My personal life timeline mirrored with Hyundai's (featuring Sonata & Grandeur)

My emotional connection with Hyundai Motor Group does not stem solely from enthusiasm; my personal life timeline closely aligns with that of Hyundai Motor Company.

I’ve compared the similarities between Hyundai’s achievements/hardships and mine with each Sonata/Grandeur generation, as Hyundai’s new product development starts with the Sonata and Hyundai’s flagship model Grandeur integrates the two Sonata generations in between(e.g., the IG Grandeur integrates both the LF and DN8 Sonatas).

I was an NF Sonata and TG Grandeur until elementary school as I demonstrated accelerated personal growth through writing diaries in 5 languages, earning numerous merits, and studying high school material.

This stage is similar to how Hyundai pushed itself to release the powerful and comfortable 3.3 V6 Sonata, 3.8 V6 Grandeur, and 5.0 V8 Genesis sedans during its NF Sonata / TG Grandeur / BH Genesis era.

Yet, both my and the company’s efforts/capabilities went largely unrecognized within a cultural context that discouraged overt displays of potential.

I was a YF Sonata and HG Grandeur from middle school to sophomore year of undergrad as I’ve attempted to differentiate myself by identifying the skillsets I can uniquely demonstrate, especially as I began my studies in the U.S., yet faced concerns than appraisals, and was compared by others.

This stage is similar to Hyundai’s situation while implementing its Fluidic Sculpture design and Theta engine, where it faced skepticism and was compared with its German, Japanese, and American competitors.

Similar to my initial efforts to adjust to the U.S. culture during high school, Hyundai’s initial efforts to introduce the Grandeur as Azera in the U.S. faced difficulties due to differences/miscommunications in the U.S. market and customer preferences.

Similar to how I was challenged by ageism, Hyundai was initially doubted and compared with other brands with longer histories, despite Hyundai's desire to prove its further innovation and equal standing.

I was an LF Sonata and IG Grandeur during my last two years of Bachelor’s/undergrad as I’ve realized what acted as a major constraint on my growth, and I’ve begun efforts to develop my genuine strengths and identity.

This stage is similar to when Hyundai modified its strategies during the LF Sonata era, such as changing the suspension setting of its vehicles from being solely soft to having a balance of sporty and soft ride from the LF Sonata, and introducing the N brand beginning with the i20 N, Veloster N, and i30 N.

Similar to how Hyundai’s reputation began to turn significantly positive, I was thankfully recognized by my professors and peers for my efforts powered by my dedication.

I’m now a DN8 Sonata and GN7 Grandeur as I finalize my Master’s and look forward to further developing my identity and experiences.

I am confident in introducing/expressing my genuine identity and source of motivation and connecting them with real-life concepts, and am grateful for the continuous recognition from the public.

This stage is similar to how Hyundai continues to roll out technological features such as full screen digital gauges and navigations, smart cruise control, and surround view monitor during the DN8 Sonata era, and gets recognized for its innovations by consumers and officials worldwide.