate AI-based robotics innovation at Boston Dynamics and to advance the group’s mid- to long-term strategy and commercialization plans for its robot portfolio, which includes Spot, Stretch and Atlas. In his advisory role, Kovac will provide guidance on AI and engineering strategy and explore how advanced robotics technologies can be applied across Hyundai Motor Group’s industrial footprint, including manufacturing, logistics and service operations, the company said. “Boston Dynamics is a core company in the robotics ecosystem and an iconic organization that has inspired countless engineers,” Kovac said in a press release. “Combined with Hyundai Motor Group’s strong industrial base, it has a unique competitive advantage to lead the robotics industry, and I look forward to the journey of innovation.” 2026-01-16 10:17:03
  • Hyundais luxury Genesis brand reaches 1.5 million sales milestone
    Hyundai's luxury Genesis brand reaches 1.5 million sales milestone SEOUL, January 4 (AJP) - Automaker Hyundai's premium brand Genesis has sold over 1.5 million vehicles in cumulative global sales a decade after its launch. According to industry sources on Sunday, the automaker reached the milestone in November last year, about 10 years after it rolled out its luxury G90 sedan in 2015. Genesis was especially popular among customers in Europe and the U.S. It sold over 500,000 units globally by May 2021 and surpassed 1 million in August 2023. Annual global sales grew from about 201,000 vehicles in 2021 to roughly 230,000 in 2024. The G80 midsize sedan is Genesis' best-selling model, with 501,517 units sold through November last year, making it the brand's first vehicle to exceed 500,000 in cumulative sales. It is followed by the GV70 with 337,457 units and the GV80 with 322,214. Together, the three models accounted for 77 percent of Genesis' total sales. Genesis plans to expand its lineup with extended-range electric vehicles and hybrids, aiming for annual global sales of 350,000 by 2030. 2026-01-04 13:42:37