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"9살도 결혼 가능"…이라크, 법 개정에 대혼란

이라크 의회가 9세 아동의 결혼을 합법화하는 내용을 법안을 통과시켜 논란이 일고 있다. 22일(현지시각) 영국 가디언 등 외신에 따르면 이라크 의회가 21일 결혼 가능 나이를 9살로 낮추는 내용의 개인신분법 개정안을 통과시켰다. 1959년 제정된 기존의 개인신분법은 여성 보호를 위해 혼인 가능 연령을 18세 이상으로 규정했으나 개정안이 적용되면 성직자의 해석에 따라 9세 여아의 결혼도 가능해진다. 이라크 다수 종파인 시아파의 일부 학파에 따르면 9세, 수니파 율법으로는 15세가 최저 혼인 연령이 된다.이라크 변호사이자 개정안의 주요 반대자인 모하메드 주마는 "여성과 아동의 권리를 근본적으로 붕괴시킬 것"이라고 비판했다. 여성 단체들도 이번 개정안으로 여성의 위자료와 양육권 등이 침해될 수 있다고 반발하고 있다.아동 결혼 문제는 이라크의 고질적인 사회 문제다. 유엔(UN)의 2023년 조사 결과에 따르면 이라크 소녀의 28%가 18세 이전에 혼인한 것으로 나타났다. 소녀들은 빈곤에서 벗어나기 위해 결혼을 하게 되지만, 대부분 결혼 실패로 마무리되며 사회적 낙인과 교육 기회 박탈 등의 결과를 맞이하게 된다고 매체는 보도했다.이번 투표는 개인신분법을 포함해 논란이 큰 3개의 법안이 한꺼번에 표결에 부쳐졌으며, 이후 투표 절차와 관련해 일부 의원들이 이의를 제기했다. 이라크 의회 의원인 알리아 나시프는 "의결정족수가 충족되지 않은 상태에서 진행된 표결"이라며 "이라크 연방법원에 소송을 제기할 것"이라고 밝혔다.

2025-01-24 11:07:28 최규춘 기자

"트럼프, 전세계 우파 포퓰리즘 선도"

