Euisun Chung: "We Must Navigate Labor Relations Wisely... It's an Opportunity to Lead Globally" (Comprehensive)

"Autonomous Driving: Safety Comes First, Even If Progress Is Slower"

"Robotics: Quickly Overcoming Trial and Error"

"Chinese Motor Show: Many Lessons Learned"

Yangjae Headquarters Lobby Renovation Highlights Communication

As domestic companies are experiencing conflicts with labor unions, Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, argued that resolving labor-management relations well could actually serve as an opportunity to get ahead.

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, is answering reporters' questions at the Yangjae headquarters on the 14th. Photo by Youngchan Choi

On the 14th, meeting with reporters at the Hyundai Motor Group's Yangjae headquarters, Chung said, "Given that it hasn't been long since our country has become a capitalist society after the Korean War, I see our economy as still going through various experiences," adding, "If we can wisely navigate through this, it could become a great opportunity for us to lead on a global scale."

He continued, "When it comes to labor-management relations, we've lived and worked together for a long time, and there have been ups and downs," and added, "Shareholders are important, and so is national development, so I think we need to make decisions by taking various factors into consideration."

When asked about Hyundai Motor Group's robot business plans, including Atlas, he replied, "Whether it's Boston Dynamics or our Robotics Lab, we've only worked on automobiles until now, so there have been some trial and error in fields we haven't experienced before." He explained, "Within those areas, software is important, so striking the right balance with hardware and ensuring that the culture and mindset of the people working together are well integrated is critical." He added, "We're working toward quickly overcoming the trial and error and mistakes in areas we've not previously tackled and moving rapidly to deliver better results."

Regarding the Group's autonomous driving strategy, he said, "China and Tesla are moving very quickly, and Waymo is doing well, too. Since we will implement 200 autonomous vehicles in Gwangju as a pilot, we can make up for any technical shortcomings."

Chung emphasized, "The most important thing in autonomous driving is safety, so even if it takes a little longer, we intend to focus much more on internal aspects," adding, "If problems arise while using autonomous driving features, customers may not even want to look at them anymore."

When asked about his impression of attending last month's motor show in Beijing, China, he responded, "I saw and learned a lot. The Chinese people have a strong attachment to technology, are very interested, and receive a lot of government support, so everything is moving faster than us," adding, "There are things to learn, but I also felt that it is important to be both fast and accurate."

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, is seen conducting a talk session with the team members involved in the new lobby planning at the Lobby Story Townhall held at Hyundai Motor Group's Yangjae headquarters. Hyundai Motor Group

On this day, a town hall was also held in the renovated lobby at the Yangjae headquarters. When asked about the reason for revamping the lobby, Chung said, "A short conversation can lead to new ideas, and sharing information can naturally help work proceed more smoothly. I expect that as the work environment changes, the way we work will also gradually change."

He went on to say, "Over the past 10 years, we have created many changes. The name 'Yangjae' means a land where wise and talented people gather. As the meaning of this name suggests, it was only possible because of all the outstanding people gathered here, and I am very proud of that," adding, "To continue this positive momentum, we must also keep changing the way we work and our environment."

At the end of the town hall, Chung encouraged employees by saying, "The Yangjae headquarters is like a home that has been with us for a long time. For more than 25 years, we have made many decisions and faced many challenges here, and I believe each of these steps has shaped Hyundai Motor Group as it is today. At the center of it all, there has always been all of you. In the end, the most important asset of the company is its people."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.