Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Renault Korea Launches 2027 Arkana Coupe-Style SUV Renault Korea said Sunday it has launched the 2027 model-year Arkana, a coupe-style sport utility vehicle. With the update, both the Hybrid E-Tech and 1.6 GTe versions are offered in a single Iconic trim as the company streamlined specifications. Front ventilated seats are now standard, and Renault Korea lowered the price of the optional Camel Brown synthetic leather seat package. The 2027 Arkana comes standard with 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels aimed at improving fuel efficiency. The Hybrid E-Tech is rated at 17.4 kilometers per liter in combined fuel economy, while the 1.6 GTe is rated at 13.6 kilometers per liter. Renault Korea said the Hybrid E-Tech incorporates hybrid know-how from Renault Group’s F1 cars and expects real-world fuel economy to exceed the official rating. Driver convenience features were also upgraded. The OpenR Link navigation system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto and provides real-time T Map navigation information. Advanced driver assistance systems are included as standard. To mark the launch, Renault Korea is offering a “New Start” special support benefit to buyers this month. The benefit applies if the buyer or a family member has had a birth, school enrollment, marriage or newly obtained driver’s license since Jan. 1, 2026. The company is also running a new-model promotion that includes up to three years of interest-free installments for the Arkana 1.6 GTe. Based on prices reflecting a cut in the individual consumption tax, the 2027 Renault Arkana starts at 33,129,000 won for the Hybrid E-Tech (with eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits applied) and 26.4 million won for the 1.6 GTe. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 11:09:16 -
Kim Gil-li, Lim Jong-eon win gold at ISU Short Track World Championships Kim Gil-li of Seongnam City Hall and Lim Jong-eon of Goyang City Hall won gold medals at the 2026 International Skating Union (ISU) Short Track World Championships. Kim won the women’s 1,000-meter final in 1:28.843 at Maurice Richard Arena in Montreal, Canada, on March 15 (Korea time). She sealed the title with a late comeback. Skating patiently until the closing laps, Kim moved to third with two laps left by going to the outside, then passed out of the final corner and stretched her left foot at the line. She beat runner-up Sandra Felzebur of the Netherlands (1:28.852) by 0.009 seconds. Also in the women’s 1,000, Shim Suk-hee of Seoul City Hall finished fourth in her semifinal heat. Lee So-yeon of Sports Toto was eliminated in the quarterfinals. In the men’s 1,500-meter final, Lim delivered a late rally to win in 2:14.974. With three laps remaining, Lim was running third when the leaders jostled in a corner. He moved to the outside, took the lead and held on to cross first. In the men’s 1,500, Shin Dong-min of Hwaseong City Hall and Hwang Dae-heon of Gangwon Province Office were eliminated in the semifinals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 10:57:00 -
Hana Financial, Standard Chartered Sign Pact on Global Business and Digital Assets Hana Financial Group said March 15 it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Britain’s Standard Chartered Group to cooperate in global financial business and digital assets. The companies said the agreement is aimed at strengthening global competitiveness and pursuing new growth opportunities by combining their overseas networks and financial capabilities amid rapid changes in the global financial environment. The signing ceremony was held March 13 at Hana Bank’s headquarters in central Seoul, attended by Hana Financial Chairman Ham Young-joo, Standard Chartered Group Chairman Bill Winters and other executives. They discussed cooperation in global financial markets and digital assets, the company said. Under the pact, the two groups plan to broaden collaboration across international finance, including investment banking, money markets and foreign exchange. They also said they will explore ways to create synergies in future-oriented areas such as digital assets. “The partnership between Hana Financial and SC Group, built on broad global networks and diverse financial know-how, will be a strong competitive advantage in global finance,” Ham said. “We will create new growth opportunities by generating synergies in future financial areas, including digital assets.” Winters said, “Korea is a key hub in Asia’s financial markets, and cooperation with Hana Financial, which has strong global capabilities, will be an important milestone for our global network business.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 10:51:40 -
Hyundai Motor Group Unmanned Firefighting Robot Video Tops 30 Million Views Hyundai Motor Group said March 15 that a video it co-produced with the National Fire Agency introducing its unmanned firefighting robot technology, titled “A Safer Way Home,” surpassed 30 million views in 12 days. The video, released March 3 on Hyundai Motor Group’s YouTube channel, first highlights the dedication of firefighters who run into flames at personal risk. It then shows an unmanned firefighting robot deployed in high-risk sites that are difficult for people to enter. The video has logged more than 45,000 likes and 841 comments. Hyundai Motor Group said the video has drawn strong interest overseas as well. Of the 30 million views, more than half — 17.21 million — came from the English-language version. Viewers by country were South Korea at 43%, the United States at 12%, Italy at 5%, Spain at 4.4%, France at 4% and the United Kingdom at 2%. Commenters expressed surprise at robotics technology, including physical AI, being used to protect people and thanked firefighters. Comments included: “I hope this technology helps protect more firefighters’ lives. Thank you, Hyundai Motor Group,” “Thank you that Hyundai’s technology can serve as a shield for firefighters. It’s moving to see innovation used to save lives,” and “Robot technology: a powerful shield protecting our heroes.” A Hyundai Motor Group official said the company will continue corporate social responsibility efforts for “uniformed heroes” who help keep society safe and will keep a safety-first philosophy at the center of advances in physical AI and robotics technology.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 10:51:15 -
