Hyundai JV Motional remains on track to put driverless taxi on roads this year SEOUL, March 08 (AJP) -Motional, the autonomous driving joint venture of Hyundai Motor Group, said it remains on track to launch its fully driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas in the second half of 2026, reaffirming the commercialization timeline it first outlined in January. Laura Major, chief executive of Motional, reiterated the plan during an appearance on Hyundai Motor Group’s official podcast channel, Hyundai Now, where she outlined the company’s technological direction and commercialization strategy for autonomous mobility. Major said the company recently redesigned its autonomous driving system architecture around a generative artificial intelligence-based large driving model (LDM), describing the shift as a key milestone in the development of autonomous driving technology. “The decision to redesign Motional’s autonomous driving system architecture around AI and transition to a large driving model marked an important turning point,” Major said, adding that the move has helped improve driving quality, responsiveness, scalability and operating efficiency despite the technical risks associated with overhauling an existing system. Motional is focusing on building a fully driverless Level 4 robotaxi service, with safety remaining the company’s top priority. Major said the firm applies an end-to-end (E2E) AI approach to general driving scenarios that account for more than 90 percent of real-world road situations, while employing a separate “guardrail” safety framework to handle rare edge cases such as emergencies. “These exceptional scenarios become critical training data that help improve the overall performance of the autonomous driving system,” she said. Motional currently operates research and development hubs across the United States and is conducting intensive testing in Las Vegas and Pittsburgh. Major said the two cities offer contrasting urban environments that help refine the system’s adaptability. Las Vegas features a modern grid-based layout with wide roads, while Pittsburgh presents more complex driving conditions with narrow streets, older infrastructure and intricate intersections. “Testing across these different environments helps us build a general-purpose autonomous driving system that can operate in virtually any city,” she said. The company also highlighted the role of real-world data accumulated through pilot programs with ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Lyft. Through those trials, Motional has gathered more than 130,000 autonomous ride experiences, generating insights into passenger behavior and in-vehicle interaction — including how riders access trip information, whether they prefer onboard displays or smartphones, and how features such as route changes or mid-ride stops should be integrated into driverless services. Major said improving the passenger experience will be just as critical as advancing the underlying driving technology as the company approaches commercialization. “Our goal is not only to develop autonomous driving technology but also to deliver a seamless and intuitive passenger experience,” she said. Hyundai Motor Group’s Hyundai Now series explores mobility technologies and industry trends, and Major’s appearance marked the first time a senior executive from the group participated directly in the program. Major recently received the SDV Innovator Award from North American automotive magazine MotorTrend for her contributions to software-defined vehicle innovation. 2026-03-08 13:53:05

Asian carmakers risk collateral damage from prolonged Iran war: report SEOUL, March 08 (AJP) -Asian automakers, led by Chinese brands but also including Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company, could face the biggest fallout if the war triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran turns into a prolonged conflict, according to a report by Bernstein Research. In a recent report, the brokerage said the conflict could hit the global automotive sector through three main channels: collapsing vehicle demand in Iran, disruptions to vehicle shipments across the Gulf region and rising oil prices that weaken global car sales. The report warned that the risks are particularly concentrated in Asia, where automakers have built strong market positions in the Middle East and rely heavily on shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Chinese manufacturers are expected to suffer the most immediate impact due to their growing export reliance on the region. According to Bernstein, about 17 percent of China’s passenger-car exports are shipped to the Middle East, with roughly 500,000 vehicles delivered to the region last year. Chinese brands have expanded aggressively in Iran in recent years after Western automakers withdrew under sanctions, with companies such as Chery, Changan and others filling much of the market previously occupied by European and Japanese firms. The brokerage said the Middle East has become a crucial outlet for China’s export-driven auto industry, leaving it vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. The report also highlighted Iran as the region’s largest automotive market. Total vehicle sales across the Middle East reached roughly 3 million units last year, with Iran accounting for about 38 percent of that total. A collapse in Iranian demand would therefore ripple across the wider regional auto market, Bernstein said. While Chinese manufacturers face the largest direct exposure, the report said established Asian automakers also have significant stakes in the region. As of early March, market share across the Middle East stood at roughly 17 percent for Toyota, 10 percent for Hyundai Motor, and 5 percent for China’s Chery, together representing nearly a third of regional vehicle sales. The Middle East has also become an important export destination for Korean automakers. Hyundai Motor sends roughly 8 percent of its global wholesale shipments — about 317,000 vehicles annually — to the Middle East and Africa, highlighting how geopolitical shocks in the Gulf could ripple through Asian auto supply chains. Bernstein said the most serious long-term risk lies in the potential impact of higher oil prices on global vehicle demand. If the conflict pushes crude prices higher — particularly if shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted — consumers worldwide may delay car purchases, especially internal-combustion models that still dominate most markets. “The biggest risk for the auto sector is that a prolonged war drives oil prices higher and undermines global economic confidence,” the report said, warning that such a scenario could weaken vehicle demand well beyond the Gulf region. 2026-03-08 13:38:40

