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Hyundai Motor executive honored as carmaker bets big on future mobility
Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon attends an Automobile Day ceremony at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
Chang Jae-hoon, the vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, was awarded Korea’s highest industrial honor Tuesday for his role in navigating the automaker through a global shift toward electric vehicles and robotics.
The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, presented during the 23rd Automobile Day ceremony, marks the first time in nearly 20 years that a leader in the automotive sector has received the nation's top prize given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation’s economic development through industrial advancement.
The award recognizes Chang’s leadership in securing future growth engines, including a massive 125.2 trillion won ($84 billion) investment plan aimed at transforming Korea into a global hub for next-generation mobility.
Under Chang’s tenure as CEO and vice chairman, Hyundai Motor Group has accelerated its transition from a traditional manufacturer to a technology leader. His efforts have focused on internalizing core technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics while spearheading a domestic production push that includes the nation’s first dedicated electric vehicle plant in Ulsan.
"This honor belongs to all Hyundai Motor Group employees who have done their best despite uncertain environments," Chang said, emphasizing that the company will continue to lead the "unprecedented industrial transformation" involving electrification and AI.
The recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, which celebrated 50 years of Korean vehicle exports this year. As the government seeks to stabilize supply chains and counter global trade risks, Chang has been a key figure in bolstering the domestic parts industry and expanding the country’s hydrogen energy ecosystem.
The ceremony also honored seven other Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia executives for their contributions to the national economy.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.