Journalist

Han Ji-yeon
  • Korea Auto Industry Welcomes Passage of Special Law on Strategic U.S. Investment
    Korea Auto Industry Welcomes Passage of Special Law on Strategic U.S. Investment South Korea’s auto industry welcomed the National Assembly’s passage on Thursday of a special law on strategic investment management with the United States, a follow-up step to tariff negotiations. The Korea Automobile & Mobility Association said in a statement Thursday that it “sincerely welcomes” the bill’s approval, thanking the Assembly for bipartisan cooperation and government officials for pursuing trade talks. The association said the industry had been concerned that if U.S. export tariffs on Korean vehicles were raised again from 15% to 25%, it could weaken export competitiveness, reduce domestic production and shrink the broader auto industry ecosystem. With the law’s passage, it said, uncertainty over possible tariff hikes has been eased and Korean companies will be able to compete on equal footing with rivals. The association added that the measure is expected to help create a more stable business environment across the industry — including automakers and parts suppliers — and support expanded investment. It said the industry will continue investing in technology innovation, productivity improvements and the shift to future vehicles, while also working to strengthen the domestic production base through efforts such as boosting domestic demand and building a virtuous cycle in the parts ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 16:18:30
  • No-frills Eastar Jet tops South Korean carriers in seat occupancy
    No-frills Eastar Jet tops South Korean carriers in seat occupancy SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Eastar Jet filed more than 90 percent of its seats on average last year, the highest among South Korean airlines, the budget carrier said on Thursday. Of the carrier's roughly 33,600 flights with 6.33 million seats, about 5.71 million passengers were aboard, reaching an average seat occupancy rate of 90.14 percent. The figure is well above the aviation industry's average of 84.86 percent, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Eastar Jet attributed the high occupancy rate to several factors such as affordable fares, flexible routes, comfortable cabins and convenient in-flight services, as well as benefits offered through affiliated partnerships. The carrier is also modernizing its fleet, replacing half of its 20-plane fleet with new Boeing 737-8 aircraft featuring premium leather seats and quieter engines. Eastar Jet also had the fastest check-in among South Korean carriers, averaging 10 minutes and 8 seconds, in a survey conducted by Incheon International Airport Corp. last year. "We will keep working to provide passengers with an easy and convenient travel experience, in line with our 'Easy Flight' slogan reflected in our corporate name," said an Eastar Jet spokesperson. 2026-03-12 13:48:41
  • Eastar Jet Leads South Korea With 90% Load Factor After Offering 6.33 Million Seats
    Eastar Jet Leads South Korea With 90% Load Factor After Offering 6.33 Million Seats Eastar Jet said Thursday it posted an annual load factor of 90% last year, the highest among South Korean airlines. The carrier operated 33,600 flights and offered 6,329,790 seats. A total of 5,705,493 passengers flew, putting the load factor at 90.14%. Based on the Transport Ministry’s aviation information portal, the figure was the highest among domestic airlines and well above the overall average load factor of 84.86%. Eastar Jet cited several factors, including competitive fares, flexible route operations, a more comfortable cabin environment on new aircraft, easier airport and in-flight services, and partnership benefits for members. The airline is accelerating fleet modernization, operating 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft as new planes, half of its 20-aircraft fleet. Because the aircraft are new rather than used, the company said, they feature new leather seats and reduce engine noise by more than 50%, providing a more comfortable flight environment. Eastar Jet also noted that in a service monitoring survey run by Incheon International Airport Corp. last year, its check-in processing time, including waiting, averaged 10 minutes 8 seconds, the shortest among South Korean carriers. The airline said it also provides real-time gate information via mobile and offers airport services such as discounts through partnerships with airport limousine buses and lounges. An Eastar Jet official said, “We thank the many customers who chose Eastar Jet last year,” adding, “In line with our brand slogan, ‘Easy Flight,’ we will continue working to provide an easy and convenient travel experience.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 09:15:48
  • FedEx Expands Taiwan Transshipment Hub to Boost Asia-Pacific Supply Chain Capacity