도널드 트럼프 미 대통령이 전 세계적으로 확산하는 강경 보수주의 포퓰리즘을 선도하고 있다고 미 뉴욕타임스(NYT)가 23일(현지시각) 보도했다. 독일의 독일대안당(AfD), 이탈리아 형제당, 프랑스 국민연합, 오스트리아 자유당 등 각국의 보수 포퓰리즘 정당들은 강경한 이민 억제 정책, 성소수자 권리 반대, 온난화 억제 정책 반대, 기성 정치인들에 대한 비판, 언론과 법원 등 기성 제도에 대한 공격 등에서 공통점을 지닌다. 트럼프가 이민자와 정치적 반대자를 노골적이고 인종차별적으로 공격한다는 점에서 가장 극단적이다. 이탈리아의 조르자 멜로니 총리는 집권한 뒤 급진적이던 이탈리아 형제당의 노선을 상당한 정도 온건 중도화로 이끌었던 것이 대표적이다. 프랑스 국민연합도 비슷하다. 그러나 트럼프의 초강경 정책이 유럽 우익 정당들에게 극우화하도록 자극하는 계기가 될 수 있다고 뉴시스가 전했다. ◆우크라이나 전쟁 입장 차이 우크라이나 지원에 반대해온 트럼프는 전쟁을 즉시 끝내겠다고 공약했으나 어떻게 끝낼 수 있을 지는 아직 구체적으로 제시하지 않고 있다. 유럽의 우익 정당들은 우크라이나 지원 문제를 두고 분열돼 있다. 예컨대 멜로니 이탈리아 총리는 우크라이나를 강력히 지지하지만 빅토르 오르반 헝가리 총리는 우크라이나 군사 지원과 러시아에 대한 제재에 반대한다. (헝가리는 저렴한 러시아 에너지 의존이 매우 크다.) 폴란드의 우익 법과 정의당은 러시아를 지지하는 오르반 총리의 헝가리 피데스당과 결별했다. 오스트리아의 유력한 차기 총리 헤르베르트 킥클 자유당 대표는 러시아를 지지하며 유럽의 우크라이나 지원을 비판한다. 독일 AfD의 알리세 바이델 대표도 우크라이나 지원에 반대한다. 러시아로부터 자금 지원을 받았고 마린 르펜 대표가 푸틴을 존경한다고 말한 적도 있는 프랑스 국민연합은 러시아가 우크라이나를 침공한 것을 비난한다. 다만 우크라이나에 대한 적극적 지원에는 소극적 입장이며 러시아에 대한 제재에도 일부 반대한다. ◆완화된 표현 멜로니 총리와 르펜 대표 등 유럽 극우 정당 대표들 일부가 집권하거나 집권이 유력해진 상황에서 예전의 과격한 발언을 더 이상 되풀이하지 않는 모습이다. 그러나 많은 전문가들이 이같은 변화가 선거를 위한 마케팅 전략일 뿐이라고 평가한다. 내달 총선에서 크게 선전할 것으로 예상되는 독일 AfD는 스리랑카 출신의 경제학자이자 동성애 여성을 대표로 선출해 이미지 쇄신을 꽤하고 있다. 그러나 AfD 일부 당원들은 여전히 나치 구호를 연상케 하는 구호를 사용한다. 오스트리아 자유당은 발언을 완화하기는커녕 당원들이 나치 구호를 애용하는 등 오히려 더 공격적이다. 킥클 대표도 히틀러가 내세운 "국민 총리"가 되겠다는 공약을 내세우고 있다. ◆이민 정책을 둘러싼 미묘한 차이 트럼프는 수백만 명의 불법 이민자들을 무차별적으로 추방하는 초강경 정책을 펴고 있다. 이에 비해 유럽 극우 정당들의 이민 정책은 제각각이다. 범죄를 저지른 이민자들을 추방하겠다는 독일 AfD는 독일어를 구사하고 사회에 동화된 이민자들은 추방하지 않겠다는 입장이다. 헝가리 피데스당은 이민자들을 잠재적 테러리스트로 규정하며 강하게 반대하고 있다. 이탈리아 멜로니 총리는 불법 이민만 반대하며, 합법적 이민은 필요하다고 인정한다. 프랑스 국민연합은 이민을 대폭 줄이고 속지주의 국적 부여에 반대하지만 합법적 이민자에 대해선 프랑스인보다 복지 혜택을 더 부여하는 정책을 추진한다.

2025-01-24 10:26:47 최규춘 기자

[Trump's Blade] The Battleground for K-Industry?... Finding a Breakthrough Through U.S. Local Investment

