AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Kim Su-ji
  • Hanwha Aerospace Demonstrates Integrated Combat System in Romania
    Hanwha Aerospace Demonstrates Integrated Combat System in Romania Hanwha Aerospace has successfully completed a demonstration of its integrated manned and unmanned combat system in Romania.The company announced on May 14 that it was the only South Korean firm to participate in a performance demonstration event linked to the International Defense Exhibition (BSDA 2026) held at an outdoor tactical training site near Bucharest.The demonstration showcased the integrated operation of the Tigon wheeled armored vehicle, the GRUNT multipurpose unmanned vehicle, and Estonia's Milrem Robotics-developed THeMIS. The event particularly highlighted a future battlefield scenario where manned armored vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles work in tandem. The GRUNT and THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles were deployed in advance to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions in hazardous areas, while the Tigon armored vehicle was responsible for troop transport and fire support.Subsequently, the demonstration included the use of unmanned vehicles for logistics supply and casualty evacuation. The GRUNT is a next-generation multipurpose unmanned vehicle developed based on the existing Arion-SMET. It drew attention for its hybrid drive system, a maximum payload capacity of 900 kg, autonomous follow driving, automatic recognition and tracking, and electronic warfare response capabilities.This event is significant as it marks the first live performance demonstration of a domestically developed military unmanned vehicle in Europe, showcasing its competitiveness in the European and global multipurpose unmanned vehicle market.Recently, there has been a growing demand in the defense industry for integrated manned and unmanned systems to reduce troop losses and enhance operational sustainability.Park Byeong-ho, head of Hanwha Aerospace's LS4 project division, stated, "The successful completion of the first performance demonstration of domestically developed UGVs in Europe has proven our technological competitiveness and operational scalability in the global market. It is also meaningful in that it has validated the capabilities of integrated manned and unmanned systems in a practical environment, suggesting a direction for the development of multipurpose unmanned systems that the South Korean military is pursuing."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:05:37
  • Laufenns S Fit 2 Tires to Equip Volkswagen Golf 8
    Laufenn's S Fit 2 Tires to Equip Volkswagen Golf 8 Hankook Tire's global brand Laufenn will supply tires for Volkswagen's new vehicles.On May 14, Hankook Tire announced that it will provide the Laufenn S Fit 2, a second-generation summer performance tire, as original equipment for the updated Volkswagen hatchback model, the Golf 8.The Golf 8 is the latest facelift of Volkswagen's best-selling model, which has recorded global cumulative sales of over 37 million units and represents the hatchback market.Hankook Tire developed the tire in close technical collaboration with Volkswagen, optimizing it for the vehicle's characteristics and performance requirements. The S Fit 2 will be available in two sizes, 16 and 18 inches, offering stable driving performance and precise handling.The tire also features excellent grip and drainage performance, ensuring reliable handling and braking. Compared to previous models, it has balanced improvements in fuel efficiency and mileage performance, enhancing overall driving performance.Utilizing a high-silica compound and optimized tread block design, the S Fit 2 improves braking performance on wet roads, reducing braking distance by approximately 16% compared to earlier products.Meanwhile, Hankook Tire has recently expanded its supply of original equipment tires to global automotive brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ford. As of the first quarter of this year, it supplies original equipment tires to over 50 global brands and more than 300 vehicle models.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 11:39:53
  • Hyundai Launches The New Grandeur as a Milestone in SDV Transition
    Hyundai Launches 'The New Grandeur' as a Milestone in SDV Transition Hyundai Motor Company has positioned its flagship sedan, 'The New Grandeur,' as a pivotal step in its transition to Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV). This model features the company's first self-developed next-generation infotainment platform. With the addition of innovative technologies such as a next-generation hybrid system and electric air vents, Hyundai aims to lead the premium sedan market. On May 13, Hyundai unveiled the internal combustion and hybrid versions of 'The New Grandeur' during a media day at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Since its launch in 1986, the Grandeur has been a flagship model for Hyundai, often referred to as the 'people's sedan.' The model presented is a facelift of the seventh generation, which debuted in November 2022. A key feature of 'The New Grandeur' is the next-generation infotainment platform, 'Pleos Connect.' This is the first time Pleos Connect has been integrated into an actual vehicle, following its announcement by the Hyundai Motor Group last month. The group plans to implement Pleos Connect in approximately 20 million vehicles by 2030. Yoon Hyo-jun, head of Hyundai's domestic business division, stated, "The automotive market is expanding beyond hardware to software, and electrification and digital transformation are redefining the overall customer experience. 