Journalist

Lee Seongjin
  • Hyundai Motor Group to Invest 9 Trillion Won in Saemangeum Robotics, AI and Hydrogen Hub
    Hyundai Motor Group to Invest 9 Trillion Won in Saemangeum Robotics, AI and Hydrogen Hub Hyundai Motor Group is moving ahead with plans to build a domestic innovation hub as it seeks to become a future-technology company centered on robotics, artificial intelligence and energy solutions. The group said it signed an investment memorandum of understanding on the 27th with the government and North Jeolla Province at the Saemangeum Convention Center in Gunsan for fostering advanced robotics and hydrogen industries and developing an AI hydrogen city in the Saemangeum area. Hyundai plans to invest 9 trillion won starting in 2026 on a 1,124,000-square-meter (about 340,000-pyeong) site in Saemangeum, focusing on robotics, AI, hydrogen energy, solar power generation and an AI hydrogen city. The group said the project is aimed at securing future growth engines while contributing to regional balance, job creation and broader economic vitality through innovation in robotics and AI and a major shift in the hydrogen ecosystem. Saemangeum is expanding regional transportation links, including rail, port and airport infrastructure, and can accommodate large-scale development demand with 409 square kilometers (about 120 million pyeong) of land, about two-thirds the size of Seoul, the group said. Hyundai signed a separate MOU in May last year with the Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency on introducing future mobility technologies and building an AI-based smart city. In October that year, the agency joined a hydrogen session at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 hosted by Hyundai to explore ways to deepen cooperation. Attendees at the ceremony included President Lee Jae-myung; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon; Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan; Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan; Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kim Yoon-deok; Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency chief Kim Eui-kyeom; and North Jeolla Gov. Kim Kwan-young, along with lawmakers Han Byung-do, Chung Dong-young, Cho Bae-sook, Lee Choon-seok, Ahn Ho-young, Yoon Jun-byeong, Lee Won-taek and Park Hee-seung. Hyundai participants included Executive Chair Chung Euisun, Vice Chair Jang Jae-hoon, and senior executives Seo Kang-hyun, Sung Kim, Jung Jun-cheol and Jin Eun-sook, the group said. Kim Eui-kyeom, head of the Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency, said Saemangeum has abundant energy resources and differentiated investment incentives. He said the agency would use a large, regulation-free site to develop Saemangeum into an innovation growth base where people, robots and AI coexist. Jang said the next-generation industrial paradigm beginning in Saemangeum would become a central pillar of a major transformation shaping South Korea’s future beyond North Jeolla. He said Hyundai is ready to help build an advanced industrial ecosystem, citing its manufacturing expertise and capabilities in robotics, AI and hydrogen energy. Under the MOU, the government and North Jeolla Province will support administrative procedures such as permits, as well as policies and infrastructure to develop robotics, AI and hydrogen energy industries. The parties will also build a cooperation network to ensure smooth project implementation, Hyundai said. Hyundai said the Saemangeum investment will focus on building an advanced value chain centered on an AI data center (5.8 trillion won), a robot manufacturing and parts cluster (400 billion won), a water electrolysis plant (1 trillion won), solar power generation (1.3 trillion won) and an AI hydrogen city (400 billion won). The AI data center and solar facilities are scheduled to break ground in 2027 and be completed in 2029, Hyundai said. The water electrolysis plant, also set to start construction in 2027, is to complete its first phase in 2029 and then expand capacity in stages. The robot manufacturing and parts cluster is to begin construction in 2028 and finish in 2029. Hyundai said it will also pursue discussions involving the Korea Development Bank and the National Growth Fund. Hyundai said the Saemangeum project is a core initiative within its previously announced 125.2 trillion won mid- to long-term domestic investment plan. The group said the investment is expected to drive innovation in robotics and AI and accelerate a shift in the hydrogen energy ecosystem, while producing immediate and tangible economic results through new jobs and stronger regional development. Based on input-output tables from the Bank of Korea and other sources, the project’s economic impact is estimated at 16 trillion won, with an analysis projecting about 71,000 jobs created directly and indirectly, Hyundai said. A Hyundai official said the group will draw on its world-class manufacturing and innovation capabilities to help South Korea secure leadership in future industries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 11:42:19
