SemiVoice

Today

• Hanwha Ocean Accelerates Collaboration to Strengthen Competitiveness in Eco-Friendly Ships

  ➀ Hanwha Ocean signed three MOUs with Korea Register (KR) and DNV at Nor-Shipping 2025 to develop eco-friendly ship technologies, including a 150,000 CBM ultra-large ammonia carrier, LNG carrier design optimization, and MCTIB fuel tank improvements;

  ➁ The projects aim to advance ammonia transport, enhance LNG carrier efficiency, and reduce methane emissions during cold ironing operations;

  ➂ Showcased a 174,000 CBM carbon-neutral LNG carrier model with Rotor Sail technology, highlighting sustainable maritime solutions.

• Toray Advanced Materials and Haier Collaborate on Water Purifier Separation Membrane... Targeting the Chinese Market

  ➀ Toray Advanced Materials and Haier have signed a technical cooperation agreement to collaborate on RO membrane filters for Haier's water purifiers, aiming to enhance product performance and technological differentiation;

  ➁ The partnership includes joint development of advanced filters and strengthening strategic alliances to expand global market share, particularly in China;

  ➂ Toray, a pioneer in RO membrane technology since 1994, is recognized for its high-efficiency ECO series filters in water treatment across various industries.

• Samsung Electronics Showcases Innovation of 'BESPOKE AI Appliances' in Latin America

  ➀ Samsung Electronics hosted the "2025 Latin America Tech Seminar" in Mexico City on June 3 (local time) to introduce its 2025 BESPOKE AI home appliances and innovative services;

  ➁ The event highlighted cutting-edge AI technologies integrated into next-generation home appliances, emphasizing convenience and smart functionality;

  ➂ Attendees explored the new product lineup, which aims to strengthen Samsung's leadership in AI-driven consumer electronics across Latin America.

• S-OIL Introduces Location-Based Map Service for Public Institution Fuel Supply Contract Gas Stations

  ➀ S-OIL was selected as the 6th fuel supplier for the Public Procurement Service's joint procurement project, continuing its role from the 5th project, and will supply fuel to approximately 10,300 public institutions via 1,800 contracted gas stations over the next three years;

  ➁ The company launched a real-time location-based map service through its 'Oil Now' app, enabling users to easily find nearby contracted gas stations for public institutions, enhancing convenience for fleet vehicles;

  ➂ S-OIL plans to expand partnerships and promotions through the app to strengthen consumer benefits and solidify its position as a competitive, innovative energy and chemical enterprise.

• LG Electronics Conducts Global Environmental Protection Activities for World Environment Day

  ➀ LG Electronics showcased UNEP's environmental videos on billboards in New York's Times Square and London's Piccadilly Circus, promoting the 2023 theme 'End Plastic Pollution';

  ➁ The company organized volunteer activities across 28 global sites, including tree planting in Indonesia and Kazakhstan, and coastal cleanups in Singapore and Taiwan, while collecting 2,850 kg of e-waste in Seoul through a recycling campaign;

  ➂ In South Korea, LG partnered with E-Cycle Governance to offer up to 50,000 KRW (~$37 USD) in rewards for purchasing eco-friendly appliances, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

• Cheil Worldwide Produces Nongshim's 'Croquette Potato Chips Salt & Seaweed' Ad

  ➀ Cheil Worldwide created an advertising campaign for Nongshim's new snack 'Croquette Potato Chips Salt & Seaweed,' leveraging the brand's 40-year legacy to bridge generational appeal;

  ➁ The ad features a remastered 1983 commercial with comedian Lee Ju-il, paired with a catchy song popular among the MZ generation, symbolizing the product's revival for younger audiences;

  ➂ The product blends crispy potato chips with Korean seaweed flavor, aiming to strengthen Nongshim's position as a leader in the potato chip category.

• Driving SDV Innovation with 3nm SoC 'R-Car X5H'

  ➀ Renesas unveiled the world's first 3nm automotive SoC, R-Car X5H, targeting Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) with high-performance CPU/GPU (400 TOPS AI, 2-4 TFLOPS GPU), chiplet-based scalability, and FFI isolation technology;

  ➁ The chip integrates autonomous driving, infotainment, and gateway functions, supports UCIe-based customization for OEMs, and achieves 35% better power efficiency than 5nm processes;

  ➂ Global OEMs have already adopted the solution, with chiplet-enabled NPUs and multi-die designs in development to enhance vehicle centralization and SDV evolution.

• Samsung Electronics Showcases 'Bespoke AI Home Appliances' in Latin America

  ➀ Samsung hosted the 2025 Latin America Tech Seminar in Mexico City to demonstrate its latest Bespoke AI home appliances;

  ➀ Showcased products including AI refrigerators, washer-dryers, cordless vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners, emphasizing AI-powered services like energy saving and voice control;

  ➂ Plans to expand similar tech seminars in Southeast Asia and South Asia to promote its AI home ecosystem.