Amidst U.S. President Donald Trump's strong protectionist stance, South Korean companies are focusing on increasing local investments in the U.S. to respond to high tariffs. In an uncertain environment, their strategy is to overcome the crisis by concentrating on local production and building supply chains. According to industry sources on the 23rd, following President Trump's re-election on the 20th (local time), domestic companies are actively preparing countermeasures in response to the new administration's policies in the U.S. President Trump announced that starting next month, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all products from Mexico and Canada, and he has instructed a review of existing trade agreements. It is also reported that discussions are underway regarding an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. The 10% additional tariff mentioned by Trump would be imposed on top of the tariffs already levied on over $300 billion worth of Chinese imports during his first term. President Trump also signaled the possibility of imposing a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods. Although he mentioned that the universal tariff policy is not yet prepared and the specific implementation timeline remains uncertain, domestic companies are closely monitoring the potential for such tariffs. Companies without local factories are particularly concerned about the loss of price competitiveness due to the introduction of these tariffs. ◆ "Mitigating Tariff Risks by Establishing U.S. Production Facilities" The steel industry is actively expanding into the U.S. as the importance of establishing production facilities in the U.S. has grown. South Korea's steel exports to the U.S. are subject to a duty-free quota of up to 2.68 million tons per year. If local production is established, it can reduce tariff burdens and create a more stable supply chain, which is expected to be advantageous in terms of profitability. Hyundai Steel is reportedly considering building a steel plant in the U.S., attracting attention. Hyundai Steel plans to produce automotive steel products locally in the U.S. and supply them to Hyundai Motor Group's U.S. factories. Hyundai Motor Group operates Kia's plant in Georgia and Hyundai's plant in Alabama. Additionally, Hyundai is constructing a dedicated eco-friendly electric vehicle plant, MetaPlant America (HMGMA), in the Savannah area of Georgia. The shipbuilding industry is also actively investing in the U.S., focusing on the potential for alliances in shipbuilding and defense sectors. Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Systems completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Phili Shipyard in the U.S. in December 2024, with an investment of approximately $100 million. Hanwha Group is the first domestic company to acquire a U.S. shipyard. Earlier, in November 2024, shortly after his election, President Trump mentioned in his first phone call with President Yoon Suk-yeol, "I am aware of South Korea's world-class capabilities in building warships," and added, "It is necessary to closely cooperate with South Korea not only in ship exports but also in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector." The power industry is also expected to experience growth in performance, driven by the U.S. market's need to replace aging power infrastructure. President Trump has announced plans to invest over 700 trillion KRW in artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, there is growing optimism that the power equipment sector will benefit from this trend and experience a boom. HD Hyundai Electric will increase its investment in production facilities for ultra-high voltage transformers in response to growing AI demand and the expansion of data centers. The company plans to invest a total of 396.8 billion KRW in the construction of a new production facility at its Ulsan plant and the establishment of a second plant in Alabama, USA. Through this expansion, HD Hyundai Electric aims to secure production capacity for 756kV (kilovolt) ultra-high voltage transformers, which is the highest voltage specification currently used in the U.S. market. An industry insider stated, "Domestic companies are increasing investments in the U.S. to avoid tariffs and reduce logistics and distribution costs," adding, "It is essential to turn U.S. protectionism into an opportunity by creating jobs and expanding investments in the U.S." They further emphasized, "Expanding market access in the U.S. and actively utilizing the local ecosystem will be key to strengthening cooperation with the new U.S. administration." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-23 17:03:38 메트로신문 기자

"From Disney Tours to Luxury Goods"… The Three Major Telecom Companies Begin Pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 Series

