AMCHAM Korea

[News Article] Korean Air wins US awards for best first, business class cabins

Korean Air wins US awards for best first, business class cabins By Park Li-na, The Korea Herald - Korean Air announced Tuesday that it has topped the 2024 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the business and first class category for the second year in a row. The airline also placed second for best in-flight food for the second consecutive year, while its cabin crew ranking improved from sixth to fourth place. The USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards honors top performers across a range of categories. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts, with the final winners chosen by USA Today readers. Celebrating its 55th anniversary, Korean Air has earned recognition from industry professionals and passengers alike. This year, the airline introduced its upgraded Prestige Suites 2.0, which offer enhanced privacy, fully reclinable seats and an improved in-flight entertainment system. In addition to enhancing its premium cabin services, Korean Air has expanded its in-flight meal offerings. The airline launched Korean-style vegan meals last year. Its wine selection has also been curated by world-renowned sommelier Marc Almert, further refining the in-flight dining experience. The latest recognition adds to Korean Air’s growing list of accolades. Earlier this year, the airline was ranked the world’s second-best in Airline Rating’s 2024 Airline Excellence Awards and won Best Airline Onboard Menu for its first class cabins at Global Traveler’s 2024 Leisure and Lifestyle Travel Awards. “Korean Air remains committed to providing exceptional service and a superior passenger experience as we continue to serve 111 cities across 39 countries,” a company representative said. Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241001050250

2024.10.04

[News Article] Incheon Airport to be Delta's Asia hub, direct route to Salt Lake City taking off in …

Incheon Airport to be Delta's Asia hub, direct route to Salt Lake City taking off in 2025 By CHO YONG-JUN, Korea JoongAng Daily - Incheon International Airport has been selected as Delta Air Lines’ new hub in Asia as the airline prepares to launch a direct route to Salt Lake City next year. The Incheon International Airport Corporation finalized the new route during a strategic discussion session held on Sept. 25 with its president and CEO Lee Hak-jae and Delta Air Lines CEO Edward Bastian, the airport said Monday. At the meeting, Delta Air Lines confirmed its new Seoul-Salt Lake City route, with the first flight scheduled to depart on June 12, 2025. This will make Incheon the only airport in Asia with a direct connection to the U.S. city. Incheon will also be the only Asian airport with direct connections to Delta’s four core hub cities — Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Delta previously offered 84,361 seats per month to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport as of August 2019 but suspended all flights to Narita in March 2020, shifting operations to Tokyo's Haneda Airport. As of August 2024, Delta operates 372 flights and offers 103,602 seats to Haneda, compared to 310 flights and 93,248 seats to Incheon. With the addition of 62 flights and 17,050 seats for the upcoming Salt Lake City route, Incheon will become Delta’s largest hub in Asia in terms of seat capacity, surpassing Haneda International Airport. The new route is expected to bring 180,000 passengers and 94,000 transfer passengers annually, according to Incheon Airport. Delta has been working to strengthen Incheon Airport as its Asian hub since its enhanced partnership with Korean Air in 2018. That year, the two SkyTeam airlines signed a joint venture agreement, expanding code-share routes, transfer connections and mileage sharing. “Incheon International Airport, through collaboration with Delta Air Lines, will undoubtedly grow as a global hub and a world-leading airport,” said the Incheon International Airport Corporation CEO. Source:https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-09-30/business/industry/Incheon-Airport-selected-as-Deltas-Asia-hub-direct-route-to-Salt-Lake-City-taking-off-in-2025/2144868