• Inha University Develops Tellurium-Based Ultra-Low Power Transistor

  ➀ Inha University researchers developed a 2D tellurium-based transistor capable of integrating neuro-morphic synapse functions and digital logic operations in a single device;

  ➁ The breakthrough addresses the von Neumann bottleneck by merging neuro-morphic and in-memory computing, enabling a foundational architecture for next-gen AI chips;

  ➂ The transistor features switchable p/n-type behavior and emulates biological synapses through atomic layer deposition (ALD) for precise electron control.

• Samsung Electronics Showcases 'Bespoke AI Home Appliances' Innovation in Latin America

  ➀ Samsung Electronics held the '2025 Latin America Tech Seminar' in Mexico City on June 3 (local time) to introduce its 2025 'Bespoke AI Home Appliances' innovations;

  ➁ The event highlighted cutting-edge technologies and services integrated in Samsung's AI-powered home appliance lineup;

  ➂ Attendees experienced hands-on demonstrations of next-generation smart home solutions featuring personalized AI capabilities and connectivity enhancements.

June 4

• [New Government's Key Challenges] Part 1: Trade Crisis Response and Economic Revitalization

  ➀ The new South Korean government prioritizes countering U.S. 'tariff bombs' and economic revitalization through strategic diplomatic negotiations and diversified trade partnerships;

  ➁ Emphasis on renegotiating FTAs, enhancing supply chains, and investing in Africa/Middle East to reduce trade dependence, alongside joining CPTPP and GCC agreements;

  ➂ Strengthening domestic industry clusters, expanding reshoring incentives, and addressing global regulations like CBAM to support export competitiveness.

• Korea Zinc Holds Family Month Event… Leading 'Work-Life Balance' Culture

  ➀ Korea Zinc organized family-friendly events for employees at its Seoul headquarters and Onsan Refinery during Family Month to promote work-life balance;

  ➁ Events included a kids' café with magic shows in Seoul (100 participants) and a large-scale family gathering in Ulsan with performances and games (400 participants);

  ➂ The company highlighted its commitment to fostering emotional well-being and trust through family-centric initiatives.

• KyoWon Wells Sells Refurbished Plant Cultivators

  ➀ KyoWon Wells has launched sales of refurbished 'Wells Farm Slim' plant cultivators, which are returned or recycled products that undergo professional inspection to ensure quality;

  ➁ The device features a smart automated system for hydroponic cultivation, managing light, temperature, nutrients, and ventilation for clean indoor vegetable growth;

  ➂ The company aims to enhance consumer accessibility through lower pricing and reduce electronic waste by refurbishing returned rental units.

• [Professor's Insight] Urgent Need for Regulatory Reform in Secondary Battery Fire Safety

  ➀ Secondary batteries, critical for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS), face inherent fire risks due to flammable materials like electrolytes and cathode components not classified as hazardous under current laws;

  ➁ The absence of safety regulations for manufacturing, storage, and transportation, coupled with inadequate fire response protocols, necessitates legal reforms to reclassify materials and mandate fire detection/suppression systems;

  ➂ Proposed measures include establishing a national research center for fire response, aligning with international certifications, and implementing periodic safety assessments for EVs and ESS to mitigate risks.

• Kyungdong Navien Secures First Order for 'Integrated Indoor Air Quality Solution' to be Built in Uiwang Centline

  ➀ Kyungdong Navien has won its first contract for an **Integrated Indoor Air Quality Management Solution**, which will be deployed in 733 households at Uiwang Centline by 2026；

  ➁ The solution includes **3D Air Hoods**, ventilation air purifiers, and **Navien Magic induction cooktops**, operating as a unified system to block pollutants and odors during cooking；

  ➂ The company aims to expand in the apartment housing market, with additional B2B projects like installing 2,950 3D Air Hoods at Sinbanpo Maple Xi, and strengthening sales through online/offline channels for its Navien Magic product line.

• The Evolution of OLED Stacking Technology: Fierce Competition in Layer Development

  ➀ LG Display and Samsung Display are intensifying competition in OLED stacking technology, with LG launching a 4-layer W-OLED structure for TVs and Samsung unveiling a 5-layer QD-OLED for monitors;

  ➁ Stacking layers improves brightness (up to 4000 nits), lifespan, and energy efficiency, as seen in Apple's iPad Pro utilizing a 2-stack tandem OLED for enhanced performance;

  ➂ Despite the benefits, challenges like higher material costs and complex manufacturing processes limit unlimited layer expansion, prompting companies to balance performance gains with cost efficiency.

• Review: Roborock 'Saros Z70' Robot Vacuum with Robotic Arms

  ➀ The Saros Z70 features a 5-axis robotic arm (Omnigrip) that identifies and moves lightweight objects (e.g., socks, clothes, pet toys) to clear cleaning paths, with a 300g weight limit;

  ➁ Equipped with a chassis lift system to overcome 4cm obstacles, it expands cleaning coverage across rooms while avoiding pets and small objects through AI-powered dual cameras;

  ➂ Delivers strong mopping performance with minimal water residue and a low-profile design for under-furniture cleaning, though its small water tank requires refilling every 3 days.