'The New Grandeur' marks an important starting point for Hyundai's SDV transition." He emphasized that the Grandeur will provide a new experience that seamlessly connects with customers, going beyond a mere mode of transportation. Specifically, 'The New Grandeur' enhances infotainment services through Pleos Connect. The 17-inch central display allows users to control navigation, media, and vehicle settings from a single screen, enabling simultaneous access to multiple information sources while driving. Notably, the vehicle offers a customized driving experience powered by the generative AI agent 'Gleo AI.' Park Young-woo, head of Hyundai's infotainment development division, explained, "While traditional voice recognition handled fixed commands, Gleo AI understands user intent and considers driving conditions and vehicle status to perform necessary tasks." For instance, if an owner asks, 'Is there parking available where I'm going?' Gleo AI will respond based on the current route and situation, providing navigation assistance. If the owner comments, 'The seat temperature is hot,' Gleo AI can identify the seat position and differentiate between the driver and passengers to automatically adjust the heated seats. Additionally, 'The New Grandeur' incorporates numerous innovative technologies. It is the first Hyundai vehicle to feature electric air vents, which work in conjunction with Pleos Connect to offer four different airflow control modes. The 'Smart Vision Roof' is also introduced for the first time, allowing users to adjust the roof's transparency in six stages. The hybrid (HEV) model is equipped with a next-generation hybrid system, making it the first sedan to do so. The system combines a drive motor responsible for propulsion and regenerative braking with a starter motor that assists with starting, generating power, and providing driving support, improving overall output and fuel efficiency. However, 'The New Grandeur' is not yet a fully realized SDV. As the vehicle control domain is still in the process of being integrated and advanced through software, Hyundai is expected to accelerate its SDV transition starting with 'The New Grandeur.' * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 08:34:14
  • Korean Air Pilots Prepare for Strike Amid Labor Dispute
    Korean Air Pilots Prepare for Strike Amid Labor Dispute Korean Air's pilots' union has begun preparations to enhance the effectiveness of a potential strike. They are seeking to change the criteria for essential staffing levels that must be maintained during a strike due to the nature of essential public services. The outcome of this adjustment is expected to be a key factor in determining the intensity of any future strike and the extent of operational disruptions. According to industry sources, Korean Air will enter the first mediation process for amending the 'Essential Maintenance Agreement' at the local labor commission next week. Representatives from both the airline and the pilots' union are expected to attend. The Essential Maintenance Agreement is a labor-management accord that establishes minimum staffing levels and operational scope to ensure that essential services related to public safety and daily life are not interrupted during strikes or other labor disputes. Under labor law, the airline industry is classified as an essential public service, requiring a certain percentage of staff to be maintained even during a strike. During this mediation process, the pilots' union aims to revise the criteria for determining necessary staffing levels during a strike. Currently, Korean Air maintains that 80% of its international flight schedule must be operational based on a monthly flight schedule. The union plans to argue that this should be calculated on a daily flight schedule instead. They contend that using a monthly basis could lead to an inflated number of essential staff, as it may include pilots not involved in operations on the day of the strike. The airline's staffing structure is based on flight schedules, with duties, rest, standby, and training alternating daily. If staffing needs are calculated based on the entire month, it could include legally mandated rest periods, standby personnel, and those needing rest after long-haul flights. This would increase the number of essential staff and reduce the number of pilots available to participate in the strike. Conversely, if the revision is implemented, the number of operational pilots during a strike could significantly decrease. For example, if 280 flights are typically operated daily, requiring two pilots each, the total staffing need would be 560. To maintain an 80% operational rate for international flights, at least 224 flights must be operated, which would reduce the necessary staffing to just 448 pilots for that day, representing