Journalist

Han Ji-yeon
  • Hyundai Launches EV Promotion After Ioniq 9 Wins 2026 Car of the Year Triple Crown
    Hyundai Launches EV Promotion After Ioniq 9 Wins 2026 Car of the Year Triple Crown Hyundai Motor Co. said Sunday it will run a series of special EV promotions starting in March to mark the Ioniq 9’s “2026 Car of the Year” triple crown. In South Korea, the three major “Car of the Year” awards are presented separately by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, the Korea Automobile Expert Journalists Association and JoongAng Ilbo. Each group’s jury evaluates factors including price, performance and innovative technology to select what it considers the best vehicle each year. Under the promotion, customers who sign contracts in March and take delivery by April will receive a 1 million won discount on Hyundai passenger EVs, including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9 and Kona Electric. Small electric commercial vehicles, including the Porter Electric and the ST1 (excluding the chassis cab), will receive a 500,000 won discount. Hyundai will also hold an online customer event from March 1 to 15, offering daily vehicle discount coupons worth up to 10.4 million won. Customers can participate through a roulette event on Hyundai’s official website. Prizes include a 3 million won discount coupon for one winner per day, a 1 million won coupon for five winners per day, and a 100,000 won coupon for 24 winners per day. The coupons do not apply to buses, medium and large trucks, commercial vehicles or the Casper model. Hyundai said customers using its “Hyundai EV Burden Down Promotion” will receive additional benefits through a vehicle-care “STRESS-FREE” package. The program is a 36-month installment plan that allows customers to defer returning the vehicle, and it offers a 2.8% interest rate as of March, the company said. Customers who take delivery of an Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 or Kona Electric in March through the program will receive three years of benefits, including body-care service covering up to 1.2 million won for repair and parts replacement (up to three total claims, once per area) and support for auto insurance deductibles (up to three claims, capped at 500,000 won per claim). Hyundai is also offering a “repeat purchase customer program” for existing EV finance customers. For customers currently using a Hyundai passenger EV or the Nexo through Hyundai Capital’s installment financing, rent or lease, Hyundai said it will offer a 2.3% interest rate — 0.5 percentage points lower — if they repurchase an eligible vehicle on installment using the “Hyundai EV Burden Down” program and take delivery in March. Customers who take delivery in March through the “Hyundai EV Rent/Lease Promotion” will receive a monthly payment discount equal to about 10% of the vehicle price, the company said. “The Ioniq 9’s Car of the Year triple crown shows that experts have validated Hyundai’s electrification technology,” a Hyundai official said. “We prepared a range of benefits so more customers can experience the value of EVs.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-02 09:36:19
  • Korean Air to Open Renovated Flagship Lounge at LAX
    Korean Air to Open Renovated Flagship Lounge at LAX Korean Air said Saturday it will open a next-generation flagship lounge on March 6 (local time) at Los Angeles International Airport in California. The new lounge is in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Ahead of the opening, the airline held a two-day preview event starting Feb. 26 (local time), drawing about 200 guests for an introduction and tour. Korean Air said it invested about 65 billion won and completed the lounge after 22 months of construction. The facility consists of two lounges: a first-class lounge on the sixth floor and a Miler Club and Prestige lounge on the fifth floor. With a total area of 1,675 square meters — 1.27 times larger than before — it is the largest overseas lounge directly operated by Korean Air, the company said. The lounge sits on an upper level of the terminal and includes a balcony terrace and an open layout with floor-to-ceiling windows, designed to provide a more spacious environment and broad views of the terminal interior. Korean Air said the interior was designed to bring in natural light and reflect Los Angeles’ energy. It combines warm wood textures and premium stone to express what it called “Modern Korean Luxury,” blending Korean restraint with a contemporary feel. The airline said it also installed artworks inspired by Korean aesthetics throughout the space, including pieces referencing buncheong ware, brushstroke-style ink work and the curved form of a moon jar. The first-class lounge includes two private rooms and will offer personal a la carte dining service, the airline said. The Miler Club and Prestige lounge will feature an open-kitchen live station where chefs prepare food, along with local craft beer and a signature blended coffee available only on site, Korean Air said. The Miler Club will offer both a buffet and a dedicated special menu, with ordering available by scanning QR codes at seats. Beyond dining, the lounge includes a business zone, a family zone and shower rooms, the airline said. Korean Air said LAX, California’s largest airport, is a key North American hub for the carrier, linking Asia, Central and South America, and the U.S. mainland. The airline said it plans to continue expanding and upgrading lounge infrastructure at home and abroad to meet customer demand after the launch of an integrated airline. Following LAX, it plans to proceed with lounge expansion and renovations at major overseas hub airports, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, with openings to be announced within the year. A Korean Air official said the new lounge will strengthen the airline’s standing at LAX and deliver “a new level of premium service,” adding that the company will continue investing to improve the travel experience. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-01 10:12:17
  • Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s Stock Holdings Near 40 Trillion Won as KOSPI Surges
    Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s Stock Holdings Near 40 Trillion Won as KOSPI Surges After the KOSPI broke above 6,000 for the first time and then cleared the 6,300 level just one day later, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s stock holdings were valued at nearly 40 trillion won, according to a report. Corporate analysis firm Korea CXO Institute said on the 26th that Lee’s stock valuation totaled 38.7738 trillion won, based on the Feb. 25 closing prices. If treated as a single listed company, that value would rank about 23rd by market capitalization in South Korea. Lee holds shares in seven issues: Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung SDS, Samsung E&A, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, and Samsung Electronics preferred shares. His Samsung Electronics stake totals 97,414,196 shares. Using a common-share price of 203,500 won per share, that holding alone was valued at 19.8237 trillion won. The institute said Lee’s other major holdings were valued at 12.3840 trillion won in Samsung C&T, 5.1363 trillion won in Samsung Life, and 1.2721 trillion won in Samsung SDS. Hong Ra-hee, honorary director of the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, was valued at 17.9336 trillion won in stock holdings. Hotel Shilla President Lee Boo-jin held 16.1991 trillion won, and Samsung C&T President Lee Seo-hyun held 13.9079 trillion won, the report said. Together, the four members of the Samsung family had combined stock holdings valued at 86.8146 trillion won, it said. Hyundai Motor honorary chairman Chung Mong-koo’s stock wealth also topped 10 trillion won, reaching 10.3024 trillion won. Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Euisun was valued at 9.9973 trillion won, near the 10 trillion won mark. Their combined holdings totaled 20.2998 trillion won, exceeding 20 trillion won, the institute said. The report also listed Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin, valued at 16.7744 trillion won, and Meritz Financial Group Chairman Cho Jung-ho, valued at 13.0492 trillion won, as members of the 10 trillion won stock-wealth club. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 16:21:24
  • Toyota Korea Holds Awards for 19th Dream Car Art Contest National Qualifier
    Toyota Korea Holds Awards for 19th Dream Car Art Contest National Qualifier Toyota Korea said Wednesday it held an awards ceremony Feb. 25 at the CONNECT TO cultural complex for the national qualifier of the 19th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is the automaker’s global social contribution program that invites children worldwide to freely depict their “Your Dream Car.” The Korean qualifier drew a record 3,396 entries this year, Toyota Korea said. Judging was conducted in three age groups: under 8, ages 8-11, and ages 12-15. Entries were evaluated on message delivery, originality and artistic quality, with 59 works selected as final winners. Nine gold, silver and bronze winners across the three divisions received certificates and prizes and advanced automatically to the global final, the World Contest. Winners also received one-of-a-kind keepsakes, including a snow globe trophy featuring their artwork and a custom calendar. Toyota Korea ran the ceremony as a brand experience program for customers. The 59 winning works were displayed at CONNECT TO for about two weeks starting Feb. 13, and videos of the artworks were shown on in-store digital screens, the company said. The venue also offered hands-on programs for award recipients, including a World Rally Championship-themed RC car experience, an LED mood light-making activity, and a guided Toyota Gazoo Racing tour highlighting the company’s philosophy of “making ever-better cars through motorsports.” Kim Hyeongjun, a director at Toyota Korea, said the contest was meaningful because it connected children’s imagination with Toyota’s values of individuality and diversity. He said the company will continue to support Korean children’s dreams and communicate with future generations as a brand that respects individuality beyond mobility. The winning works can be viewed on Toyota Korea’s official website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 16:03:41
  • Hanwha Aerospace Ships First Australia-Built AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzers
    Hanwha Aerospace Ships First Australia-Built AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzers Hanwha Aerospace has shipped AS9 self-propelled howitzers for the first time from its plant in Australia. The AS9 is an Australia-tailored variant of the K9, which holds more than 50% of the global self-propelled howitzer market. The company said on the 26th it held a shipment ceremony at H-ACE in Geelong, Australia, for three AS9 units produced locally. The first Australia-built AS10 ammunition resupply vehicle is also scheduled to leave the plant within the year. Hanwha Aerospace plans to supply the Australian Army with a total of 30 AS9 howitzers and 15 AS10 vehicles. H-ACE, completed in August 2024, is described as Korea’s first overseas production base for the defense industry. Built on a site of about 150,000 square meters, it includes 11 facilities, including a main building, production and assembly areas, a driving test track and a firing range. Hanwha Aerospace said it aims to use the successful operation of the Australian plant to respond more directly to defense demand in the Indo-Pacific, and to use the site as a production base not only for Australia but also for key allied countries. The company also said it will accelerate efforts to target markets tied to AUKUS, a U.S.-Australia-UK security partnership, and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A Hanwha Aerospace official said, “The first shipment of self-propelled howitzers made at an overseas production base means K-defense exports have entered a new stage,” adding, “We will develop the Australian plant into a core production hub for the Indo-Pacific region.” 2026-02-26 15:48:30
  • Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae elected head of Korea Space Technology Promotion Association
    Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae elected head of Korea Space Technology Promotion Association The Korea Space Technology Promotion Association said Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, was elected as its new chairman at a general meeting on the 26th. His term is three years. Lee graduated from Jeonju University with a degree in business administration and earned a master’s in business administration from Kyung Hee University. He has held senior planning roles at Hyundai Motor, served as a vice president in charge of planning at Hyundai Wia, and was CEO of Hyundai Motor Securities before becoming CEO of Hyundai Rotem in 2020. Hyundai Rotem has been strengthening its aerospace capabilities, including launching development last year of methane engine technology for the country’s first reusable space launch vehicle. In his inaugural remarks, Lee said he felt a “heavy sense of responsibility” to lead the association at a time when South Korea’s space industry is entering the NewSpace era in earnest. He said he would focus all efforts on building a globally competitive space ecosystem. He said he would pursue three key tasks: expanding government-private cooperation, identifying business models such as boosting investment, and strengthening international cooperation networks so Korean companies can compete in global markets. The association was established in May 2014 to foster the space technology industry. It has 118 member companies, including Hyundai Rotem.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 13:45:07
  • MINI Korea Launches Limited-Run Paul Smith Edition Electric Cooper SE
    MINI Korea Launches Limited-Run Paul Smith Edition Electric Cooper SE BMW MINI is officially launching a limited-edition electric vehicle in South Korea that combines MINI styling with design elements from British fashion brand Paul Smith. The project is part of MINI’s new “Customization 2.0” strategy, aimed at reflecting customers’ tastes and lifestyles and strengthening the brand’s fan culture. Jeong Su-won, head of BMW MINI Korea, said at a Feb. 26 media event in Seoul’s Yongsan district that MINI entered the Korean market in 2005 with sales of 761 vehicles and has since sold a cumulative 134,103 units through last year — a 176-fold increase. “This year, through Customization 2.0, we will launch new models that actively reflect customers’ lifestyles across six areas — music, art, sports, travel, fashion and tech,” Jeong said. The first model under that push is the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Paul Smith Edition unveiled at the event. The collaboration incorporates Paul Smith’s design philosophy throughout the exterior and interior. The roof, grille, side mirror caps and wheels feature “Nottingham Green,” a signature Paul Smith color, while Paul Smith lettering is engraved on items including the door handles, wheel caps and front and rear design elements. Inside, the seats, dashboard and floor mats use Paul Smith’s 46-stripe signature pattern. When the door opens, a “Hello” projection appears on the ground. The model is offered in three colors: Inspired White, Statement Gray and Midnight Black. The Paul Smith Edition is limited to 100 units in South Korea and has sold out. Jeong said the full allotment was reserved within about a month of preorders opening last month, and the company has placed an order for additional units. “On the back of that support, we decided to add an internal-combustion Paul Smith Edition model around the second half of the year,” he said. He also said MINI plans to introduce 11 models this year that more closely align the brand with owners’ lifestyles. The vehicle uses an electric motor rated at 218 horsepower and 33.7 kg·m of maximum torque, reaching 100 kph from a standstill in 6.7 seconds. It carries a 54.2 kWh high-voltage battery and is rated at 5.3 km/kWh in efficiency. On a single charge, it is certified for 300 kilometers under Korean standards and up to 402 kilometers under the WLTP standard. With fast charging, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The price in South Korea is 59.7 million won. With the national EV subsidy (3.96 million won) and local subsidies (9.14 million won, based on Haenam County in South Jeolla Province), the purchase price can fall into the 40 million won range. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 13:36:44
  • Hyundai Motor to Add Car Rental Business to Corporate Purpose