Netflix Unveils Main Poster for BTS Comeback Live Stream Netflix has released the main poster for the group BTS’ comeback live show, fueling anticipation among fans worldwide. The poster for “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang,” unveiled by Netflix on the 15th, highlights the group’s presence and adds to expectations for a full-group return. Netflix has said it will exclusively livestream “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” from the area around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, delivering the event to fans around the world in real time. The company said the broadcast is also its first live event and music performance transmitted from South Korea to a global audience. Netflix, known for films, series and unscripted programming tailored to members’ tastes, said the livestream will expand its entertainment offerings by presenting a way for viewers worldwide to experience the same stage at the same time. The show will be overseen by director Hamish Hamilton, described as a leading live-event director whose credits include the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, the U.S. Super Bowl halftime show, the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and performances by Madonna, Beyonce and Rihanna. Netflix said the production aims to offer a new way to watch a live concert, beyond a standard broadcast. The event will be exclusively livestreamed worldwide on Netflix at 8 p.m. on the 21st.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 10:24:14 -
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxis to Launch Uber Pilot Service in Las Vegas Hyundai Motor Co.’s Ioniq 5-based robotaxis will be available to hail through the Uber app in Las Vegas. Motional, Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous driving joint venture, said March 15 that it has launched a pilot robotaxi service with Uber in the city. The service area includes Resorts World Las Vegas, hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, downtown and the Town Square shopping district. Motional said the coverage area will be expanded. Riders can request a trip through the Uber app. If the route is within the pilot zone, an Ioniq 5 robotaxi will be automatically dispatched. Fares are the same as standard Uber rides, and users can ask to be reassigned to a non-robotaxi vehicle. When the vehicle arrives, passengers unlock the doors through the Uber app and get in. After boarding, an audio message provides a greeting and reminders such as fastening seat belts. Riders who need help during the trip can connect to a support agent through the app. Users can also set “ride preferences” in the Uber app to prioritize robotaxi trips. Motional’s Ioniq 5 robotaxi is an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle certified under U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. During the pilot, a vehicle operator will ride in the driver’s seat to ensure safe operation. Motional said it plans to use rider feedback to refine the service and begin fully driverless robotaxi operations by the end of this year. “Through AI-based autonomous driving technology, Motional can safely and smoothly drive the various routes requested by Uber users,” said David Carroll, Motional vice president of commercialization. Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s head of autonomous mobility and delivery, said the company was pleased to launch autonomous taxis with Motional in Las Vegas. He said the service reflects the companies’ shared goal of prioritizing safety and trust while expanding access to transportation for more customers. 2026-03-15 10:15:16 -
Shinhan Bank to Open Regional Finance Support Hubs in Busan, Gwangju Shinhan Bank said Sunday it will establish a regional finance support platform, the Shinhan SOL Cluster, in Busan and Gwangju to back what it called productive and inclusive finance in line with the government’s balanced national growth strategy. The Shinhan SOL Cluster is the bank’s regional hub platform designed to provide comprehensive support tied to local specialized industries. It functions as a headquarters-level support unit, staffing specialists for tasks such as credit review and call center counseling tailored to regional industries. In the southwest, the bank will launch the “Gwangju AI Specialized Cluster” to support artificial intelligence and convergence-focused industries. It will assign specialized staff for screening and sales and pursue lending support measures aligned with companies’ funding needs. In the southeast, it will set up the “Busan Naval Vessel MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) Cluster” to support the shipbuilding and defense value chain. Shinhan Bank said it will strengthen financial support linked to the naval vessel MRO industry and expand supply chain finance for regional anchor companies and their small and midsize partners. The bank also plans to expand consumer protection and community support alongside the regional hubs, including establishing a customer counseling center to prevent voice phishing and prioritizing local hiring; expanding digital financial education through a new “Haki-jae” site in Gwangju while upgrading existing programs; and widening support for local small merchants and regional universities through its delivery app “Ttaenggyeoyo” and the student platform “HeyYoung Campus.” A Shinhan Bank official said the bank will build on the group’s Jeonbuk Innovation City financial hub and the new southwest and southeast hubs to gradually expand support to regions with relatively limited financial services, including Gangwon and Jeju, to promote industrial growth and revitalize local economies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 10:06:00 -
