Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Engine fires: BMW recalls 20,000 vehicles; 79,000 still under inspection
BMW is recalling more than 20,000 vehicles in Korea following engine fires. Korea Times file
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
German luxury automaker BMW is recalling more than 20,000 vehicles in Korea amid safety fears.
A BMW representative said Wednesday that it issued a recall for about 20,300 vehicles found to have a faulty intake manifold; 79,000 more are still under inspection for a possible recall.
The plan was revealed two months after experts discovered that faulty exhaust gas recirculation valves were the chief cause of a series of engine fires last year and demanded the company carry out additional inspections in December.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it approved the company's follow-up measure.
“We will ensure that the company will implement its measure, including thoroughly inspecting the remaining vehicles,” a ministry official said.
Affected car owners will be notified by mail and mobile phone.
The defects came into the spotlight after dozens of BMWs caught fire, which significantly damaged the company's reputation.