    Hyundai Motor to Add Car Rental Business to Corporate Purpose Hyundai Motor Co. plans to add car rental services to its stated business purposes, a move widely seen as part of an effort to upgrade its in-house subscription service, Hyundai Genesis Selection. Industry officials said Feb. 26 that Hyundai Motor will hold its annual shareholders meeting on March 26 at its headquarters in Seoul’s Seocho district and is expected to approve an agenda item adding “car rental business” to its corporate purpose. A company official said the change reflects consideration of entering the car rental business. Hyundai Motor said it plans to push ahead this year with an upgrade of Hyundai Genesis Selection, a vehicle subscription program it has operated since 2019. Hyundai Genesis Selection allows customers to rent Hyundai and Genesis vehicles by the day or month. Hyundai Motor plans and operates the platform, while partner rental-car companies supply the vehicles. While Hyundai Motor has so far focused on running the subscription platform, it is expected to expand its role to directly renting vehicles alongside partner rental firms. That could significantly broaden the range of models available through the service, industry observers said. Models available for day-by-day subscriptions are reported to total about 10, including the Staria, Palisade, Ioniq 5 N, Ioniq 6, Avante N and Nexo.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 10:16:30
  • Mercedes-Benz Korea Signs Retail of the Future Deal With 11 Dealers, Launch Set for April
    Mercedes-Benz Korea Signs Retail of the Future Deal With 11 Dealers, Launch Set for April Mercedes-Benz Korea said it held a signing ceremony on the 25th at the Shilla Seoul hotel with 11 authorized dealers to support the rollout of a new vehicle sales model, “Retail of the Future” (RoF). The company said RoF will be officially implemented April 13. Under RoF, Mercedes-Benz Korea will integrate vehicle pricing and inventory management that previously differed by dealer. Customers will be able to buy vehicles at a single company-set price at any authorized showroom nationwide, without negotiating, and check nationwide inventory in real time, the company said. The company said a standardized sales process spanning online and offline channels is intended to provide the same level of customer experience nationwide. Mercedes-Benz Korea and the 11 dealers said they have worked since 2023 to prepare for RoF, including building systems, stabilizing operations, training dealers and establishing on-site processes. They said they plan to continue close cooperation to ensure the new model takes hold. “RoF is a strategic decision to ensure customers can enjoy a consistent and trustworthy purchase experience, wherever and whenever, that matches the brand,” Mercedes-Benz Korea CEO Matthias Geitl said. He said it was meaningful to be able to introduce the new sales model in April based on close discussions with the 11 dealers over the past three years, with shared goals of improving customer experience and satisfaction and pursuing mutual growth. Starting April 13, customers will be able to check vehicle prices and information on the official Mercedes-Benz website, choose an authorized showroom nationwide, and proceed with detailed purchase consultations and test drives, the company said. Mercedes-Benz Korea and its dealers also agreed to continue the social contribution activities they have jointly carried out over the past 12 years after RoF is introduced. Mercedes-Benz Korea said it launched the “Mercedes-Benz Social Contribution Committee” in 2014 with its local affiliates and the 11 authorized dealers and has carried out various social contribution programs aimed at growing together with Korean society. 2026-02-26 09:36:23
  • KGMC Delivers First E-STANA, South Korea’s First 7-Meter Low-Floor Electric Bus
    KGMC Delivers First E-STANA, South Korea’s First 7-Meter Low-Floor Electric Bus KGM Commercial, or KGMC, said Feb. 26 it has begun deliveries after handing over the first unit of its E-STANA, a 7-meter-class low-floor electric bus it says is the first of its kind developed in South Korea. KGMC held the handover ceremony Feb. 25 at Jagyeong Village Bus in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, with KGMC CEO Kim Jong-hyun and Jagyeong Village Bus CEO Jang Gwan-su attending along with officials from Gwangmyeong City Hall, the Gyeonggi Village Bus Association and representatives of about 10 village-bus companies in the province, the company said. Jagyeong Village Bus, founded in 1992, operates in southern Gwangmyeong and serves areas with limited transportation options. The company said it chose the low-floor E-STANA to better serve riders with mobility challenges. "Until now, there was no domestic 7-meter low-floor electric bus, so we had no choice but to buy diesel buses," Jang said. "KGMC’s E-STANA, the first domestically produced 7-meter low-floor electric bus, will be a practical, close-to-home means of transportation that people with disabilities and older adults can use more conveniently." KGMC said the E-STANA was independently developed with South Korean road conditions in mind and is designed for safety, durability and convenience. Features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an electronic parking brake system, an electronic brake system, auto-hold, electronic stability control and a rear-collision warning system, as well as wheelchair-access convenience equipment based on city-bus specifications. The bus is equipped with a 154.8-kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery from Samsung SDI and has a driving range of 328 kilometers per charge, KGMC said. KGMC said the model is eligible for national and local government subsidies for electric vehicles, as well as subsidies for low-floor buses, which it said can reduce buyers’ costs. KGMC is also expanding outreach through a nationwide E-STANA roadshow that visits bus operators. The company said it has held events at about 30 locations since January, starting in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and moving through Chungcheong and Honam, and plans to visit about 10 more sites in the Yeongnam region, including Busan, through March. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 09:15:19