about 16% of the total 2,800 pilots. The remaining pilots could choose to participate in the strike, thereby increasing the strike's effectiveness. Last month, the Korean Air pilots' union approved a strike authorization with an 80% approval rate. The key issue is the reestablishment of seniority ahead of a merger with Asiana Airlines at the end of the year. They plan to secure their right to strike following the mediation process, interpreting the current preparations as a way to ensure the strike's effectiveness through amendments to the Essential Maintenance Agreement. An industry insider noted, "Due to the nature of flight schedules, pilots typically only work about 55% of the time even during normal operations. The debate over how to calculate essential staffing levels has been ongoing, and it is likely to continue within Korean Air until the merger is finalized at the end of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-12 04:56:28
  • Hyundai Faces Sales Decline in Turkey Amid EU Electrification Shift
    Hyundai Faces Sales Decline in Turkey Amid EU Electrification Shift Hyundai Motor Company is experiencing challenges as it transitions to electrification in Europe. The Turkey plant, which previously produced only internal combustion engine vehicles, is undergoing a production line change ahead of its first electric vehicle, leading to a significant drop in sales. This decline reflects the transitional impact of aligning with the European Union's green regulations. According to Hyundai, its Turkey subsidiary (HMTR) sold a total of 39,116 vehicles in the first quarter of this year. This marks a decrease of 22,696 units compared to 61,812 units sold during the same period last year, representing a decline of approximately 36.7%. The drop in sales from the Turkey subsidiary far exceeds the overall sales decline for Hyundai. In the first quarter, Hyundai's total factory sales reached 547,626 units, down 13,560 units from 561,186 units during the same period last year. The more than 20,000-unit decline from the Turkey subsidiary diluted the increases from other production facilities. Notably, the poor performance of HMTR in the first quarter was primarily driven by a decrease in exports rather than domestic sales. Export volumes fell to 29,570 units in the quarter, down 21,930 units (43%) from 51,500 units in the same period last year. Domestic sales decreased from 10,312 units to 9,546 units, a drop of only 766 units (7%). Essentially, the decline in exports significantly impacted overall sales performance. The sharp decline in sales from the Turkey subsidiary is linked to Hyundai's transition of its European production system. Starting in August, the Turkey plant will begin producing the Ioniq 3, a strategic model for Europe, with sales commencing in September. Consequently, HMTR will inevitably reduce production of internal combustion engine vehicles as it prepares for the mass production of its first electric vehicle model. Adjustments to the existing internal combustion engine lineup have already begun. For instance, the small hatchback i10 was discontinued at the end of last year as part of the electrification strategy. Sales of the i10, which reached 8,577 units by July last year, plummeted to just 20 units by December. There have been no sales of the i10 this year. The reduction in existing models and the preparation for new electric vehicle production have created a temporary sales gap. Looking ahead, the role of the Turkey subsidiary is expected to expand as a production hub for electric vehicles. HMTR, which has traditionally produced internal combustion engine compact cars like the i10 and i20 for Europe, will enhance its electrification production capabilities with the launch of the Ioniq 3. Most of the vehicles produced at this facility have been exported to major European markets, making the transition of the Turkey plant's vehicle types directly relevant to Hyundai's sales strategy in Europe. The increasing emphasis on green policies across European countries also underscores the urgency for Hyundai to accelerate its electrification transition. Enhancing local production capacity is crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance and supply stability. With the Ioniq 3, Hyundai's electrification strategy in Europe is expected to gain momentum. An industry insider stated, "Given the stringent environmental regulations in Europe, it is essential to shift the local production system toward electric vehicles. The short-term performance decline of the Turkey subsidiary can be viewed as a transitional phenomenon during this line change process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:53:37
  • Tesla Surpasses Kia to Become Top Electric Vehicle Seller in South Korea