  • KGM Holds Dealer Conference in Germany, Previews Musso Pickup Ahead of Europe Launch
    KGM Holds Dealer Conference in Germany, Previews Musso Pickup Ahead of Europe Launch KG Mobility (KGM) said it held a large-scale dealer conference on Feb. 26 (local time) in Bruehl, a city in northern North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany’s biggest economic region. About 220 people, including local dealers and reporters, attended. KGM said the event was designed to brief dealers and the media on its brand and marketing strategy for this year, export plans, mid- to long-term product lineup direction and new models. Ahead of its planned launch in Europe, KGM gave dealers an early look at the Musso, which the company said has been well received since its domestic debut in January, to gauge market reaction and build expectations. KGM also displayed existing models such as the Musso EV and Torres EVX, along with tuned versions by trim, including taxi and camper variants, off-road vehicles and fire trucks. Dealers and reporters showed strong interest in the Musso’s styling and multipurpose use, as well as tuned models including a Torres EVX taxi and a Musso EV camper, KGM said. Alongside the conference, KGM said it recognized and awarded top-performing dealers in the German market for last year. Western Europe is KGM’s largest export region, with 22,496 vehicles shipped there last year, accounting for 32% of total exports. Germany ranked as KGM’s third-largest export market with 6,213 vehicles, behind Turkiye (13,337) and Hungary (9,508). A KGM official said exports topped 70,000 vehicles last year, the company’s best performance in 11 years. The official said KGM plans to strengthen its push in Germany and Europe through new-product launches and marketing strategies, citing strong interest from dealers and reporters in the Musso and the tuned lineup. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 11:24:18
  • Volkswagen Group Korea Names Michael Ant as Head of Volkswagen Brand Unit
    Volkswagen Group Korea Names Michael Ant as Head of Volkswagen Brand Unit Volkswagen Group Korea said Thursday it will appoint Michael Ant as president of its Volkswagen brand unit, effective April 1. Till Scheer, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Korea, has overseen the Volkswagen brand in addition to his broader duties since February 2024, working to strengthen core business capabilities and improve organizational efficiency, the company said. Building on that foundation, Ant will take overall responsibility for Volkswagen brand operations, maintaining continuity in strategic direction while focusing on strengthening brand execution. Under the group’s operating structure in South Korea, he will report directly to Scheer. Ant joined the Volkswagen Group in 1998 and has held key posts in major markets including Germany and China, working across brands such as Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi. The company said his broad experience is expected to support the Volkswagen brand’s growth in the South Korean market. Volkswagen Group Korea said the appointment reflects its continued commitment to the South Korean market and its intent to boost operating efficiency and competitiveness through closer cooperation among its brands.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 10:48:17
  • Hansung Motor Expands Gangneung Service Center, Doubling Annual Repair Capacity
    Hansung Motor Expands Gangneung Service Center, Doubling Annual Repair Capacity Hansung Motor said Thursday it has expanded its Gangneung service center to strengthen service capacity in the region. The company said the expansion is aimed at improving access to maintenance and shortening reservation wait times by upgrading service infrastructure. The Gangneung center increased its general maintenance work bays to six. With the expansion, the center's annual repair capacity will double to as many as 10,000 vehicles, the company said, helping it more steadily meet demand for routine maintenance in the Yeongdong area of Gangwon Province. Hansung Motor said it expects significantly shorter waits for regular inspections and general repairs for customers in Gangneung and along the East Coast, while easing the burden of traveling long distances to service centers in other areas. The company cited a recent integrated expansion of its Seongdong service center as part of efforts to improve efficiency and expertise at key hubs in the Seoul metropolitan area. It said it is also investing in regional locations, including building new service centers, expanding existing sites and adding specialized staff nationwide. CEO Kim Marco said, "Investment in service centers leads directly to customer satisfaction," adding, "We will continue to work to provide more stable and convenient maintenance services by closely reflecting service demand by region."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 10:24:06