Jang Hang-jun’s ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Tops 11 Million Moviegoers 영화 '왕과 사는 남자'가 1100만 관객을 동원했다. 영화 '왕과 사는 남자'는 개봉 33일째인 3월 8일 누적 관객 1100만 명을 넘어섰다. 이는 흥행작 '파묘'(40일), '서울의 봄'(36일), '광해, 왕이 된 남자'(48일)보다 1100만 관객 달성 속도가 빠른 기록이며, '범죄도시4'와 같은 속도다. 5주차에도 관객들의 입소문에 힘입어 흥행을 이어가고 있는 가운데, 6주차에도 기세를 이어갈지 주목된다. 영화 속에서 이홍위(박지훈 분)와 광천골 사람들이 나무 명패에 각자의 이름을 적어 나무에 거는 장면을 바탕으로, 주역들이 나무 명패에 6글자로 적은 흥행 소감도 공개됐다. 장항준 감독은 "왕! 감사합니다!"라고 했고, 유해진은 "당나귀가 왔소!", 박지훈은 "사랑 주신 덕분!", 유지태는 "천만이 현실로", 전미도는 "천번 만번 감사", 김민은 "다 덕분입니다"라고 적으며 관객들에게 감사를 전했다. 이준혁은 "감사한 마음뿐", 안재홍은 "마치 꿈만 같아"라고 밝혔다. 한편 '왕과 사는 남자'는 457년 청령포를 배경으로, 마을의 부흥을 위해 유배지를 자처한 촌장과 왕위에서 쫓겨나 유배된 어린 선왕의 이야기를 그린다. 장항준 감독이 연출했으며 유해진, 박지훈, 유지태, 전미도가 출연했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 13:00:20

Osan airlift fuels U.S. redeployment speculation amid Iran war SEOUL, March 08 (AJP) - A series of departures by large U.S. military transport aircraft from a key American air base in South Korea has fueled speculation that some U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) air defense assets could be redeployed to the Middle East amid the escalating conflict involving Iran. According to the real-time flight tracking service Flightradar24, multiple U.S. Air Force C-5 and C-17 transport aircraft that arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, in late February departed the base in early March. Most of the aircraft were tracked heading toward Anchorage, Alaska, a major U.S. military logistics hub. Particular attention has been drawn to the movements of the C-5 Galaxy, a strategic transport aircraft significantly larger than the more commonly seen C-17 Globemaster. At least two C-5 aircraft arrived at Osan in late February and departed on Feb. 28 and March 2, respectively. The aircraft’s final destinations were not publicly listed, though flight data showed journeys lasting more than 14 hours, raising the possibility they were bound either for the U.S. mainland or the Middle East. While C-17 aircraft regularly operate through Osan to transport personnel and equipment, visits by the larger C-5 are considered relatively uncommon. The activity has prompted speculation that the aircraft may have transported Patriot air defense components. U.S. Forces Korea is known to have recently moved several Patriot missile batteries from other bases in South Korea to Osan. If confirmed, the movement could suggest that some of those air defense assets have already been loaded onto transport aircraft and relocated outside the peninsula. Flight tracking data shows that C-17 aircraft departed Osan intensively between March 3 and March 7, with at least six confirmed flights heading to Anchorage. Some security watchers speculate the increased air traffic could also be linked to preparations for the annual South Korea–U.S. joint military exercise Freedom Shield, which begins March 9. Others note that if the conflict with Iran becomes prolonged, the temporary redeployment of certain U.S. assets stationed in South Korea could become increasingly likely. A similar precedent occurred last year, when two Patriot missile batteries stationed with USFK were temporarily deployed to the Middle East in June last year during a major U.S. military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The systems returned to South Korea in October. Any redeployment of air defense systems from the peninsula has raised concerns about potential impacts on deterrence against North Korea, though experts say any such move would likely be carefully calibrated. U.S. Forces Korea declined to comment on the aircraft movements. “For operational security reasons, we do not comment on the movement, relocation or potential repositioning of specific military capabilities or assets,” USFK said in a statement. “USFK remains focused on maintaining a strong and ready force posture on the Korean Peninsula, and the United States remains firmly committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea.” South Korea’s defense ministry also declined to comment on USFK operations. “It is not appropriate for the government to comment on the operational activities of U.S. Forces Korea,” a ministry official said, adding that Seoul and Washington continue close consultations to maintain a firm combined defense posture and ensure stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said during a parliamentary session on Friday that the United States and South Korea are in close consultation regarding the operation of USFK assets, though he declined to provide details. 2026-03-08 12:50:33

BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ tops 4 million Spotify pre-saves ahead of March 20 release Global interest in BTS’ upcoming release is showing up in the numbers. BigHit Music, a HYBE Music Group label, said BTS’ fifth full-length album, ‘ARIRANG,’ surpassed 4 million pre-saves on Spotify on March 7. The album topped 1 million pre-saves within two days of the pre-save launch and continued to climb. With about two weeks left until release, attention is on how high the figure will go. On Spotify’s March 4 ‘Countdown Charts Global,’ ‘ARIRANG’ ranked No. 1 again, holding the top spot for seven straight weeks. The chart tracks pre-save totals for albums and singles ahead of release and is widely used as a gauge of fan anticipation. BTS will release ‘ARIRANG’ at 1 p.m. on March 20 and hold ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG’ at 8 p.m. the next day in the area around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The event will be livestreamed on Netflix for audiences worldwide. A previously released trailer featured cheers from ARMY, the group’s fandom, heard at past concerts and visuals of the seven members set against Gyeongbokgung Palace. The album includes 14 tracks meant to capture ‘today’s BTS.’ The title track, ‘SWIM,’ centers on pressing forward through life’s waves, expressing a resolve to ride incoming currents at one’s own pace as a form of ‘love for life.’ RM handled most of the lyrics, the label said, adding sincerity to the message. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 11:48:17

Hana Bank, Korea Southern Power to Co-Develop Offshore Wind Projects Hana Bank said Sunday it signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Southern Power on March 6 to jointly develop offshore wind power projects. The agreement is aimed at building a full-cycle cooperation framework between a private financial institution and a power producer across development, construction and operations in the broader renewable energy sector. Offshore wind projects typically require large upfront investment and long timelines, making the combination of financing and development capabilities a key factor, the bank said. Hana Bank said it plans to pursue what it called a “productive finance” model by taking part in the entire process, including feasibility reviews, deal structuring and arranging financing, drawing on its infrastructure-focused investment banking capabilities. The bank said the effort is intended to help expand renewable energy infrastructure and support carbon neutrality goals. Among Korea Southern Power’s offshore wind projects, Hana Bank is serving as the financial arranger for the Yawol Offshore Wind Power Complex in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province, and the Dadaepo Offshore Wind Power Complex in Saha District, Busan. The company said the projects are expected to be used as power infrastructure for the Honam and Yeongnam regions, respectively, and to support regional balance and local economic activity. The two sides said they will gradually detail their cooperation through efforts including financial and development collaboration on offshore wind and other renewable projects; jointly identifying and reviewing new power generation projects; sharing infrastructure finance market trends and preparing response strategies; and supporting stronger financial capabilities among project stakeholders. “Going forward, we will continue to accelerate productive finance and take the lead in expanding Korea’s eco-friendly and renewable energy infrastructure,” said Lee Byeong-sik, executive vice president of Hana Bank’s IB Group.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 11:12:00

Shinhan Financial says stable home prices could narrow wealth gap and lift spending, births Rising real estate prices are entrenching wealth inequality, but stabilizing home prices could help revive household spending and improve conditions for marriage and childbirth, according to a new analysis. Shinhan Financial Group's Shinhan Future Strategy Research Institute on 8 released a report, "What Would Change if Home Prices Stabilize," analyzing how housing price stability affects household finances and the financial market. The report said that in South Korea's asset structure — where about 70% of household assets are concentrated in real estate — higher home prices can widen wealth gaps and raise housing costs, weighing on the broader economy through weaker consumption. As of 2025, the top 20% by net assets held 65% of total net assets, while the bottom 40% held 4.8%, the report said. It added that younger generations' share of the contribution to asset inequality reached 44%, indicating deepening inequality in which parents' real estate holdings shape their children's starting point. The net-asset Gini coefficient — an inequality measure in which values closer to 0 indicate more equal distribution — hit 0.625 last year, the highest since records began, the report said. South Korea's PIR, a price-to-income ratio, stood at 24.1, far higher than in major advanced economies. That implies a median-income household would need more than 24 years to buy a home even if it saved all of its income. Housing costs are also directly affecting consumption, the report said. With 76% of household assets tied up in real estate, about 20% of households were classified as "wealthy but liquidity-constrained," meaning that even if home prices rise, their ability to spend remains limited. If home prices stabilize and housing-cost burdens ease, the biggest rebound in consumption is expected among young and middle-aged groups, the report said. It pointed to ages 25 to 39 as showing the sharpest consumption pullback linked to rising home prices, suggesting the strongest potential for a rebound. It also said more stable housing costs could lower barriers for young people to marry and have children and increase spending on education, self-development and investments for job changes. The report also projected changes in financial-market demand. If the burden of buying a home eases, demand could rise among young people and newlyweds for early asset-building products such as savings plans to build seed money, youth individual savings accounts (ISA) and installment funds. Shinhan Future Strategy Research Institute said, "Easing the housing-cost burden can bring positive changes across household life, including a recovery in consumption and improved conditions for marriage and childbirth." 2026-03-08 10:54:00