Pre-orders for Samsung's latest smartphone, the 'Galaxy S25 series,' will begin on the 24th. The three major telecommunications companies are competing to attract users by offering various AI-based benefits and giveaways. According to the telecommunications industry on the 23rd, the three major telecom companies will be offering pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 series from the 24th to the 3rd of next month. Activation will be available starting on the 4th, with the global release scheduled for the 7th of next month. ◆ SKT: "From Disney Tours to AI Benefits" SK Telecom will offer a 3 million KRW travel voucher for a "Walt Disney World Tour" to 50 lucky customers who pre-order the Galaxy S25 series. The winners can choose their preferred Walt Disney World or Disneyland location from around the world, including destinations like Florida, USA, and Paris, France. Additionally, 2,000 pre-order customers will receive a Starbucks gift card worth 50,000 KRW. Customers can apply for both the Disney World Tour and the Starbucks gift card giveaway simultaneously. A promotion linked to Disney+ will also be held. From February 4th to March 31st, customers who activate the Galaxy S25 series and subscribe to the Disney+ plan can apply through the promotion page. The first 5,000 customers will receive a "T Universe Disney+ 3-month subscription," which can be gifted to others. AI-related benefits are also prominent. Customers who activate the Galaxy S25 series and complete the necessary event consent will receive an expanded version of the company's AI service "A.Dot" phone call summary feature, increasing from the usual 350 calls per month to up to 1,000 calls for a maximum of 6 months. Additionally, in collaboration with OpenAI, there will be a promotion offering a 50% discount on the paid service "ChatGPT Plus" for three months. Additionally, T Universe benefits have been significantly enhanced. Customers who activate the Galaxy S25 series and subscribe to the T Universe CU discount subscription product in offline stores by March 31st will see the monthly discount limit increase from the previous 30,000 KRW to 60,000 KRW, doubling the original amount. This benefit will be available until June 30th. ◆ KT Boosts with Discounted Plans… Limited Sale of Ultra 1TB Model When pre-ordering the Galaxy S25 series through KT, customers can receive the following benefits: ▲ A Samsung genuine ultra-fast charger with the purchase of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, ▲ A choice between Galaxy Buds FE or a popular case with the purchase of the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25+, and a 3-month subscription to Millie's Library. Additionally, if purchasing with family or friends, customers can receive up to 600,000 KRW in Naver Pay gift cards (for up to 4 people). Additionally, customers who purchase the product by the end of February will receive a 150,000 KRW discount coupon for the 'Galaxy Watch 7' to be used on the Samsung.com app, as well as three 30% off coupons for accessories. Along with this, they will also receive a 3-month free trial of YouTube Premium, a 3-month free subscription to Willa with an additional 3-month 50% discount, and a 3-month unlimited subscription to various domestic and international digital magazines. The Galaxy S25 Ultra 1TB model will be released on KT's official online store, 'KT.com.' Pre-order customers can purchase the 1TB model at the price of the 512GB model, receiving a discount of 286,000 KRW. The 1TB free upgrade is available in limited quantities. KT.com pre-order customers will receive the following benefits: ▲ A 7% discount on the monthly fee of 5G plans (for up to 24 months; excludes LTE and Direct plans) ▲ 5% cashback or 12-month interest-free installment options with a maximum of 100,000 KRW when using BC, Samsung, or Shinhan cards. In addition, customers who purchase the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 7 from KT.com and activate their devices will receive a free Galaxy Buds Pro 3 on a first-come, first-served basis. First-time customers on KT.com will also receive an additional Galaxy Watch 5. KT explained that during the pre-order period, customers who watch the live broadcast of the Galaxy S25 series on KT.com and place an order will be entered into a raffle to win luxury prizes such as a Bottega Veneta card wallet, Chanel hand cream, and Hermes perfume. ◆ LGU+ Pre-installs AI Assistant 'ixi-o' ixi-o is an on-device (built-in) AI service launched in November of last year, offering features such as ▲ real-time voice phishing detection, ▲ AI search, ▲ AI call answering, ▲ visual caller ID, and ▲ quick AI summaries and suggestions. An additional feature, "AI search," which allows the AI to analyze call content and recommend related YouTube Shorts, will be added in February. LG U+ offers a benefit to customers through the "Phone Replacement Pass with New Galaxy AI Club" to reduce the burden of device replacement costs. By subscribing to this service, customers can receive up to 40% of the original price back when returning the device after two years. LG U+ is running several promotions for customers who pre-order the Galaxy S25 series on its official online store, 'Uplus.com.' Pre-order customers will receive a Uplus.com coupon worth up to 200,000 KRW, which can be used for the purchase and activation of the Galaxy S25 series. Additionally, customers who pay with a Samsung Card will receive up to 24-month interest-free installment benefits and a cashback offer worth 90,000 KRW. If customers return their used Galaxy smartphones and purchase the Galaxy S25 series, they can receive an additional 150,000 KRW on top of the existing trade-in value. Additionally, LG U+ will offer several prizes for customers who pre-order and activate their smartphones through Uplus.com, including a Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 Ultra7 (1 winner), LG CineBeam Cube (1 winner), an Hermes scarf (1 winner), and Starbucks Americano gift cards (first 10,000 customers). Meanwhile, the three major telecom companies, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, are offering several benefits as standard. First, customers who pre-order the Galaxy S25 series will receive the "Double Storage" benefit, which allows them to upgrade from the 256GB model to the 512GB model for free. Samsung Electronics also offers the smartphone subscription service "New Galaxy AI Subscription Club." KT allows customers who purchase the Galaxy S25 series and choose the Galaxy Change Choice option to subscribe to "feel safeChange New Galaxy AI Club" (8,000 KRW per month). The "feel safeChange New Galaxy AI Club" service offers up to 50% compensation on the device price when customers return their old phone after two years when purchasing a new phone. LG U+ offers the "Phone Replacement Pass with New Galaxy AI Club." Customers who activate their devices and subscribe to the "Phone Replacement Pass" and provide additional consent will be able to use the "New Galaxy AI Club" for free. Customers of the New Galaxy AI Club can receive up to 40% of the original price back when they return their device after two years. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-23 16:56:27 메트로신문 기자