  • Peugeot All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid wins two Korea Car of the Year design awards
    Peugeot All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid wins two Korea Car of the Year design awards Peugeot said on the 27th that its All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid won the “Design of the Year” award in two separate “2026 Korea Car of the Year” evaluations run by the Korea Automobile Writers Association (AWAK) and the Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA). Both groups annually assess newly launched vehicles in South Korea and select winners by category. Peugeot said the results formally recognized the model’s design strengths as well as the brand’s credibility and product competitiveness in the local market. AWAK conducted on-road testing of 41 vehicles in January at Everland Speedway in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, then finalized winners after scoring 22 detailed items including design, performance, convenience and safety, efficiency and innovation. The 3008 was named “Design of the Year” after receiving 50% of the vote in the design category. Peugeot’s 308 Smart Hybrid, which the company said signaled the start of smart hybrids in South Korea, also won “Internal Combustion Crossover of the Year,” highlighting the competitiveness of Peugeot’s smart-hybrid lineup. KAJA held its final judging on Feb. 5 at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. It said it weighed overall product value and consumer purchase intent using 10 indicators, including exterior design, interior and perceived quality, instrument layout and ease of operation, handling and driving feel, acceleration, noise and vibration performance, high-speed stability and braking, safety and convenience features, fuel economy and maintenance, and price and purchase intent. In KAJA’s “Design of the Year” category, where seven models competed, the All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid received the highest evaluation. The association cited a fastback profile that modernizes Peugeot’s signature “feline look,” a forward-looking “Panoramic i-Cockpit,” and what it called reasonable price competitiveness, describing the vehicle as a key model for the brand’s next step forward. “Peugeot’s 3008 sweeping the design category at both major journalist associations means the strength of Peugeot design has been clearly recognized by Korean customers and the market,” Bangsil, CEO of Stellantis Korea, said. “Building on our strong design DNA, Peugeot will establish itself as a brand that delivers an experience beyond expectations by adding product appeal — including smart-hybrid technology — and price competitiveness,” Bangsil said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 10:13:46
  • Asiana Airlines to Operate Mileage-Only Flights on Hong Kong, Phuket Routes
    Asiana Airlines to Operate Mileage-Only Flights on Hong Kong, Phuket Routes Asiana Airlines said Thursday it will operate mileage-only international flights on its Incheon-Hong Kong and Incheon-Phuket routes. The carrier plans a total of 68 flights: 44 on the Incheon-Hong Kong route from April 13 to June 28, and 24 on the Incheon-Phuket route from April 7 to June 28. Depending on sales, seats may also be sold for cash, allowing customers to choose between award tickets and paid fares. Reservations open at 9 a.m. Thursday, and all remaining seats can be purchased using miles. Asiana said this is its first mileage-only operation on the Hong Kong route. For Hong Kong, one-way award tickets require 15,000 miles in economy class and 22,500 miles in business class. For Phuket, the one-way rates are 20,000 miles in economy and 30,000 miles in business. During peak travel periods, mileage required increases by 50% compared with off-peak periods. An Asiana official said the airline launched the mileage-only flights, including new routes, to make it easier for customers to use miles and to broaden their options, adding it will continue to review additional ways to expand mileage use.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 10:06:16
  • Volvo Korea Says EX30 Orders Top 1,000 a Week After Price Cut
