Korean carmakers are facing mounting labor unrest, as stalled wage negotiations raise the risk of widespread strikes that could further undermine their earnings already hit by slowing global demand and lingering tariff pressures from the United States. Following ongoing walkouts at Hyundai Motor, both Kia and Renault Korea have now secured the legal right to strike after government-led mediation efforts failed. The prospect of prolonged work stoppages comes as domestic automakers are reporting weaker second-quarter earnings and preparing for summer factory shutdowns. Additional production disruptions in the third quarter could weigh heavily on carmakers’ profitability and ripple through parts suppliers and logistics companies. Kia's labor union obtained the legal right to strike on Monday after the National Labor Relations Commission ruled that mediation had failed. If the union proceeds with industrial action, it would end the company's five-year streak of concluding annual wage negotiations without a strike. The union is demanding a 149,600 won ($102) increase in monthly base pay, a p