    Tesla Surpasses Kia to Become Top Electric Vehicle Seller in South Korea Tesla has become the top seller of passenger electric vehicles in South Korea, surpassing Kia for the first time last month. According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA), Tesla sold a total of 13,190 vehicles in South Korea last month, marking the highest monthly sales ever recorded for imported cars. Tesla first claimed the top spot among imported brands in February with 7,868 units sold and has maintained its lead for three consecutive months. Previously, imported brands were known as the '10,000-unit club' based on annual sales, but analysts suggest Tesla is changing the market dynamics. With this achievement, Tesla has outpaced Kia's electric vehicle sales, which totaled 11,673 units (excluding the PV5). This marks the first time Tesla has become the leading brand in the domestic passenger electric vehicle market. Notably, Tesla's popularity in South Korea is driven by the younger generation, particularly those in their 20s. According to Kaizyu Data Research Institute, new car registrations among people in their 20s saw a 36.3% increase last month, the highest growth rate across all age groups. Considering that the share of new car registrations among those in their 20s fell to its lowest level in a decade last year, this trend indicates that Tesla is leading a significant shift in demand among younger consumers. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-10 09:57:08
  • Chinese EV Brand Zeekr Enters South Korea Market
    Chinese EV Brand Zeekr Enters South Korea Market Chinese premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile, has officially entered the South Korean market by opening its first brand gallery in Gangnam's Daechi-dong. Following BYD's entry, Zeekr's arrival marks a rapid expansion of Chinese automotive brands in South Korea. On May 8, Zeekr Korea announced the opening of its gallery, which will operate until the end of the month to introduce the brand to local consumers. The gallery will later transition into a regular showroom, with plans to establish a total of 14 showrooms nationwide. Launched in April 2021, Zeekr is part of the Geely Holding Group and has global R&D centers in Sweden, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, along with design centers in Sweden and China. The brand's entry into South Korea follows the establishment of its local subsidiary in February 2022, led by former Audi Korea President Im Hyun-ki. The first model to be sold in South Korea will be the mid-size SUV '7X,' set for release in the second half of this year. The 7X, a five-seater family SUV unveiled in 2024, has gained popularity, surpassing 400,000 global sales within 37 days of its launch. This success influenced Zeekr's decision to introduce the 7X as its initial model in South Korea. Currently, the gallery features only four models: the large SUV '9X,' the premium MPV 'MIX,' the all-electric MPV '009 Grand,' and the sedan shooting brake '001 FR.' The 7X is expected to be displayed after its official launch. The 9X is a hybrid, while the others are all-electric, all equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving technology. Since its launch in October 2022, the 9X has sold approximately 50,000 to 60,000 units globally, gaining attention in markets including China, Saudi Arabia, and Central Asia. Zeekr Korea's marketing manager stated, "The 9X uses a world-first super electric hybrid drive system, allowing for battery charging of up to 80% while driving." He noted that one in three SUVs sold in China is a 9X, with about 10,000 units sold monthly in the country. Zeekr Korea plans to expand its lineup with various models following the 7X. The manager emphasized, "While these cars are not yet available in South Korea, we will strive to bring what consumers want." The influx of Chinese automotive brands in South Korea is expected to accelerate. BYD, which entered the market with the electric SUV 'Atto 3' in January 2022, ranked fourth in cumulative sales among imported car brands by March this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 09:09:19
  • Korean Air Weighs Cutting Captain Promotions by About 17% Amid First Officer Shortage
    Korean Air Weighs Cutting Captain Promotions by About 17% Amid First Officer Shortage Korean Air is moving to reduce the number of first officers promoted to captain, a step the airline says is aimed at smoother crew operations but one that has drawn growing pushback from pilots who are nearing eligibility. Some in the industry also see it as an effort to adjust cockpit staffing ahead of the planned year-end integration with Asiana Airlines. According to industry officials on Tuesday, Korean Air is reviewing a plan to cut annual captain promotions to 120 from 144, a reduction of about 17%. Under the current system, 12 first officers can be promoted each month; the plan would lower that to 10. The move is tied to a shortage of first officers, according to people familiar with the matter. Airlines typically schedule captains and first officers in equal numbers for flights, and as more first officers move up, gaps in the first-officer pool widen. The airline’s difficulty in securing new first officers has also influenced the decision, the officials said. One key variable has been a decline in the number of military pilots able to move to civilian airlines. For fixed-wing pilot officers who did not graduate from the Air Force Academy — including ROTC and officer-candidate programs — the mandatory service period for those commissioned after July 1, 2015, was extended to 13 years from 10. Starting in the second half of last year, their discharge dates began shifting to the second half of 2028 or later. Airlines