    Volvo Korea Says EX30 Orders Top 1,000 a Week After Price Cut Volvo Car Korea said Thursday that new orders for its premium all-electric SUV, the EX30, topped 1,000 within a week of the company announcing price cuts. The company said the result shows the model’s product competitiveness and its aggressive pricing strategy are gaining traction even as competition intensifies in the electric-vehicle market. As part of a strategy to lower barriers to entry for imported premium EVs and strengthen its leadership in the EV market, Volvo Car Korea previously cut prices for the EX30 and the EX30 Cross Country (EX30CC) by as much as 7.61 million won, depending on trim. After the reductions, the EX30 Core is priced at 39.91 million won (down 7.61 million won), the EX30 Ultra at 44.79 million won (down 7 million won), and the EX30CC Ultra at 48.12 million won (down 7 million won). Volvo Car Korea said the move was intended not only as a pricing decision but also to deepen long-term relationships with existing customers who have chosen and trusted the brand. The company said it will continue to strengthen its value as a premium brand by standing behind the vehicle’s product quality and safety, as well as the ownership experience after purchase. “This achievement reflects a match between customer demand and our global strategy to lead the EV market, built on the EX30’s strong product competitiveness,” Volvo Car Korea CEO Lee Yoon-mo said. He added the company will keep working to deliver what it calls the value of “Swedish luxury” to more customers and help them experience it.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 09:54:16
  • Hanwha Aerospace Enters Global LNG Trading With 20-Year Venture Global Deal
    Hanwha Aerospace Enters Global LNG Trading With 20-Year Venture Global Deal Hanwha Aerospace is entering the global liquefied natural gas distribution business for the first time. The company said Thursday it signed an LNG purchase agreement with Venture Global, a major U.S. LNG producer. Under the deal, Hanwha Aerospace will secure 1.5 million tons of LNG a year for 20 years starting in 2030 and plans to supply it to end users in Europe, Asia and other markets. The annual volume equals about 4.4% of South Korea’s LNG consumption in 2024, which totaled about 34.12 million tons. The agreement is part of the group’s push to build a “global LNG value chain” by combining affiliate capabilities. Hanwha Ocean provides capacity to build LNG carriers and offshore infrastructure such as floating LNG production facilities, or FLNG. Hanwha Energy has LNG power generation and operating capabilities. Hanwha Shipping will handle ocean transport. Hanwha Aerospace said the LNG move is intended to secure a future growth engine and, by strengthening “energy security” capabilities, bolster the global competitiveness of its core defense and shipbuilding businesses. As more countries view energy supply chains as tied to national security, major nations including those in Europe are adopting stable LNG supply as a key security strategy, the company said. Against that backdrop, Hanwha Aerospace said it plans to use LNG as leverage to expand defense exports and, over the long term, strengthen security partnerships with customer countries. It also expects increased LNG carrier orders for Hanwha Ocean. “Defense, shipbuilding and the energy industry are closely linked because they are core elements of national security,” a Hanwha Aerospace official said. “We will contribute to global security through eco-friendly energy solutions that cover production, distribution and use.” Hanwha Aerospace said it has been building an LNG business base in stages. In 2024, it invested about 180 billion won in U.S. LNG company NextDecade. In 2025, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Energy and Korea Southern Power to expand the global LNG supply chain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 09:24:18
  • T’way Air Expands Customer Outreach With YouTube and Instagram Content
    T’way Air Expands Customer Outreach With YouTube and Instagram Content T’way Air said Thursday it is strengthening communication with customers through its official YouTube and Instagram channels. The airline is using long-form YouTube videos centered on employee stories to build trust, while focusing Instagram on follower benefits and interactive posts to grow its fan base. On YouTube, T’way Air features documentary-style long-form content in which employees appear on camera to share their work and daily routines. The airline said storytelling based on real workplaces has helped increase viewer engagement and channel growth. As of the end of this month, the channel had about 74,000 subscribers, up 153% from the same period a year earlier. Notable videos include “Vancouver Branch Manager” (400,000 views), “A Day in the Life of the Youngest Employee at Incheon Airport” (380,000), and “Newly Hired Aircraft Mechanic,” about a 30-year veteran taking on a new challenge (160,000). On Instagram, T’way Air said it is reinforcing its follower-focused approach. As of the end of this