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Lee Min-hyung

Korea Times Business Reporter

Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.

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Korean tech leaders discuss cooperation with Nvidia at COMPUTEX 2026

Korea's leading technology conglomerates are scrambling to enhance their ties with Nvidia, with top executives attending COMPUTEX 2026 and GTC Taipei 2026, an Nvidia event held alongside the trade show, to meet with its CEO, Jensen Huang, and discuss expanded cooperation in semiconductors and physical artificial intelligence (AI). The executives joined a private networking dinner, dubbed Korea Partner Night, at a Taipei restaurant Monday evening, with senior leadership from Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Electronics and Naver participated. Participating leaders included Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President of Memory Business Kim Jae-june, SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung, LG Sciencepark CEO Chung Sue-hyun and Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yoo-won. Reportedly, a number of heads of physical and robotics startups from Korea also joined the event. It was the first time Nvidia has organized a dedicated networking event exclusively for Korean partners during COMPUTEX. Discussions are expected to focus on the adoption of Nvidia's physical AI platforms, Omniverse and Isaac, across the Korean industr

Jun 1, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Korean tech leaders discuss cooperation with Nvidia at COMPUTEX 2026
Companies

Feasibility of mobility, AI election pledges remains questionable

Candidates for the upcoming by-elections are presenting what industry officials describe as “unrealistic and impractical” campaign pledges, particularly in the trendy tech areas of future mobility and artificial intelligence (AI). With Wednesday's elections drawing near, a number of candidates are promising to transform regional economies into hubs for autonomous vehicles, next-generation mobility and AI. This is sparking concerns that the much-hyped visions will ultimately not be realized, as the pattern has repeated during each election cycle with only a few similar pledges having materialized. Minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk, who is running for a parliamentary seat in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, has unveiled a sweeping proposal to build an AI semiconductor-powered automated port logistics system there, which will be complemented by autonomous vehicle testing infrastructure and smart factory demonstration facilities. He envisions what he calls a "one-stop AI ecosystem," citing Pyeongtaek's unique concentration of semiconductor, automotive and logistics ind

Jun 1, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Feasibility of mobility, AI election pledges remains questionable
Companies

TEST DRIVE BMW M135: A pocket rocket built for pure driving fun

The BMW M135 xDrive is the kind of hatchback that instantly reminds you why compact performance cars still matter. Sharp, muscular and playful, the vehicle blends everyday usability with the sort of thrilling driving character that makes you look for excuses to stay behind the wheel a little longer. A round-trip drive from Seoul to Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province — roughly 100 kilometers of highways, winding roads and sweeping corners — was enough to reveal exactly what this little powerhouse is all about. The moment the accelerator was pushed down on an open stretch, the M135 lunged forward as if it had been waiting impatiently for the command. The surge of acceleration pinned the body firmly into the sports seat, while the weighty steering wheel transmitted every ounce of speed directly through the driver’s fingertips. The smooth, eager growl of the engine mixes beautifully with the low, bass-heavy exhaust note, turning even ordinary acceleration into something theatrical. It is the kind of sound that eggs the driver on, inviting just a little more throttle exiting every corner. T

May 30, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
[TEST DRIVE] BMW M135: A pocket rocket built for pure driving fun
Companies

Candidates turn to booming defense industry for campaign pledges

Korea’s gubernatorial candidates in South Gyeongsang Province are positioning the booming aerospace and defense industries at the center of their economic campaign pledges, vowing to transform the region into a global hub for advanced defense, shipbuilding and aerospace technologies. Both ruling and opposition candidates have unveiled their plans to strengthen the province’s industrial ecosystem with the focus on research, so the region can create value-added jobs tied to artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation defense systems and future mobility industries. Kim Kyung-soo, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) candidate for South Gyeongsang governor, said he would support President Lee Jae Myung’s vision of combining defense, shipbuilding, nuclear energy and AI technologies to develop nuclear-powered submarines. Kim said the initiative presents a major opportunity for South Gyeongsang Province, which already serves as the nation’s primary production base for defense manufacturing and shipbuilding. “The province accounts for more than half of the country’s defense industry

May 30, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Candidates turn to booming defense industry for campaign pledges
Companies

Taihan Cable employees referred to prosecutors over alleged LS Cable leak

Police have referred employees of Taihan Cable & Solution to prosecutors over allegations of leaking submarine cable technology from LS Cable & System, after a nearly three-year investigation. The decision is widely seen as significant given that industrial technology leak cases typically require extensive digital forensics, technical analysis, witness questioning and legal review. Industry officials said such cases — handled by the National Office of Investigation — are generally referred only after investigators comprehensively examine seized materials, testimony and technological links. The latest referral itself is being interpreted as a major judgment by investigative authorities, rather than a preliminary stage, such as a search and seizure operation. Particular attention has been drawn to the scope of those referred. Earlier reports largely centered on officials from architectural design firms involved in the construction of submarine cable plants. However, sources said the latest referral list also includes personnel from companies that participated directly in manufacturing c