More South Koreans airlifted from Saudi Arabia amid escalating Middle East conflict SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) - More than 200 South Korean nationals are on their way home from Saudi Arabia after being evacuated amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. A multipurpose aerial tanker and transport aircraft carrying 204 South Koreans and seven foreigners departed from Riyadh on Saturday and is expected to arrive at a military air base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on Sunday afternoon, according to the foreign and defense ministries. They had been staying in Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia before boarding the KC-330 Cygnus in Riyadh. Though some commercial flights are still operating to and from Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, the unprecedented move comes after President Lee Jae Myung instructed in a cabinet meeting earlier this week that military aircraft should be "considered" to safely evacuate South Korean nationals stranded there. The Air Force operates four Cygnus aircraft, and this marks the seventh time one has been used to transport South Koreans overseas. The most recent mission was in 2024, when a Cygnus flew to Lebanon during Israel's ground operation against Hezbollah, evacuating 96 South Koreans and others. Earlier this month many South Koreans returned home from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar on chartered flights, amid thousands of others who still remain in the Middle East. The Middle East conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, has escalated into a broader regional war. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for roughly one‑fifth of the world's oil supply, to vessels it deems hostile. As U.S.-led strikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks continue, U.S. President Donald Trump has called on countries "affected" by the closure of the strategically vital waterway to dispatch warships to keep it open, singling out China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, while also threatening to bomb Iran's shoreline and target Iranian vessels. 2026-03-15 09:10:59 -
Hyundai Steel, Hyundai E&C to Develop Floating Offshore Wind Platform Model Hyundai Steel said it is partnering with Hyundai Engineering & Construction to develop a proprietary floating offshore wind model, aiming to expand its steel sales for offshore wind projects and strengthen competitiveness. The company said Sunday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai E&C on March 13 at Hyundai Steel’s training center in Dangjin for the joint development of a floating offshore wind model. Under the agreement, the companies will jointly pursue development of a proprietary hybrid floating structure that combines steel and concrete, and aim to obtain approval in principle, or AIP, certification from Norway-based classification society DNV by 2027. Hyundai Steel R&D chief Jeong Yu-dong and Hyundai E&C technology development chief Kim Jae-young attended the signing. Floating offshore wind generates power using a platform that floats on the sea rather than being fixed to the seabed, allowing installation in deeper waters farther offshore and making it easier to build large-scale wind farms. The approach is also seen as a key driver of next-generation offshore wind growth because it can tap stronger winds for higher generation efficiency. Hyundai Steel said the hybrid floater will apply its high-strength, corrosion-resistant products tailored for marine environments — including rebar and heavy plate — together with concrete to improve durability while maintaining cost competitiveness. The company said it has begun joint research combining its advanced steel technology with Hyundai E&C’s offshore construction capabilities, and has already filed a joint patent related to the proprietary model as it maps out a commercialization plan. Hyundai Steel said it plans to secure AIP certification by 2027 — a key requirement for commercializing floating platforms — to improve project economics and expand profitability by taking the lead in supplying steel. “Through synergy with Hyundai E&C, we will successfully develop a proprietary model and expand our share of the offshore wind market,” a Hyundai Steel official said, citing the company’s experience supplying steel for offshore wind projects at home and abroad.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-15 09:09:15 -
Analysis: Iran war puts Korea and US allies to test as Trump asks for warship support SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) -As the war with Iran enters its third week, the conflict is no longer a distant geopolitical crisis for South Korea as it is rapidly becoming a test of alliance politics, energy security and the limits of Seoul’s willingness to project military power far beyond the Korean Peninsula. The shift came after Donald Trump on Saturday openly urged energy-dependent countries — including South Korea — to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz to secure global shipping lanes threatened by Iran. The remark signals a potential change in Washington’s wartime strategy. While the United States escalates air and missile strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, the responsibility for safeguarding maritime energy routes may increasingly fall on U.S. allies whose economies depend on those supply