    FedEx Expands Taiwan Transshipment Hub to Boost Asia-Pacific Supply Chain Capacity Federal Express Corp., known as FedEx, said Thursday it has expanded its transshipment center at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to strengthen its Asia-Pacific network. FedEx called the project its largest single investment in Taiwan since it began operations there 35 years ago. The company said the expansion is expected to improve capacity to meet rising logistics demand tied to advanced technology, semiconductors and e-commerce across Taiwan and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The new facility is about twice the size of the previous site, covering about 19,000 square meters (204,514 square feet). It includes an advanced automated sorting system capable of handling up to 9,000 packages per hour. FedEx said import processing efficiency is 2.5 times higher than at the previous facility, while export processing is up 1.2 times. FedEx also said it has strengthened handling for express parcels and general cargo, as well as special shipments including dangerous goods and cold-chain freight, improving operational safety and supply-chain stability. The company said the new facility reflects the Asia-Pacific region’s growing role as a key base for the global technology industry. Taiwan accounts for more than 80% of global semiconductor production, it said, and rapid advances in new technologies including artificial intelligence are increasing demand for logistics infrastructure that can connect technology hubs, manufacturing bases and growth markets quickly and precisely. FedEx said shipping high-value, time-sensitive products such as semiconductors and precision equipment requires reliability, real-time visibility and strict security throughout the transport process. To meet those needs, it said it applies FedEx Surround Monitoring and Intervention and its SenseAware ID technology to cross-border shipping services. “As Asia-Pacific economies become more closely connected through expanding trade and investment, companies need logistics foundations that can keep pace with changing trade flows,” said Salil Chari, FedEx’s Asia-Pacific regional president. He said the Taiwan expansion underscores FedEx’s commitment to building logistics infrastructure that provides customers with the speed, reliability and flexibility needed to strengthen supply chains and expand into new markets. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 09:09:49
  • Hyundai Motor Group Rises to No. 2 Globally in Operating Profit, Overtakes Volkswagen
    Hyundai Motor Group Rises to No. 2 Globally in Operating Profit, Overtakes Volkswagen Hyundai Motor Group has entered the global top two for operating profit among automakers for the first time, industry officials said. Analysts said the group improved the quality of its growth by earning more profit than Germany’s Volkswagen Group despite selling fewer vehicles. They credited three strategies pushed by Chairman Chung Euisun even as the industry faced headwinds including U.S. auto tariffs and war in the Middle East. According to the industry on Tuesday, Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis) sold 7.27 million vehicles worldwide last year, ranking third behind Toyota Group (11.32 million) and Volkswagen Group (8.98 million). On profitability, however, Hyundai moved ahead of Volkswagen. Toyota held the top spot with revenue of 50.4508 trillion yen (about 471.2 trillion won) and operating profit of 4.3128 trillion yen (about 40.2 trillion won) in its most recent fiscal year. Hyundai ranked third in revenue at 300.3954 trillion won and second in operating profit at 20.5460 trillion won. Volkswagen posted operating profit of 8.9 billion euros (about 15.3 trillion won). It was the first time Hyundai’s annual operating profit exceeded Volkswagen’s, the officials said. Hyundai also ranked near the top in operating margin, another key measure of profitability. Its operating margin was 6.8%, second globally behind Toyota’s 8.6%. The figure was more than double Volkswagen’s 2.8%, according to the data cited. Officials attributed the improved performance to three initiatives led by Chung: shifting to electrification, expanding localization and moving upmarket. Chung set a goal of achieving 100% electrification in major markets including the United States and Europe by 2040 and ordered development of a range of electric vehicles, the officials said. They also pointed to preemptive investment to raise local production capacity to 1.2 million vehicles a year to address tariff risks after the launch of the second Trump administration. Hyundai’s tariff costs last year totaled 7.2 trillion won, less than Toyota’s 1.2 trillion yen (11.2 trillion won), after Toyota’s U.S. tariff rate was cut to 15% ahead of South Korea, the officials said. Hyundai also strengthened sales of higher-value models such as hybrids and sport utility vehicles and launched a standalone premium brand through its design-led strategy. Genesis, the premium brand launched in 2015 under Chung’s leadership, surpassed 1.5 million in cumulative global sales in 10 years. “Most companies took a major hit from U.S. auto tariffs, but Hyundai held up well, posting higher operating profit than Volkswagen despite selling fewer vehicles,” an industry official said. “It has shown it is no longer competing only on value for money.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 05:03:27