2024.10.04

[News Article] 모히건 인스파이어 리조트, 태국서 열린 TTG 트래블 어워즈서 ‘최우수 복합리조트’ 선정

모히건 인스파이어 리조트, 태국서 열린 TTG 트래블 어워즈서 ‘최우수 복합리조트’ 선정 경기일보 이병기 기자 - 모히건 인스파이어 엔터테인먼트 리조트는 최근 태국 방콕에서 열린 ‘TTG 트래블 어워즈 2024'에서 '최우수 복합리조트(Best Integrated Resort)’에 선정됐다고 1일 밝혔다. 이번 행사는 글로벌 여행전문지인 ‘TTG 아시아’가 지난 1989년부터 주관하고 있다. 해마다 아시아·태평양 지역의 여행 및 관광업 전 분야의 우수 기업 및 기관에 수여하는 권위 있는 시상식이다. 여행 서비스 공급사, 여행사, 우수 성과, 명예의 전당 등 4개 부문에서 시상하며, ‘최우수 복합 리조트’는 여행 서비스 공급사 부문에 포함해 있다. 수상 대상은 업계 전문가와 구독자의 투표로 선정한다. 인스파이어는 싱가포르와 마카오 등 아시아·태평양 지역에서 유수의 복합 리조트를 제치고 국내에서는 처음으로 최우수 복합 리조트에 이름을 올렸다. 인스파이어는 독창적이고 다채로운 엔터테인먼트 콘텐츠와 고품격 편의시설, 우수한 환대 서비스 등이 좋은 평가를 받은 것으로 보고 있다. 인스파이어는 1천275개 객실을 갖춘 3개 타워로 이뤄진 5성급 호텔이다. 국내 최초 공연 전문 아레나인 ‘인스파이어 아레나’, 국내 최대 규모의 외국인 전용 카지노, 최첨단 마이스(MICE) 시설, 실내 워터파크인 ‘스플래시 베이’, 야외 체험형 공원 ‘디스커버리 파크’ 등을 갖추고 있다. 지난해 11월30일 소프트 오프닝을 통해 처음 문을 열었다. 특히 전 세계 다양한 연령, 국적의 방문객이 원하는 다채로운 엔터테인먼트를 즐길 수 있어 개장 전부터 동북아시아 관광 업계의 게임체인저로 주목을 끌었다. 올해 3월 정식 개장 뒤에도 방문객들의 시청각을 사로잡는 화려하고 웅장한 미디어 아트, 국내외 최정상급 아티스트의 고품질 라이브 공연과 스포츠 이벤트 등을 통해 인천과 영종도를 대표하는 랜드마크로 자리 잡았다. 첸 시 인스파이어 사장은 “인스파이어의 차별화한 서비스와 엔터테인먼트 경험이 글로벌 방문객과 업계 전문가들에게 인정 받아 영광”이라고 말했다. 이어 “앞으로도 이 타이틀에 걸맞는 최상의 고객 경험과 서비스를 제공할 수 있도록 노력하겠다”고 덧붙였다. 출처: https://www.kyeonggi.com/article/20241001580242

2024.10.04

[News Article] McDonald's Korea sold to owner of Qatari conglomerate Al Mana

McDonald's Korea sold to owner of Qatari conglomerate Al Mana By KIM JU-YEON, Korea JoongAng Daily - McDonald’s Korea has been sold to Kamal Al Mana, one of the owners of Qatari conglomerate Al Mana, the burger chain said Monday. Kamal Al Mana became the operator of Korea’s some 400 McDonald’s, 80 percent of which are company-owned, after signing a contract with McDonald’s Corporation for an undisclosed amount on Monday, according to McDonald's Korea. He is also the Developmental Licensee for McDonald's in Qatar and Turkey. According to local reports, the amount was in the range of hundreds of billions of won. Local firm Dongwon Group had reportedly offered 200 billion won ($152 million) for the Korean license last year, which did not meet McDonald’s pitch of 500 billion won. McDonald’s Korea’s managing director, Kim Ki-won, will continue to lead the business. The Korean branch aims to increase the number of stores from 400 to 500 by 2030, according to Jo Sempels, President of International Developmental Licensed Markets at McDonald’s Corporation. “Building on our existing brand's strengths and momentum in the market, I am confident we will create exciting experiences for our customers,” Sempels said through McDonald’s press release. “I am honored by the opportunity to lead McDonald’s Korea in the next phase of its growth journey,” said Al Mana. “With our market leadership position and growth potential, this is an exciting time to build upon the strong fundamentals in place and grow the business and brand to the next stage.” The change in ownership comes 38 years after McDonald’s opened its first store in Seoul in 1988. The U.S. McDonald’s had full ownership of McDonald’s Korea through McDonald’s APMEA Singapore Investments, its Asia Pacific market headquarters, since the Korean branch was established until now. Source:https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-09-30/business/industry/McDonalds-Korea-sold-to-owner-of-Qatari-conglomerate-Al-Mana/2145228

