[K-Industry: Architects of the Future] Developing the 'Super Fiber' Aramid... Nurturing a Key Material for the AI and Electric Vehicle Era

(16) Soonhong Kwon, Head of Aramid Factory, HS Hyosung Advanced Materials


Five Times the Strength of Steel, Withstands 500 Degrees

A Twenty-Year Journey at the Forefront of Development and Growth

Strong Support from Hongje Cho and Seokrae Cho


Expanding Applications in Bulletproof and Fire-Resistant Gear

AI Data Center Fiber Optics, EV Tires

Globally Recognized for Quality and Supply Stability

Securing Raw Material Supply Chains and Expanding Production Remain Challenges

Editor's NoteThe landscape of Korea's industrial sector is undergoing rapid change. Even amidst the upheaval of the global market, there are next-generation technology researchers and engineers quietly preparing for the future. They form the lifeblood of the South Korean economy and are destined to play a key role in feeding and supporting the nation of tomorrow. The Asia Business Daily is running an interview series titled 'K-Industry: Architects of the Future,' shining a spotlight on their world of innovation and vision. The sixteenth interview features Soonhong Kwon, who has led the development of proprietary aramid technology and overseen the construction and production at the HS Hyosung Advanced Materials Ulsan plant for over two decades as Head of the Aramid Factory at HS Hyosung Advanced Materials.

At the HS Hyosung Advanced Materials aramid factory located in Nam-gu, Ulsan, plant manager Soonhong Kwon presented a spool of yellow fiber. Weighing about 7 kilograms per spool, this fiber could not be snapped by hand, even strand by strand. This slender thread is, in fact, aramid—a "super fiber" stronger than steel. Kwon has been involved in every phase from the development of aramid technology to the construction and production of the Ulsan factory for more than 20 years.

Aramid's molecular structure is tightly bonded, giving it the strongest physical properties among fibers. Its tensile strength is five times higher than that of steel, making it impervious even to bullets, and it withstands temperatures above 500 degrees Celsius. It is used in bulletproof vests, fire-resistant gear, fiber optic reinforcement, and is considered a cutting-edge material that performs in extreme environments.

Soonhong Kwon, Head of Aramid Factory at HS Hyosung Advanced Materials (left), is seen on the 10th examining yarn produced at the Aramid Factory in Nam-gu, Ulsan, while discussing with officials. Photo by Bokyung Jang

Recently, aramid's applications have rapidly expanded into next-generation industries. With the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers driving up demand for fiber optic cables, the need for lightweight electric cars, and the growth of defense-related demand, aramid is gaining attention as a core material that enhances both performance and safety for future industries.

HS Hyosung Advanced Materials began developing aramid with in-house technology in 2003. After six years of research and development, the company successfully commercialized its para-aramid brand, ALKEX®, in 2009. The Ulsan plant has since undergone a phased expansion, with the latest capacity increase completed in 2021, bringing annual production capability to 3,700 tons.

Soonhong Kwon has witnessed, firsthand, the growth of aramid from a technology confined to the laboratory to a vital material for future industries, having spent more than 20 years on the ground. After joining the Anyang Research Center in 2003 and participating in the aramid development project, he was involved in both the construction and production processes at the Ulsan factory. After serving as production team leader, he now oversees all plant operations as the head of the aramid factory.

Soonhong Kwon, Aramid Plant Manager at HS Hyosung Advanced Materials, is interviewed by The Asia Business Daily on the 10th at HS Hyosung Advanced Materials in Nam-gu, Ulsan. HS Hyosung

The business did not proceed smoothly from the outset. Countless trials and errors were encountered during the process of developing a new material using proprietary technology. Nonetheless, development could continue because of the company's ongoing interest and support. Kwon noted that the sustained level of investment was thanks to the founders’ dedication.

"Aramid has been a business area of interest to HS Group's founder Hongje Cho and Honorary Chairman Seokrhae Cho," said Kwon. "Seeing a self-developed material take shape as a product and ultimately create new value for our customers has convinced me that devoting myself to this field was the right move."

Currently, Kwon’s top priority is stable production. That is because advanced technology is required at every stage, from producing polymers as raw materials and spinning them into fiber, all the way to post-processing the yarn into finished textiles.

HS Hyosung Advanced Materials' competitive edge in the global market is its production capabilities. The company emphasizes that the know-how and quality management it has accumulated over long years in the yarn business have been applied to aramid, resulting in stable quality and reliable delivery in line with customer requirements.

On the 10th, Kwon Sunhong, the factory manager (right), and Kim Donghwan, the production team leader, are inspecting the production site at the HS Hyosung Advanced Materials Aramid plant in Namgu, Ulsan. Photo by Jang Bokyung

Even when competing against Chinese companies, HS Hyosung Advanced Materials leads not with pricing, but with quality and supply stability. Although Chinese firms focus on price competitiveness rooted in lower costs, uniform quality and a reliable supply are essential for aramid, given its impact on the performance and safety of final products.

"HS Hyosung is a company with a long legacy in the yarn business, so we are highly specialized in maintaining and improving stable quality," said Kwon. "We apply this expertise to aramid as well, ensuring consistent quality and strictly meeting delivery deadlines our customers require."

Recently, signs of recovery are emerging in the aramid market. Increasing demand for bulletproof vests due to war and security concerns, as well as the expansion of the fiber optic reinforcement market driven by AI data center growth, are contributing to this trend. HS Hyosung Advanced Materials is responding to new growth by developing specialized products, including hybrid tire cords for electric vehicles and lightweight materials for bulletproof applications.

Stabilizing the supply chain and expanding production capacity for TPC—an essential raw material with high reliance on China—also remain challenges. Kwon stated that if local sourcing becomes reliably possible, he would actively consider using Korean materials. Regarding further expansion, he said, "We are closely monitoring the market and standing ready to respond proactively to any changes."

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