  • Global EV Deliveries Excluding China Rise 21.2% in January; Hyundai Motor Group Ranks No. 4
    Global EV Deliveries Excluding China Rise 21.2% in January; Hyundai Motor Group Ranks No. 4 Global electric-vehicle deliveries excluding China rose in January despite weakness in North America, according to SNE Research. The firm attributed the increase to stronger demand in Europe and other Asian markets as electrification gains momentum. SNE Research said Tuesday that 572,000 EVs were newly delivered worldwide outside China in January, up 21.2% from a year earlier. The tally includes plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as well as battery-electric models. Europe posted 19.5% growth, maintaining a steady trend. SNE Research cited the broader rollout of new EV models and continued carbon-emissions regulations, even as some governments discuss scaling back subsidies or adjusting policies. Asia outside China roughly doubled from the same month last year. North America, however, fell 30.2%. SNE Research said consumer preferences have shifted toward internal-combustion and hybrid vehicles, while demand has cooled quickly after EV tax credits ended. By group, Volkswagen remained No. 1, delivering 88,000 vehicles, up 8.1%. China’s BYD ranked second after deliveries surged 118.6% to 67,000. Tesla was third, up 8.4% to 53,000. Hyundai Motor Group delivered 38,000 vehicles, up 4.9%, but slipped to fourth from third a year earlier as BYD climbed the rankings. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 17:27:18
  • Jeju Air Opens 2026 Hiring for Entry-Level Office Jobs
    Jeju Air Opens 2026 Hiring for Entry-Level Office Jobs Jeju Air said Wednesday it is accepting applications for entry-level office positions for the first half of 2026. The airline plans to hire in six areas: information security, branch transportation, ramp operations, crew scheduling, flight crew administration and flight training administration. Applicants must apply through Jeju Air’s recruitment website and complete an online competency test. Candidates who advance will go through two rounds of interviews and a pre-employment medical exam before final selections are made. Applications are open to four-year college graduates and those expected to graduate in August, with submissions due by 5 p.m. March 19. Jobs will be based in Seoul or Incheon. Applicants must meet minimum scores on recognized English tests such as TOEIC or OPIc and must be eligible for overseas travel. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 11:40:14
  • Hyundai Rotem Earns Top CDP Water Security Rating
    Hyundai Rotem Earns Top CDP Water Security Rating Hyundai Rotem said it has received top marks from CDP, a global sustainability assessment organization, for its environmental management performance. The company said Wednesday it earned the highest “Leadership A” rating and received an Excellence Award for water security at the 2025 CDP Korea Awards, held Tuesday at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman in Seoul. CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, evaluates major companies’ responses to climate change and water management by requesting and assessing management information on behalf of financial institutions worldwide. It is widely used by global investors and companies as an environmental disclosure platform. CDP grades companies each year across eight levels, including Leadership A, Leadership A- and Management B. It gives a grand prize to the top-scoring company and top excellence awards to the second- and third-ranked firms. Companies that earn Leadership A- or higher receive an excellence award. Hyundai Rotem said it moved up two grades from the previous year to reach Leadership A, its first time receiving the top rating since it was included in CDP’s environmental management assessment in 2022. The company said it operates internal standards stricter than legal requirements to minimize water pollutants at its worksites. It said it continuously monitors discharged water quality and tracks water use and reuse. Hyundai Rotem said it plans to set a mid- to long-term plan to cut water pollutants and strengthen its water-risk management system. Over the longer term, it said it will introduce advanced wastewater treatment and build a process to reuse low-concentration wastewater. To support carbon-neutral management, the company said it installed solar power facilities last year at its Changwon plant, a key domestic production base. The plant produces 929 MWh of renewable energy annually, enough to fully charge a small electric vehicle with a 42 kWh battery about 22,000 times. Hyundai Rotem said it aims to convert all worksites to 100% renewable energy by 2040. “We earned the highest rating in the CDP assessment as a result of companywide efforts to manage water resources to protect ecosystems,” a Hyundai Rotem official said. “We will continue to advance water management and expand renewable energy use to contribute to a sustainable society.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 11:03:19