2024.10.04

[News Article] 글로벌 생명과학 기업 '싸이티바' 송도에 국내 첫 제조시설 열어

글로벌 생명과학 기업 '싸이티바' 송도에 국내 첫 제조시설 열어 중부일보 김상윤 기자 - 인천경제자유구역청은 지난달 30일 송도국제도시에서 글로벌 생명과학기업 ‘싸이티바 코리아 이노베이션 허브’의 제조시설 개관식을 열었다고 1일 밝혔다. 이날 행사에는 윤원석 인천경제청장, 최준호 싸이티바 한국법인 대표 등 바이오 기업 관계자 등이 참석했다. 글로벌 생명과학 기업인 싸이티바는 바이오의약품 제조와 의료·생명과학 서비스를 제공하는 기업으로 시가총액 250조원, 연매출 22조원에 달한다. 싸이티바 코리아 이노베이션 허브는 싸이티바의 국내 첫 제조시설이다. 송도4공구에 터를 잡게된 이노베이션 허브는 최신 바이오의약품 생산 및 솔루션 교육시설로 구성된다. 싸이티바는 오는 2026년 실질적인 제품 생산을 시작해 국내 및 아시아지역 바이오 시장 수요에 탄력적으로 대응할 계획이다. 송도국제도시에는 바이오 의약품 필수 원부자재 공급업체인 ‘머크’사의 한국 생명과학 운영본부가 있으며, 바이오의약 원부자재·장비 분야 다국적 기업 ‘싸토리우스’의 생산·연구시설 공사가 진행 중이다. 인천경제청은 글로벌 바이오 소부장(소재·부품·장비) 기업이 송도에 집결함으로써 시너지 효과를 낼 것으로 기대하고 있다. 윤원석 인천경제청장은 "세계적인 글로벌 생명과학기업인 싸이티바가 송도에 이노베이션 허브를 개관해 송도가 글로벌 바이오 허브로 위상을 다지는 계기가 됐다"며 "앞으로도 긴밀한 협력을 통해 바이오 전문인력 양성 등 바이오 클러스터 활성화 방안을 모색하겠다"고 말했다. 출처: https://www.joongboo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=363673702

2024.10.04

[News Article] Hyundai Motor reports major milestone of 100 mln units in cumulative production

Hyundai Motor reports major milestone of 100 mln units in cumulative production By Chang Dong-woo, Yonhap News Agency - Hyundai Motor Co. on Monday reached a major milestone of 100 million units in global cumulative production, an achievement accomplished in 57 years since the company's foundation, the automaker said. In celebration of the achievement, Hyundai Motor held a ceremony at its plant in Ulsan, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where the company produced South Korea's first mass-produced independent model, the Pony, in 1975. The company said it delivered its 100 millionth and first vehicle, an Ioniq 5, directly to a customer. The vehicle rolled off the final inspection conveyor belt at the plant's shipping center during a handover ceremony. "Reaching global cumulative production of 100 million vehicles is a meaningful milestone that was possible thanks to our customers around the world who have chosen and supported Hyundai Motor since the very beginning," Chang Jae-hoon, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor, said. Chang added, "Taking on bold challenges and being in constant pursuit of innovation have enabled us to achieve rapid growth and will empower us to take one step further toward another 100 million units as a mobility game changer." The Ulsan Plant, which began operations in 1968, holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of the development of the Korean automobile industry. The plant serves as a central hub for electrification, with Hyundai currently establishing a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) facility at the site. Hyundai Motor's achievement is seen as one of the fastest growth among global automakers. From 1967 to August of this year, the bestselling model was the Avante, known as the Elantra overseas, with 15.37 million units sold, followed by the Accent with 10.25 million units, the Sonata with 9.48 million units, the Tucson with 9.36 million units and the Santa Fe with 5.95 million units. This achievement follows Hyundai Motor's continuous growth, fueled by the launch of the premium brand Genesis, the high-performance brand N, and the introduction of EVs such as the Ioniq 5 based on the company's dedicated electric global modular platform. The company's global footprint has expanded with production facilities in Turkey, India, the United States and the Czech Republic, contributing to record achievements, including surpassing 50 million vehicles manufactured in 2013. Last year, Hyundai Motor built on this momentum by establishing the Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center Singapore, a new concept of a smart urban mobility hub. Manufacturing platforms and advanced technologies developed there, including artificial intelligence technology, robots and smart factories, are set to be introduced to future production factories, such as Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America currently being built in the U.S. state of Georgia. Source: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240930001800320

