Hanwha Aerospace is intensifying cooperation with the Republic of Korea Army to export K‑MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) capabilities abroad. Defense firms will promote Korea’s institutionalized MRO model overseas to support military diplomacy, while the Army will publicize logistics support solutions tailored to foreign militaries, broadening civil–military collaboration. Hanwha Aerospace recently participated in the Army Headquarters’ Logistics Staff Department meeting, where the Army outlined plans to export a Korean‑style MRO model. Officials said they will pursue exports under a provisional “K‑PBL (Korean Performance‑Based Logistics)” framework designed to support a governmentwide push to energize K‑defense. The plan is to adapt the Army‑industry MRO cooperation model—built for South Korea’s security—and offer it to customers in Poland, the Middle East and other international markets. Hanwha Aerospace said it will work with the Army to meet overseas demand and expand MRO exports.
◆ HS Hyosung Advanced Materials Receives Endangered Species Conservation Sponsorship Certificate
HS Hyosung Advanced Materials was recently awarded an “Endangered Species Conservation Sponsorship Certificate.” The National Institute of Ecology has held the event annually since 2021 to raise public awareness of endangered species conservation and to recognize corporate sponsorship efforts. HS Hyosung signed a memorandum of understanding with the institute in 2022 and has since pursued biodiversity projects, including planting 2,000 seedlings of the Class II endangered wild plant Jeonju mulkkoripul. In recognition of these efforts, the company has been listed among recognized corporate sponsors of endangered species conservation since 2023. The company has also taken active steps to protect threatened honeybees by creating forage gardens: planting endangered wild plants at the Mulbeodeul Ecological Experience Learning Center in Seocheon County, South Chungcheong Province in 2023, and at the Ulsan Climate Crisis Response Education Center in Ulju County, Ulsan in 2024. Nectar plants such as rapeseed (canola) and buckwheat provide bees with the nectar and pollen they need to maintain colonies and support population growth.
◆ LG Energy Solution Joins Global Auto Software Open Market “SDVerse”
LG Energy Solution is accelerating its push into the software‑defined vehicle (SDV) market by leveraging its battery expertise. The company became the first battery maker to join SDVerse, an open B2B marketplace for vehicle software established by an alliance led by U.S. automaker General Motors, Canadian supplier Magna and India’s Wipro. SDVerse provides an open ecosystem where OEMs, major global suppliers and software developers can trade automotive software in one place, helping to speed the industry’s transition to SDVs. Through the platform, LG Energy Solution plans to showcase its battery services and software capabilities, solidifying its position as a total‑solution provider and accelerating market differentiation.
◆ KCC Marks Ninth Year in “Saetteul Village” Project, Continues Improving Housing for Vulnerable Residents
KCC has supported housing improvements for vulnerable households through the Saetteul Village project, helping a cumulative 1,325 households through last year. The company renewed its Saetteul Village agreement this year and will continue industry‑linked social contribution efforts. KCC has participated in the program since 2018, marking its ninth consecutive year of support and sustained public–private housing improvement work. Saetteul Village is a cross‑agency government initiative run by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Local Government Committee, with participation from eight organizations including Korea Habitat for Humanity. The project brings together government bodies, public institutions, nonprofits and private firms to upgrade housing and living infrastructure in vulnerable urban areas and help rebuild community ties. Last year, KCC supported renovations for 221 households across Busan’s Jin District, Gwangju’s Gwangsan District, Wonju in Gangwon Province, Jeonju in North Jeolla Province and Mungyeong in North Gyeongsang Province. This year the company plans to provide about 200 million KRW (roughly $150,000) in building materials to renovate approximately 200 aging homes.
◆ S‑OIL Donates 230 Million KRW to the Korea National Council on Social Welfare
S‑OIL delivered 230 million KRW (approximately $172,500) from its “Gas Station Sharing N Campaign” to the Korea National Council on Social Welfare at the company’s Yeomni‑dong gas station in Mapo District. The campaign uses neighborhood S‑OIL stations to support nearby welfare centers and vulnerable residents through a community‑focused social contribution program. More than 200 S‑OIL stations nationwide participate, donating to local children’s centers and facilities for people with disabilities and the elderly. S‑OIL has run the campaign in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea National Council on Social Welfare since 2011.
◆ Samsung Heavy Industries Validates LNG Liquefaction System Competitiveness
Samsung Heavy Industries demonstrated the competitiveness of its LNG liquefaction system on the global stage. At OTC ASIA 2026, held recently at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the company’s SENSE LNG system won a special award. OTC ASIA is a biennial international offshore technology conference that honors individuals and companies for innovative contributions to marine technology. Samsung Heavy’s system cools natural gas to −163°C (−261.4°F), reducing its volume to one‑six‑hundredth for large‑scale storage and transport. Historically, a handful of specialized European and U.S. firms—such as Royal Dutch Shell, ConocoPhillips and Air Products—dominated this core technology. Samsung Heavy independently developed the SENSE liquefaction system in 2017 and, through ongoing performance upgrades and more than 1,000 hours of verification testing, has established a platform for global market entry.
◆ Sampyo Jeong In‑uk Scholarship Foundation Supports Young Artists and Athletes Preparing for Independence
The Sampyo Group’s Jeong In‑uk Scholarship Foundation is helping young people preparing to live independently by supporting future talent in the arts and athletics. The foundation held a scholarship certificate ceremony for the “Arts and Athletics Talent Support for Youth Preparing for Independence” at Green Agora in Jung District, Seoul. The program assists youths with artistic or athletic potential who face economic barriers. After evaluating candidates’ development plans and achievements, the foundation selected 11 scholars: six athletes (including soccer, weightlifting, track and field, jiu‑jitsu and wheelchair fencing) and five artists (viola, film, haegeum [Korean traditional string instrument], and Western painting). Each selected scholar will receive up to 8,000,000 KRW (about $6,000) in support.