say that has tightened the supply of military-experienced pilots this year. An industry official said, “I understand the number of first officers coming in with military experience this year has fallen to about one-third of the usual level.” With a major pipeline for new first officers constrained, Korean Air’s staffing burden has increased. Korean Air pilots have strongly objected to the plan. They say that even if they meet the requirements for promotion, fewer slots would keep them in first-officer roles longer and could worsen a promotion backlog. Asiana has not discussed cutting captain promotions, but adjustments are expected as an integrated airline takes shape. Some observers argue Korean Air is moving early to reorganize cockpit staffing ahead of the integration. They say aircraft and personnel redeployments will be unavoidable before the year-end launch of the combined carrier, and that managing the scale of captain promotions is intended to reduce operational strain after integration. Korean Air has recently been holding job-specific briefings on post-merger human resources integration. For pilots, a central issue is how seniority will be combined and whether that could delay captain upgrades. “Even as more pilots continue to meet the time requirements for captain promotion, the time spent as a first officer can only get longer,” an industry official said. “Combined with the seniority issue ahead of integration, internal dissatisfaction could grow further.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 05:03:00
  • HL Mando to Supply AI Electrical Fire-Prevention System to Hyundai Motor’s U.S. Plant
    HL Mando to Supply AI Electrical Fire-Prevention System to Hyundai Motor’s U.S. Plant Software-defined vehicle (SDV) company HL Mando is pushing a new business line as it seeks to extend its earnings growth. HL Mando said Tuesday it is moving ahead with commercialization of e-HAECHIE, an artificial intelligence-based solution designed to prevent electrical fires. The company said it secured stability and reliability through proof-of-concept tests at 17 plants in South Korea. Mass production is set to begin next month. The first customer will be Hyundai Motor Group, which plans to apply the system at its key North American production base, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). HL Mando said the production version has evolved into a “smart disaster-prevention consultant.” While the initial model focused on detecting arc events, the production model analyzes arc characteristics and patterns and assesses risk, reflecting the use of AI. Depending on the risk level, the system is designed to prompt preventive steps such as inspections, equipment replacement and changes in operating conditions. It also adds infrared sensors and thermal imaging cameras to detect subtle temperature changes, aiming to block scenarios that could lead to a fire. The company said it expects the new business to support continued strong results. HL Mando posted first-quarter revenue of 2.3117 trillion won and operating profit of 93.6 billion won, up 1.8% and 18.2% from a year earlier. Despite softer demand, it also set record quarterly revenue in some regions, including India. The production version of e-HAECHIE will be unveiled publicly for the first time at the 2026 International Electric Power Industry Expo, running for three days starting Tuesday at COEX in Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 09:33:15
  • GM Korea bets on small SUVs while dismissing withdrawal rumors
    GM Korea bets on small SUVs while dismissing withdrawal rumors SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - GM Korea has pledged to reinforce its Changwon plant as a global export hub, dismissing persistent rumors of a possible withdrawal from the South Korean market. The automaker has invested heavily in the plant, which has an annual capacity of up to 280,000 vehicles, betting on small SUVs as a core business to cement its position within GM and sustain its Korean operations over the long term. Vice president Asif Khatri, who oversees manufacturing across GM's global operations, said at a press briefing at the plant earlier this week that the automaker will continue improving its facilities to "keep up with strong demand," adding that combined cumulative production of its Trax and Trailblazer small SUVs has recently surpassed 2 million units. Both models were fully developed and produced in South Korea from initial design through manufacturing. The Trax has been built at the Changwon plant since 2023, while the Trailblazer has been produced at its Bupyeong plant in Incheon since 2020. When asked about speculation that GM could leave the South Korean market amid weak domestic sales, Khatri said he would respond with actions rather than words, saying that the plant is running "at full capacity to maximize output." GM Korea currently operates three production plants along with several facilities for engines, transmissions, and other components. Vice President Lee Dong-woo, who is in charge of the South Korean manufacturing operation, said, "Small SUVs could be among the last internal-combustion segments to remain in demand," keeping its plants busy to "keep up with demand." 2026-04-30 09:24:18