  • Alaska Airlines Names Korea Country Manager Yoo Su-jin to Lead Asia Regional Headquarters
    Alaska Airlines Names Korea Country Manager Yoo Su-jin to Lead Asia Regional Headquarters Alaska Airlines said March 11 that it has appointed Yoo Su-jin, its Korea country manager, to lead its Asia regional headquarters. The company said the move is part of efforts to expand international routes, strengthen premium services and improve global operating capabilities. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have stepped up cooperation as a single group since their merger, expanding their network to 29 international routes and more than 140 destinations across North America, Central and South America, Asia and the Pacific. The group will add new routes to Europe starting this spring. Yoo graduated from Yonsei University with a degree in English literature. She began her career as a foreign-exchange dealer at Banque Indosuez in Seoul and later worked at Renault Samsung Motors and Air France-KLM, among others. She has worked in the airline industry for more than 10 years, including serving as Hawaiian Airlines' Korea country manager since 2016. Based in Seoul, she will oversee all Asia routes, including those serving South Korea and Japan. "It is very meaningful to take on the role of overseeing both South Korea and Japan, key markets in Asia," Yoo said. "This year marks an important momentum as Alaska Airlines officially enters the South Korean market, and I will further strengthen Alaska Airlines' presence in Asia based on my expertise." She said she will focus on maximizing synergies between the two airlines across Asia, drawing on more than a decade of experience with Hawaiian Airlines, and will work to expand customer touchpoints and advance as a premium global airline. Alaska Airlines also appointed Kees Berkelk, a Dutch national, to lead its U.K. and Europe regional headquarters, and Andrew Stanbury, from Sydney, Australia, to lead its South Pacific regional headquarters. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 10:33:18
  • Hyundai Glovis wins CDP Korea Award for carbon management in industrials sector
    Hyundai Glovis wins CDP Korea Award for carbon management in industrials sector Hyundai Glovis said March 11 it won the industrials-sector “Carbon Management Sector Honors” at the 2025 CDP Korea Awards, held March 10 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel by the Korea committee of the Carbon Disclosure Project. CDP is a U.K.-based nonprofit that evaluates environmental, social and governance performance. Each year it assesses about 20,000 companies in roughly 90 countries on carbon emissions, climate risks and response strategies, selectively disclosing results. The information is published in annual reports and used by financial institutions in investment decisions. CDP grades companies’ climate-change response across eight levels, including Leadership A, Leadership A- and Management B, and recognizes top performers. Hyundai Glovis received the top “Leadership A” grade in the 2025 CDP climate-change assessment released late last year. The company has maintained a high grade for nearly 10 years after earning Leadership A- in its first assessment in 2016. With that result, Hyundai Glovis won the Carbon Management Sector Honors for the eighth time, the most among South Korean logistics companies, it said. The company said it was recognized for carbon-management efforts including its 2045 carbon-neutral strategy, adoption of low-carbon transport, expansion of renewable energy and building a system to calculate supply-chain emissions. Hyundai Glovis has declared a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045, five years earlier than the International Maritime Organization’s 2050 target, and said it is carrying out a roadmap to meet that goal. In land transport, it is preparing to shift its fleet through pilot operations of low-carbon vehicles such as hydrogen trucks. In maritime transport, it began introducing five LNG dual-fuel car carriers in 2024 and plans to expand to more than 30 ships by 2028. On renewable energy, the company said it signed a virtual power purchase agreement totaling 127 GWh with a power brokerage firm, and is gradually switching electricity use at sites nationwide to renewable energy based on the renewable energy certificates it has secured. It has also set a mid- to long-term reduction roadmap to convert electricity used at overseas sites in the Americas and Asia to 100% renewable energy by 2030, and at sites in Europe and at its headquarters in South Korea by 2040. “Based on global top-level leadership in responding to climate change, we will continue to actively pursue environmental management,” a Hyundai Glovis official said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 10:09:21