May 29, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Taihan Cable employees referred to prosecutors over alleged LS Cable leak
Companies

Hyundai Mobis releases mobility software in open-source project

Hyundai Mobis is accelerating its mobility software development through the adoption of an open-source approach. By publicly releasing internally developed technologies, the company is moving to enable more developers to create value out of Hyundai Mobis’ software and ultimately establish it as an industry standard. To this end, Hyundai Mobis said Thursday that it has joined the software-defined vehicle (SDV) working group under the Eclipse Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit open-source development association, and will participate in the S-Core Project to develop an SDV software platform. The S-Core Project is a global initiative launched — primarily by European companies — in late 2024 to standardize foundational technologies such as software platforms and middleware. It is the first open-source-based software platform development project to meet ASIL-B, the automotive industry's functional safety standard. Currently, a total of 13 companies are participating in the project and prioritizing the implementation of core technologies required for SDVs, as standardized founda

May 28, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Hyundai Mobis releases mobility software in open-source project
Companies

FTC’s decision to revive conglomerate probe unit feared to stifle corporate activities

The Fair Trade Commission's (FTC) move to revive a long-defunct investigation bureau is reigniting debate over whether the step will strengthen market oversight or further weigh on corporate sentiment. The antitrust watchdog said it will launch a new Key Investigation Planning Bureau to handle large-scale violations involving online platforms, monopolistic practices and major conglomerates. The unit is widely viewed as a revival of the FTC’s former Investigation Bureau, which was dismantled in 2005 amid criticism that it excessively interfered in corporate management activities. The previous bureau had gained notoriety for conducting sweeping investigations into major business groups, often dubbed the “grim reaper of the business community.” FTC Chairman Ju Biung-ghi said the new body would function as a specialized organization capable of quickly identifying and correcting complex, high-profile cases. “It will serve as a rapid-response task force that can improve the speed and effectiveness of investigations when nationwide consumer damages issues arise,” Ju told reporters duri

May 28, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
FTC’s decision to revive conglomerate probe unit feared to stifle corporate activities
Companies

Mercedes-Benz Korea expands customer experience beyond vehicle ownership

Mercedes-Benz Korea is broadening its customer experience strategy by introducing new vehicle maintenance services, digital platforms and lifestyle-focused membership programs designed to keep customers connected with the brand even after purchasing a vehicle. The company said it recently launched the “Mercedes-Benz Mobile Service” in partnership with 11 authorized dealers nationwide, offering customers on-site vehicle inspection and light repair services at their preferred locations. Under the program, dedicated technicians from authorized Mercedes-Benz service centers visit customers directly to provide regular inspections and general repair services, reducing the need for customers to visit service centers and wait for maintenance appointments. The service is available through phone reservations with designated service centers. After consultation with a service adviser, the visit schedule, location and repair items are confirmed in advance before the service is carried out. Mercedes-Benz Korea is also strengthening its in-car digital service experience. In March, the company launc

May 27, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Mercedes-Benz Korea expands customer experience beyond vehicle ownership
Companies

Chipmakers’ record bonuses to fuel demand for houses, luxury cars

Massive performance bonuses by the world’s two largest memory chipmakers — Samsung Electronics and SK hynix — are expected to spur demand for premium imported vehicles and apartments in key semiconductor-linked residential regions, industry officials said Sunday. According to market tracker FnGuide, Samsung Electronics is expected to post operating profit of 343.5 trillion won this year. Under its recently signed labor-management agreement, which allocates 12 percent of operating profit to special performance bonuses, total payouts are estimated at about 41 trillion won. SK hynix is forecast to record operating profit of 255 trillion won, with 10 percent set aside for employee incentives, resulting in estimated payouts of about 25.5 trillion won. The combined bonus pool for employees at the two firms is projected to reach around 67 trillion won ($44.2 billion), driven by the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor upcycle. Industry officials said the enormous cash injection could generate ripple effects across the economy, particularly boosting spending in the hou

May 25, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Chipmakers’ record bonuses to fuel demand for houses, luxury cars
Companies

Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos shines in alleys, on mountain roads

For decades, French vehicles have earned recognition for their ability to absorb minor road imperfections with ease while maintaining smooth and confident cornering. The need to maneuver through narrow urban streets and navigate sharp bends on mountainous roads led French automakers to develop suspension systems that focused on ride comfort and balanced handling. The narrow, winding streets of Paris and the twisting mountain roads of the Alps and Pyrenees have long demanded agility, composure and refinement from French automobiles — characteristics that have become hallmarks of the country’s automotive engineering. This driving philosophy became deeply embedded in the engineering of Renault, one of France’s most iconic carmakers, and that heritage is clearly evident in Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos. The SUV features optimized front and rear suspension systems, allowing it to absorb impact from uneven road surfaces while maintaining a stable posture during sudden directional changes. Vibrations transmitted into the cabin are effectively minimized over rough pavement, while the vehi

May 25, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos shines in alleys, on mountain roads
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