Hyunjin Jang: Precision, Continuity, and the Logic of Control

AUTHOR: VERA VON MONIKA

Hyunjin Jang is not a driver defined by noise. Over the course of his career, he has built his position within Korean motorsport through consistency, technical understanding, and a rare continuity with Seohan GP - a partnership that has spanned sixteen years. Currently serving as Director at the automative firm BROS Co., LTD. while competing at the highest level of the CJ Superrace Championship, he combines competitive execution with technical insight, shaped by a career that has evolved alongside the sport itself. His background in automotive development further distinguishes his profile, positioning him not only as a driver, but as a technical reference within his team.

In this interview, Jang reflects on the evolution of racing from its analog foundations to today’s data-driven precision, and how that shift has shaped the way he balances driver instinct with engineering logic. He also addresses the value of long-term team continuity, the current state of Korean motorsport, and what remains unfinished, both in his own career and on the global stage.

Your career began in a far more “analog” racing environment. Today, performance is increasingly shaped by data, simulation, and engineering feedback loops. How has that shift changed the way you interpret the car, and do you think something essential has been lost or gained in that transition?

That's right. I started in much more analog racing. I believe recent technological advancements have had a positive impact on how I interpret vehicles; they have made me more refined and advanced. Aside from the complexity of the engineering aspects, I think I have gained everything.

With a background in automotive development, your relationship with the car is often described as unusually technical. In the cockpit, does your instinct lean more toward driver or engineer, and how does that dual perspective shape the feedback you give Seohan GP?

During a race, my driving intuition is closer to the driver's side. However, when it comes to vehicle trouble or setting up the setup, I interpret it from the engineer's perspective. This is of great help to the Seohan GP team in vehicle setup and resolving vehicle troubles. In fact, they often rely on me for these matters.

In a sport defined by constant movement, long-term continuity with one team is increasingly rare. At what point does that stability become a competitive advantage, and how much of performance at your level is built on accumulated understanding rather than raw speed?

Actually, I have been with the Seohan Group sponsors for 16 years. The ownership of the racing team has changed about twice, but I have always been with the Seohan Group companies. I think it is the trust and faith based on my driving and understanding. Trust within a team seems to be based not just on simple driving, but on reliable results and the engineering skills I possess.

As the Super 6000 platform has evolved into the current GR Supra era, where has the limit shifted the most from a driver’s perspective? Is the challenge of this specific car still something you chase physically, or is it a limit you now negotiate through systems, data, and technical precision?

I believe the Super 6000 has slightly reinforced its aerodynamics, but there haven't been many changes to the powertrain. I think competition in this car requires not only overcoming physical driving challenges but also the precision of modern technology... In fact, I see the battle over developing race-specific tires as a bigger factor.

During a winning streak, the external narrative tends to focus on dominance. Internally, does the pressure increase or simplify? What, if anything, changes in your decision-making when you are consistently operating from the front?

There is no internal pressure. It is simply a tendency to focus on my tires or vehicle management. Decision-making is coordinated with the team via radio.

From inside the CJ Superrace paddock, what remains most misunderstood internationally about the level of competition and technical standard in Korean motorsport today?

There is no international homologation category. Currently, only GT4 meets FIA standards, but the number of participants and the pool of drivers are small. Although the Super 6000 is currently an international championship race, the technical level of the vehicles is low. However, I believe the skill level of the drivers and the technical expertise within the team are quite high. I look forward to seeing the domestic league upgraded to an FIA GT3 level championship soon.

For younger drivers entering the grid, your approach has become a reference point. Without direct instruction, what do you think your preparation and driving style communicate to the next generation?

To be honest, I learned through self-study from a young age and endured by overcoming challenges through experience. It wasn't wrong, but the conditions for learning weren't ideal. However, ceaseless effort allowed me to reach the very top. Although... I have recently considered retirement, I want to raise the bar for younger drivers. I want to convey the message that there is still much to learn, and that the challenges of driving and technical homework are ongoing and endless.

Looking ahead, what remains unfinished - for you personally, and for the position of Korean motorsport on the global stage?

To be honest, I am not fluent in English. If I were, I would have been much more active in the global arena. While Korean motorsports is far from the global stage, it seems that its lack of popularity within Korea is holding it back rather than the perception that it is incomplete. I believe that if motorsports gain popularity among the domestic public, it can reach its full potential. With popularity rising following the release of the movie *F1: The Movie*, I think it is only a matter of time before we can look forward to its future.

“If motorsport gains real popularity in Korea, it can reach its full potential.” — Hyunjin Jang