KB Financial Chairman Yang Jong-hee Urges New Women Managers to Prioritize Communication in AI Era Yang Jong-hee, chairman of KB Financial Group, told newly appointed women branch managers that communication and empathy matter even more in the age of artificial intelligence, calling for inclusive leadership. KB Financial said Sunday that Yang attended a group conference on March 6 for newly appointed women branch managers. He said women leaders should take pride in being recognized for ability and performance, not gender, and stressed that finance is shifting beyond product sales to a role that supports a customer’s entire life. About 100 people, including Yang and the new managers, attended. The program included a “Talk with Seniors” session in which senior women executives answered questions and shared advice, followed by a “Talk with the Group CEO” session where Yang spoke directly with the new managers and heard feedback from the field. The event was held ahead of International Women’s Day. KB Financial said it is working to build a culture where women can develop their potential under its diversity strategy, “KB Diversity 2027.” A KB Financial official said the group is expanding its pipeline of women leaders and practicing diversity and inclusion across the organization, adding it will continue to support women’s growth and promote gender equality so employees from varied backgrounds can develop together. 2026-03-08 10:18:00

Doosan Chairman Park Jeongwon touts AI to lead future of construction equipment Doosan said Sunday that Chairman Park Jeongwon visited CONEXPO 2026, North America’s largest construction equipment exhibition, held in Las Vegas through Friday, continuing his on-site management push. CONEXPO 2026, held March 3-7 (local time) under the theme “Breaking New Ground,” highlighted AI-based automation and autonomy, electrified equipment and connected data solutions as key technologies for smarter job sites. Doosan Bobcat set up an exhibit in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcasing about 30 advanced products including compact loaders and excavators featuring AI, electrification and autonomous technologies. It also unveiled a branding strategy that splits its core compact loader lineup into an entry-level “Classic” and a premium “Pro.” Park visited the Doosan Bobcat and Doosan Motrol booths and toured displays by global competitors, focusing on the commercialization of AI-driven productivity gains and unmanned technologies. The newly introduced “Pro” models offer higher power and speed than the “Classic” line. AI features include “Jobsite Companion,” which uses voice recognition to control more than 50 functions, and “Jobsite Awareness,” which detects nearby obstacles and people and automatically slows or stops. Doosan said its compact equipment is used for varied tasks on job sites where conditions change frequently, unlike heavy machinery used for repetitive work on large sites. Tailored to that environment, Jobsite Companion is designed to help less-experienced operators improve productivity by providing AI guidance comparable to that of skilled workers. The company said it plans to launch the technology this summer, and noted it was named a finalist for CONEXPO’s Next Level Awards. Park Jeongwon said, “As AI technology applied to construction equipment and job sites advances faster, the landscape of the construction equipment market — which used to place greater weight on hardware capabilities — is changing.” He added, “Based on Doosan Bobcat’s unrivaled data accumulated over many years, let’s deliver differentiated AI technology, present the future of construction equipment and lead the market.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 10:12:18

KB Kookmin Bank Cuts Saehuimang Holssi II Loan Rates by 1 Percentage Point KB Kookmin Bank said Sunday it cut the interest rate on new loans under its flagship low-income product, the “KB Saehuimang Holssi II,” by 1 percentage point on March 6 to ease interest burdens for financially vulnerable borrowers. The loan rate for the product fell to an annual 4.47% to 5.47% from 5.47% to 6.47%, based on the bank’s internal credit grade 3 and a loan term of at least five years. Customers who repay the “KB Saehuimang Holssi II” loan on schedule can also receive up to an additional 2.0 percentage points in rate reductions during the loan term. The rate is automatically reduced by 0.2 percentage point every six months if payments are made without delinquency. A bank official said the cut is intended to help reduce the burden on financially vulnerable people facing economic hardship, adding that the bank will continue to expand inclusive finance support so it can grow with the public and help build a better future. 2026-03-08 10:09:00