2024.10.04

[News Article] KT, Microsoft to develop Korea-customized ChatGPT

KT, Microsoft to develop Korea-customized ChatGPT By SARAH CHEA, Korea JoongAng Daily - KT will develop a Korea-customized ChatGPT and AI assistant together with Microsoft as the U.S. tech giant strives to lead Korea's AI market. The Korean major telecommunications provider said Sunday it inked a five-year strategic partnership vowing cooperation in AI and cloud business, where the two will invest trillions of won over the next five years. Under the partnership, KT and Microsoft will develop a ChatGPT model suitable for Koreans using the technology for Open AI's GPT-4o and Microsoft's Phi family of small language models alongside KT's accumulated data for Korean regulation ecosystem and cultures. This AI model will be used in KT's customer service chatbots, as well as for corporate clients. KT will also develop its own AI assistant for Korean users using Microsoft's Copilot, its AI-powered conversational agent. The company also plans to develop the KT-custom AI assistants for various business applications including education, health care and in-vehicle infotainment. The duo will also cooperate in building sovereign cloud services that can be used in public and finance sectors that have strict privacy and regulatory requirements. A sovereign cloud operates in compliance with the local laws of each country regarding data storage requirements, information collection and data access. Microsoft's experiences on building such frameworks in various European countries including Switzerland, Italy and Belgium will help KT have the system in Korea, the Korean company said. “The partnership with Microsoft presents a pivotal opportunity, not only for technological collaboration, but also for expanding Korea’s AI foundation and driving transformative innovation across industries and daily life,” said KT CEO Kim Young-shub. “Leveraging this strategic partnership, we aim to rapidly evolve into an company with unparalleled competitiveness in domestic and global markets.” KT plans to establish a new subsidiary dedicated to helping businesses transform with the latest AI technologies. Microsoft will offer professional consulting over the next three years. The company will also work with Microsoft Research to run research projects to develop new AI technology and future networks. The two will open an Innovation Center in KT's headquarters in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, to support the research and elaborate on investment on AI startups. Source:https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-09-29/business/industry/KT-Microsoft-to-develop-Koreacustomized-ChatGPT/2144333

2024.10.04

[News Article] 설립 20주년 맞은 구글코리아, “AI 혁신 통해 한국과 동반성장”

설립 20주년 맞은 구글코리아, “AI 혁신 통해 한국과 동반성장” IT동아 김영우 기자 - 9월 30일, 구글코리아가 창립 20주년을 기념하는 ‘구글 포 코리아(Google for Korea)’ 행사를 서울 예술의 전당에서 개최했다. 이날 행사가 열린 예술의전당 음악광장에는 20년간 구글이 한국 시장에서 걸어온 길, 그리고 최근 주목받고 있는 AI 중심 서비스를 소개하는 다양한 부스가 마련되어 눈길을 끌었다. 오후 5시부터 진행된 본 행사에는 구글 및 파트너사 관계자들을 비롯한 다수의 내빈이 참여했다. 가장 먼저 단상에 오른 필립 골드버그(Philip S. Goldberg) 주한미국대사는 축사를 통해 구글이 한국과 함께한 20년동안 그러했듯, 향후에도 구글은 한국의 한류 확산 및 디지털 혁신에 앞장설 것을 확신한다며 주한미국대사관 역시 이러한 흐름이 이어질 수 있도록 협력하고, 양국의 동맹관계가 공고해지도록 앞장설 것이라고 밝혔다. 우원식 국회의장도 축사를 전했다. 그는 조오섭 비서실장을 통해 대독한 축사에서 구글코리아의 지난 20년은 창조적 혁신을 통한 동반성장의 시간이었다며 구글이 선도하고 있는 세계 AI 혁신은 대한민국의 기업 파트너들과 크리에이터에게도 성장의 동력이 될 것”이라고 밝혔다. 또한 구글은 빅테크 기업으로서의 영향력 외에도 사회적 책임 및 ESG를 추구하는 기업으로서 적극적이고 모범적인 자세를 기대한다고 덧붙였다. 사이먼 칸(Simon Kahn) 구글 아시아태평양 마케팅 총괄 부사장도 이번 행사에 참여해 소회를 밝혔다. 그는 2004년 구글코리아가 설립된 이후 현재까지 AI 기반 제품 및 서비스를 통해 수백만 대한민국 기업들의 성장을 지원했으며, 이를 통해 131조 원 상당의 경제적 효과, 55만 개 상당의 일자리 창출 효과를 냈다고 강조했다. 삼성전자 갤럭시 시리즈는 구글과 한국 기업의 파트너십을 상징하는 대표적인 사례이며, 유튜브를 통해 과거의 K팝 콘텐츠를 AI로 리마스터링하는 서비스를 제공하는 등, 구글은 대한민국의 콘텐츠 및 스타트업의 혁신을 위해 최선을 다하고 있다고 강조하기도 했다. 김경훈 구글코리아 사장 역시 이날 행사의 단상에 올랐다. 그는 한반도에 머물렀던 우리의 무대를 전세계로 옮기는 여정을 구글코리아와 함께해 영광이었다며, 향후에도 국내의 AI 관련 인재의 양성을 위해 새로운 기회의 문을 열 것이라고 밝혔다. 특히 구글코리아는 2015년부터 국내의 스타트업 지원 사업을 본격화했으며, 2019년에는 ‘창구’ 프로그램을 시작해 유망 스타트업의 AI 기반 제품 및 서비스를 성장을 돕고 있다. 그리고 김경훈 사장은 이 자리에서 구글의 직무 교육 서비스인 ‘구글 커리어 서티피케이트(Google Career Certificate)’에 AI 특화 코스인 ‘AI 에센셜 코스(The AI Essentials Course)’가 추가되었다는 소식도 전했다. 한편, 이날 행사 중간에는 구글코리아 20주년을 기념, 파트너사인 삼성전자와 SM엔터테인먼트에게 감사패가 수여되었다. 감사패를 수여한 김정현 삼성전자 부사장은 “구글과 함께 혁신적인 제품과 서비스를 제공해 소비자들의 혁신을 이끌 것”이라고 밝혔다. 그리고 장철혁 SM엔터테인먼트 CEO는 “SM엔터테인먼트는 2009냔부터 유튜브 채널을 운영해 1억 300만 구독자 및 1000억 이상의 조회수를 달성하는 성과를 거뒀다”며, 이러한 성과의 기반을 마련해준 구글 측에 감사를 전하기도 했다. 출처: https://it.donga.com/105953/