lines. In a social-media post Saturday, Trump named several countries he believes should contribute naval assets. “Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships,” he wrote, citing China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain. “The countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — a lot.” For Seoul, the message underscores how quickly a Middle East war could spill into the strategic calculations of U.S. allies in East Asia. Little sign of the war ending soon The conflict began when U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on Feb. 28. Since then, the confrontation has steadily escalated. U.S. forces have reportedly struck more than 90 Iranian military targets, including infrastructure on Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports. Iran has responded by tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of global oil shipments normally pass. Shipping traffic has plunged to a fraction of normal levels as tankers avoid the area amid drone, missile and mine threats. Oil prices have already approached $100 per barrel, reviving fears of a new inflation shock across energy-importing economies. Washington appears reluctant to commit large ground forces. Instead, the emerging strategy emphasizes airpower and coalition maritime security. That framework inevitably places pressure on countries like South Korea. South Korea imports roughly 70 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, much of it transported through the Strait of Hormuz. From Washington’s perspective, this creates a straightforward argument: the economies most dependent on Gulf energy should help secure the shipping routes that sustain them. But for Seoul, the question is far more complicated. Sending South Korean naval vessels into the Persian Gulf would represent not only a military decision but also a diplomatic and domestic political calculation — one shaped by history, law and geography. South Korea, having received international support during its own war, is no stranger to overseas military missions. The country’s largest foreign deployment occurred during the Vietnam War, when more than 300,000 South Korean troops served alongside U.S. forces between 1964 and 1973. Since democratization in the late 1980s, however, Seoul has adopted a more cautious approach. Overseas missions have generally been framed as peacekeeping, reconstruction or maritime security operations. South Korean forces have participated in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon, while the navy has maintained a permanent presence in the Gulf of Aden through the Cheonghae Unit since 2009. The Cheonghae Unit was originally deployed to combat piracy near Somalia, escorting commercial vessels through one of the world’s most dangerous shipping corridors. In 2020, during an earlier confrontation between Washington and Tehran, Seoul quietly expanded the unit’s operational zone to include waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Rather than joining the U.S.-led International Maritime Security Construct coalition directly, South Korea opted for an independent mission focused on protecting its own shipping. The arrangement allowed Seoul to support maritime security while avoiding the appearance of participating in a military coalition targeting Iran. Any new deployment would face domestic legal hurdles. Under South Korean law, overseas troop deployments typically require approval from the National Assembly unless they fall under narrowly defined missions such as peacekeeping or anti-piracy operations. Even when legally feasible, foreign deployments remain politically sensitive. Public opinion in South Korea has historically been cautious about involvement in distant conflicts — particularly wars perceived as being driven by the strategic priorities of larger powers. Sending naval escorts to protect shipping could potentially be framed as a defensive maritime security mission. Direct participation in combat operations against Iran, however, would almost certainly trigger a much deeper domestic debate. Perhaps the most significant strategic constraint lies much closer to home. South Korea remains technically at war with Kim Jong Un’s regime following the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953. Maintaining deterrence against North Korea remains the central priority of the South Korean military. If U.S. forces are drawn deeper into a prolonged Middle East war, questions could emerge about the availability of American assets traditionally deployed on the Korean Peninsula — including missile defense systems and airpower. For that reason, analysts say Washington is unlikely to encourage large-scale participation by Northeast Asian allies in the Middle East theater. “The United States does not want to create vulnerabilities in East Asia while concentrating on Iran,” said Yasuyuki Matsunaga of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Still, even limited maritime missions could create political and strategic ripple effects. The situation highlights a classic challenge in alliance politics: the risk of entrapment as the country relies heavily on the U.S. security umbrella to deter North Korea. Yet policymakers have long worried that alliance obligations could eventually draw the country into conflicts far from the Korean Peninsula. The Hormuz crisis may represent precisely such a scenario. While the war itself is unfolding thousands of kilometers away, the globalized nature of energy markets and alliance networks means its consequences are already reaching East Asia. And for Seoul, the decision may ultimately hinge less on military necessity than on economic survival. If the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted and energy markets tighten further, protecting oil supply routes could become a national security issue in its own right. 2026-03-15 07:28:15