The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) held the "2025 Automobile Person Awards" at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on the 22nd and presented the industry innovation award to Hyundai Motor President José Muñoz (photo).
President Muñoz took office in January as Hyundai Motor's first foreign CEO and was credited with successfully overcoming a challenging business environment, bolstering Hyundai Motor's strong global sales and its high-profit management system.
The industry merit award went to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI). MOTI was recognized for overseeing trade and the overall automobile industry so that the auto sector could maintain stable export conditions and competitiveness amid changes in the global trade environment and uncertainties in tariff and supply chains.
The public relations award went to Lee Eun-jung, a senior vice president at Mercedes-Benz Korea. Since 2016, Lee has overseen Mercedes-Benz Korea's public relations, and she was credited with solidifying the premium brand's position in the Korean market.
Lee Yun-se, CEO of Ray Communication, also received a public relations award. Representing Peugeot and Jeep PR for Stellantis Korea, Lee was recognized for prioritizing industry understanding and media relations while supporting successful PR across various fields including mobility, public institutions, retail and culture, and IT.
Choi Dae-yeol, head of the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, said, "Established in 2019, the Automobile Person Award carries the meaning that more than 200 reporters from 59 media outlets celebrate the achievements of those who brightened the auto industry this year and ask them to work even harder for the industry's development in the new year," adding, "We applaud those who have earned the honor of winning."