Hyundai Motor Achieves Record-High Revenue and Sales…Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Growth Lead the Way

Hyundai Motor recorded its highest-ever performance in both revenue and sales last year. Hyundai Motor announced on the 23rd that its revenue for the previous year reached an all-time high of 175.2312 trillion KRW, marking a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year. This is the highest revenue on record. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by the expanded sales of high-value models, a rise in average selling price (ASP), and favorable exchange rate effects. However, operating profit for the year was 14.2396 trillion KRW, down 5.9% from 2023. The operating profit margin also decreased from 9.3% in 2023 to 8.1%. Net profit stood at 13.2299 trillion KRW. Hyundai Motor's total sales for the previous year reached 4.141959 million units. The eco-friendly vehicle segment, driven by increased sales of hybrids and electric vehicles, grew by 8.9% compared to the previous year, reaching 757,191 units and leading the overall growth. In the domestic market, sales decreased due to the impact of economic slowdown and weakened consumer sentiment. However, in the North American market, sales increased by 4.4%, maintaining a strong growth trajectory. Hyundai Motor's revenue for the fourth quarter of last year was 46.6237 trillion KRW, an 11.9% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Operating profit was 2.8222 trillion KRW, a 17.2% decrease. Global wholesale sales in the fourth quarter totaled 1,066,239 units, a 2.2% decrease from the previous year. While the hybrid and electric vehicle segments continued to show growth, the slowdown in China and emerging markets is believed to have impacted the overall performance. A Hyundai Motor official stated, "Despite increased profit and loss volatility due to the rapidly changing external environment, we continue to grow as sales in the North American region expand and the share of hybrids continues to increase." Hyundai Motor has set its management goals for this year with a global sales target of 4.17 million units, a revenue growth rate of 3-4%, and an operating profit margin of 7-8%. Last year, Hyundai sold a total of 4.142 million units, and in 2023, it recorded sales of 4.217 million units. To achieve these goals, Hyundai plans to fully activate its local electric vehicle production system in North America, expand the sales of hybrids and electric vehicles, and focus on defending profitability. Hyundai Motor has outlined its commitment to continue investing for the future, even in the face of global crises such as increased macroeconomic volatility and growing uncertainties. The company plans to invest a total of 16.9 trillion KRW this year, focusing on responding to the transition to SDVs (Software-Defined Vehicles), building a U.S. electric vehicle supply chain, and securing continuous advancements in future technologies. A Hyundai Motor official stated, "Amid ongoing global economic uncertainties, we aim to establish a sustainable growth foundation through flexible management strategies centered around North America and the expansion of eco-friendly vehicles." Meanwhile, reflecting its strong performance, Hyundai Motor set the year-end dividend at 6,000 KRW per share. The total annual dividend for last year amounted to 12,000 KRW per share, marking a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. Hyundai Motor plans to maintain a dividend payout ratio of over 25% to enhance shareholder value. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-23 16:41:32 메트로신문 기자

日 마이니치 "3월 중 한중일 외교장관 회담 추진"

일본 정부가 3월 중 일본에서 한중일 외교장관 회담 개최를 추진 중이라는 보도가 나왔다. 22일 마이니치 신문에 따르면 일본 정부가 한국과 중국에 이 같은 의사를 타진했고, 양국 모두 긍정적인 입장을 보이고 있는 것으로 알려졌다. 회담이 성사되면 조태열 외교부 장관과 왕이 중국 공산당 중앙정치국 위원 겸 외교부장(장관), 이와야 다케시 일본 외무상이 참석하게 된다. 회담에서는 한중일 정상회담 연내 개최도 논의될 것으로 보인다. 일본 정부 관계자들은 "정부는 외교장관 회담을 조속히 열어 연내에 개최 예정인 한중일 정상회담을 위한 밑거름으로 삼을 계획"이라고 밝혔다.