2024.10.04

[News Article] Hyundai Motor, GM join hands to shake up EV landscape

Hyundai Motor, GM join hands to shake up EV landscape By Kan Hyeong-woo, The Korea Herald - Hyundai Motor Group and General Motors have joined forces to explore collaboration in vehicle development, supply chain and clean energy technology, officials announced Thursday. According to the announcement, the top leadership from each auto giant -- including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun and GM CEO Mary Barra -- recently met at Genesis House New York and signed a memorandum of understanding to seek future collaboration across key strategic areas. Hyundai Motor and GM -- the world’s third and fifth largest auto brands by sales last year, respectively -- said they will look for ways to leverage their complementary scale and strengths to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster. Hyundai Motor and GM sold 7.34 million cars and 6.18 million cars, respectively, across the globe last year. Their combined sales of about 13.5 million would easily exceed No. 1 Toyota Group’s 11.23 million vehicles sold. “This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, as well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies,” said Chung. The automakers noted that potential collaboration projects are expected to be centered on the co-development and production of passenger and commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines and clean-energy as well as electric and hydrogen technologies. Barra said this partnership between the two companies has the potential to make vehicle development more efficient by driving greater scale and supporting disciplined capital allocation. “GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams,” said the GM CEO. “Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently.” Hyundai and GM explained that their flexibility and agility will allow both companies to explore the development of their shared capabilities. The two major global original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, in the auto industry, added that they also will review opportunities for joint sourcing in areas such as battery raw materials, steel and other areas. Following the signing of the non-binding MOU, the two sides plan to assess opportunities and progress toward binding agreements. As an unprecedented move in the global auto industry, the partnership announcement came at a moment when Chinese EV brands and battery makers such as BYD and CATL are surging as they look to expand their presence beyond their home turf. According to the data from Yiche, one of the largest automobile information companies in China, BYD sold 315,600 vehicles across the world in July this year to become the third largest-selling auto brand just behind Toyota and Volkswagen. In the same month, Hyundai and Kia were ranked in sixth and ninth places as they sold 245,900 cars and 199,000 cars, respectively. GM’s top-selling brand -- Chevrolet -- came in 10th place by selling 198,600 cars. Auto industry watchers said the collaboration between Hyundai Motor and GM will put every other major player in the global auto sector on notice as their partnership could have massive impacts on the landscape of the auto industry, particularly in the EV race. “A Hyundai Motor-GM alliance would have a lot of implications for the US EV industry,” said an automotive engineering professor who wished not to be named. “Both are competing against Tesla. They have been doing so separately but a partnership between them could mean troubles for auto brands in the US EV race including Tesla.” According to market tracker Motor Intelligence, Hyundai Motor accounted for 10 percent of the US EV market through the first seven months of this year and GM took up a 6.3 percent share during the same period while Tesla’s US EV market share dipped below 50 percent for the first time in the second quarter. Source: https://news.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240912050759&md=20240913003010_BL

2024.09.13

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[News Article] 설립 20주년 맞은 구글코리아, “AI 혁신 통해 한국과 동반성장”

[News Article] Hyundai Motor, GM join hands to shake up EV landscape