month, the account had about 210,000 followers, a 17% increase from a year earlier. The airline posts short-form videos offering behind-the-scenes looks and practical information designed to be quickly understood. It recently drew attention by switching the account to private and running an event that offered discount coupons only to followers. During the event, about 17,000 new followers joined, the airline said. Popular Instagram posts include a video on how pilots and cabin crew communicate in flight (1.13 million views), a preflight cabin crew briefing meeting (480,000), and tips on what to do if you lose earphones on board (170,000). “We are building trust with customers by showing the moments they are curious about as they are,” a T’way Air official said. “We will continue to expand empathy and communication with customers through stories that reflect employees’ concerns and pride, along with practical information.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:54:16
  • Korean Air Cut Aircraft Carbon Emissions by 420,000 Tons Last Year, Despite More Flights
    Korean Air Cut Aircraft Carbon Emissions by 420,000 Tons Last Year, Despite More Flights Korean Air said it cut carbon emissions from aircraft operations last year by more than 420,000 metric tons from the previous year, even as it flew more routes. The airline said Feb. 27 that it recently held its “2026 first-quarter Fuel Management Committee” meeting and tallied 12,184,169 metric tons of carbon emissions from its flight operations in 2025. That was down 420,055 tons, or 3.3%, from 12,604,224 tons a year earlier. Korean Air said its total number of domestic and international flights rose about 2.6% in 2025 from the previous year, making the overall emissions decline notable. The company said emissions during flight are calculated by multiplying fuel consumption by a carbon-emissions factor commonly used across the global aviation industry. Korean Air attributed the reduction to tighter fuel management across operations, including deploying newer aircraft, flying more efficient routes, selecting optimal alternate airports for short-haul flights, improving forecasts of passenger baggage and cargo weight, and optimizing aircraft center of gravity. It said it pursued these measures while adhering to its “absolute safety” principle and by strengthening coordination among relevant departments. The airline said it expanded the share of aircraft introduced since 2017 to 41.6% of total flights and reduced emissions by operating more fuel-efficient models such as the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 and the Airbus A350 and A321neo. It also applied an economically optimal cruising speed in flight planning based on factors including flight time and fuel burn, and optimized fuel loads by more accurately predicting actual payload weight, it said. Korean Air said it has continued working with air traffic control authorities to secure the shortest possible flight paths, reducing actual distance flown, fuel consumption and flight time. It said it prioritized the nearest airport among those meeting safety standards and reduced aircraft weight by optimizing fuel loads. The airline said it minimized use of auxiliary power units on the ground before takeoff and after landing to cut fuel use and emissions, and restored engine performance to improve fuel efficiency. Korean Air said it has also reorganized its companywide operating system to minimize emissions. It runs a fuel-management framework in which all organizations involved in flight operations communicate and cooperate, and it holds quarterly fuel-management committee meetings to review progress and set plans. It said it is also promoting measures to reflect frontline input and encourage voluntary participation, including awards for employees who contribute to emissions reductions and idea contests. To improve efficiency and apply more precise data, the airline said it digitized data previously recorded by hand and introduced artificial intelligence-based data processing. It said the system helps adjust onboard supplies such as drinking water and more precisely analyze and predict variables affecting passenger baggage weight, reducing deviations in baggage-weight estimates. Korean Air said its AI-based baggage-weight prediction was selected as an outstanding AI use case at the SkyTeam-led “2025 Sustainable Flight Challenge,” winning in the “Data Insight & Pioneer” category. “With a cooperative system based on voluntary participation and close communication among employees, we were able to reduce carbon emissions from flight operations,” a Korean Air official said. “This year as well, we plan to continue efforts for sustainable flight, including doing our best to meet our emissions-reduction targets.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:45:26