2025-01-23 14:20:28 원승일 기자

머스크, 트럼프에 쓴소리…AI 투자 발표에 "투자자 돈 없다"

일론 머스크 테슬라 CEO가 도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령의 대규모 인공지능(AI) 인프라 투자 발표에 쓴소리를 했다. 22일(현지시각) 월스트리트저널(WSJ), CNN 등에 따르면 전날 머스크는 소셜미디어 엑스(X·전 트위터)에 "투자자들은 실제로 (그만큼의) 돈이 없다"고 올렸다. 이어 "소프트뱅크는 100억 달러도 채 안 되는 돈을 갖고 있다"며 "나는 확실한 출처를 통해 이 사실을 알고 있다"고 밝혔다. 트럼프 대통령은 전날 오픈AI, 오라클, 소프트뱅크와 함께 미국 내 AI 인프라에 5000억 달러를 투자하는 합작법인 '스타게이트'를 설립할 것이라고 발표했다. 이 기업들은 이 프로젝트를 위해 초기 1000억 달러를 투자하고, 향후 4년 간 최대 5000억 달러를 투자할 계획이다. 이후 캐롤라인 레빗 백악관 대변인은 폭스뉴스와의 인터뷰에서 머스크 발언 관련 "미국 국민들은 트럼프 대통령과 그 CEO들의 말을 받아들여야 한다"며 "이런 투자가 우리의 위대한 나라에서 이뤄지고 있으며, 미국의 일자리도 함께 만들어지고 있다"고 말했다. 오픈AI의 최대투자자인 마이크로소프트(MS)는 스타게이트 프로젝트의 기술 파트너로 선정돼 인프라 구축에 참여할 예정이다. MS는 이미 몇 주 전 이번 회계연도에 AI 데이터센터에 800억 달러를 투자할 계획이라고 발표한 바 있다.

2025-01-23 10:51:50 원승일 기자

미국 LA에 또 대형 산불…확산 중 주민 1만9000명 대피령

미국 캘리포니아주 로스앤젤레스(LA) 일대에서 '휴즈 산불'이 발생해 주민 1만9000명에게 대피 명령이 떨어졌다. 22일(현지시간) AP통신에 따르면 휴즈 산불은 로스앤젤레스 카스태익 호수 부근 레이크 휴즈 로드 지역에서 시작됐다. 현지 소방당국은 카스태익 호수 근처 마을 주민들에 대피령을 내렸다. 휴즈 산불은 강풍을 타고 빠르게 번지고 있는 상황이다. 불이 난지 2시간 만에 2000ha(헥타르)가 소실됐다. 소방당국은 진화를 위해 최소 항공기 10대 지원을 요청했지만 아직까지 불길은 잡히지 않고 있다.

2025-01-23 09:29:18 원승일 기자

트럼프, 푸틴에 경고 "우크라 종전 거부시 추가 제재·관세 부과"

도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령이 블라디미르 푸틴 러시아 대통령을 상대로 우크라이나 종전 협상 거부시 추가 제재와 관세 부과를 경고했다. 22일(현지시간) 주요 외신 보도에 따르면 트럼프 대통령은 이날 자신의 소셜미디어 '트루스 소셜'을 통해 푸틴 대통령의 이름을 직접 거명하며 "우리가 '곧', '협상(deal)'을 하지 않는다면 러시아가 미국 및 기타 참여국에 판매하는 모든 것에 높은 수준의 세금과 관세, 제재를 가할 수밖에 없다"고 전했다. 이어 "우리는 쉬운 방법으로 할 수도 있고 어려운 방법으로 할 수도 있다. 하지만 쉬운 방법이 항상 더 낫다"며 "내가 대통령이었다면 결코 시작하지 않았을 이 전쟁을 끝내자. 이제는 협상을 할 시간이다. 더 이상 생명을 잃어선 안 된다"고 강조했다. 트럼프 대통령은 미국이 러시아와 우호적 관계란 점도 역설했다. 그는 "경제가 실패하고 있는 러시아와 푸틴 대통령에게 매우 큰 호의(FAVOR)를 베풀 것"이라며 "지금 당장 합의하고 이 터무니 없는 전쟁을 멈춰라. (아니면) 더욱 나빠질 뿐"이라고 전했다. 월스트리트저널(WSJ)에 따르면 트럼프 대통령은 키스 켈로그 러시아·우크라이나 특사에게 100일 내에 전쟁을 끝낼 것을 지시한 것으로 알려졌다. 평화 협상은 본인이 직접 주도할 계획인 것으로 알려졌다.

2025-01-23 09:18:41 원승일 기자

Hyundai and Kia Expect Record High Performance Amid Popularity of Eco-friendly Cars and SUVs…Moving to Respond to U.S. and Chinese Markets This Year

Hyundai Motor and Kia are continuing their strong performance, fueled by the booming eco-friendly vehicle market. With each quarter setting new record-high results, industry attention is focused on whether Hyundai and Kia will achieve unprecedented performance in the previous year. According to industry sources on the 22nd, Hyundai Motor and Kia are set to announce their annual results for last year on the 23rd and 24th, respectively. According to financial information provider FN Guide, securities firms estimate Hyundai's annual results to be approximately 173 trillion KRW in revenue and 14.8 trillion KRW in operating profit. Kia is expected to report about 106.9 trillion KRW in revenue and 12.8 trillion KRW in operating profit. If these estimated figures materialize, Kia will set record-high results in both revenue and operating profit. For Hyundai, the company is expected to achieve its highest-ever revenue figures. In 2023, the combined revenue of the two companies reached 262.472 trillion KRW, with operating profit of 26.7348 trillion KRW, marking their best-ever performance. While the possibility of surpassing 30 trillion KRW in annual operating profit seemed likely through the first half of last year, it appears that, based on the estimates, only revenue records have been broken this year. The continued upward trend in Hyundai Motor and Kia's performance can be attributed to a favorable external environment, including the sustained high exchange rates, as well as a strategic focus on selling high-value vehicles such as eco-friendly cars and SUVs. In particular, strong export performance in North America played a key role in driving the companies' improved results. However, it remains uncertain whether this upward trend will continue into this year. This year, the launch of the Trump 2.0 administration has increased policy uncertainty, which has raised concerns about the companies' performance. Despite increasing investments, such as expanding local production bases in the U.S., Hyundai failed to meet the origin requirements for batteries and key minerals used in eco-friendly vehicles. As a result, Hyundai's Ioniq 5, Ioniq 9, and Genesis GV70 electric models were excluded from the U.S. electric vehicle subsidy program. On his first day in office, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the repeal of electric vehicle subsidies, calling them "unfair." The only models from Hyundai and Kia that qualify for the subsidy in the U.S. are the Kia EV6 and EV9. In response, Hyundai Motor Group is focusing all its efforts on meeting the requirements for U.S. electric vehicle subsidy eligibility. A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "By the second quarter of this year, we will meet the parts origin requirements and be eligible for the subsidy again." Hyundai Motor and Kia are also focusing on targeting the Chinese market to expand their global sales. Hyundai Motor is preparing to launch a China-exclusive electric vehicle this year, aiming to expand sales in China, the world's largest electric vehicle market. Industry experts analyze that Hyundai's Chinese joint venture, Beijing Hyundai, will release a China-exclusive electric SUV model this year, with the price expected to be set around 20 million KRW. Kia has continued to see steady sales growth in China, leveraging its electric vehicle (EV) technology. From January to November last year, Kia's electric vehicle sales in China reached 5,526 units, a 26-fold increase compared to the same period the previous year. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung emphasized at the company's New Year's meeting earlier this year, "Since things went well last year, we don't have the luxury of being optimistic about this year," adding, "Simply trying to endure won't be a good strategy." This underscores the importance of responding quickly and flexibly to changes in the global automotive market. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-22 16:31:55 메트로신문 기자

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