• LG Electronics and AI Safety Research Institute Collaborate on 'Responsible AI' Research

  ➀ LG Electronics signed an MOU with ETRI's AI Safety Research Institute to strengthen AI safety in products and jointly respond to global AI regulations like the EU AI Act.

  ➁ The collaboration includes developing AI safety guidelines, establishing AI risk assessment frameworks, and advancing ethical AI principles such as fairness and transparency through LG's 'Responsible Intelligence' initiative.

  ➂ LG has implemented internal AI governance, including a dedicated AI Office and the 'LG Shield' security system, to enhance data protection and compliance with global standards.

• SK Hynix Overtakes Samsung Electronics to Lead Global DRAM Market in Q1

  ➀ SK Hynix secured 36% global DRAM market share in Q1 2025 with $9.718 billion in revenue, surpassing Samsung Electronics ($9.1 billion, 33.7%) for the first time;

  ➁ Its success was driven by high-value products like HBM, positioning it as NVIDIA's key HBM supplier in the AI market;

  ➂ Micron ranked third with $6.58 billion (24.3% share), while TrendForce predicts increased DRAM shipments in Q2 as companies adjust inventories post-US tariff grace period.

• TSMC CEO: 'Despite US Tariffs, AI Will Drive Record-Breaking Performance This Year'

  ➀ TSMC CEO stated at a shareholder meeting that strong AI demand will help achieve record revenue and profit in 2025 despite partial impacts from U.S. tariffs;

  ➁ He acknowledged tariffs might raise chip prices and reduce some demand, but emphasized TSMC’s business outlook remains optimistic;

  ➂ Denied Bloomberg's report about plans to build a production plant in the Middle East as inaccurate.

April 1

• Dongkuk Steel aims to secure workforce amid tough market conditions

  ➀ Dongkuk Steel Group announced the open recruitment of new and experienced employees for the year 2025, with applications available on their recruitment website until April 13th. The selection process includes an online personality test, document screening, interviews, and medical examinations.

  ➁ New employees will be assigned to 22 positions in Seoul, Incheon, Pohang, and Dangjin. Experienced employees will be assigned to 3 positions in Seoul, Incheon, and Pohang.

  ➂ Final successful candidates are expected to join in early July. The recruitment schedule and results will be notified via the website and text messages.

• KCC and KCC Silicon donate 250 million won for wildfire recovery

  ➀ KCC and KCC Silicon have donated 250 million won to support wildfire victims and aid in rapid recovery.

  ➁ KCC donated 200 million won, and KCC Silicon donated 50 million won, which will be delivered through the National Disaster Relief Association.

  ➂ The funds are intended to support livelihoods and restore living conditions for residents in affected areas, and KCC reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility and continuing philanthropic efforts.

• Dreame Releases 25-Year Model Cost-effective Robot Vacuum 'L40S Pro Ultra'

  ➀ Dreame Technology has released the L40S Pro Ultra, a new model in their L-series robot vacuum line, featuring advanced core technologies such as dual robot arms and the EasyLeap system for innovative cleaning.

  ➁ The L40S Pro Ultra is designed to meet diverse customer needs with improved performance and reduced prices, offering superior suction power, innovative brush systems, and convenient features like automatic cleaning and drying.

  ➂ To celebrate the launch, a 'Super Brand Day' promotion is being held on GMarket and Auction, offering customer benefits such as accessory kits and gift certificates.

• Novosense Releases Atmosphere Lamp Driver NSUC1500 Supporting 16-bit Dimming

  ➀ Novosense, an analog semiconductor specialist, has released the NSUC1500-Q1, a system-on-chip (SoC) for vehicle interior atmosphere lamp driver systems.

  ➁ The NSUC1500-Q1 integrates an Arm Cortex-M3 core and a 4-channel high-precision current LED driver, supporting 16-bit independent PWM dimming and 6-bit analog dimming for more precise control and effective compensation for light attenuation.

  ➂ The product meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 and CISPR 25 Class EMC standards, ensuring high reliability and flexibility. It is designed for future vehicles evolving into emotional and intelligent mobile living spaces, enhancing the driving and riding experience with smart and comfortable interior atmosphere lamps.

• LS Group and LIG Group Sign MOU for Strategic Collaboration in Defense Industry

  ➀ LS Group and LIG Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand collaboration in the defense industry, as well as in electricity, energy, and communications.

  ➁ The two groups plan to engage in joint research and development, market surveys, exchange of technology and human resources, and the establishment of joint investment companies.

  ➂ They aim to create synergies by leveraging each other's core competencies and resources for mutual growth, and plan to form a coordinating body to concretize collaboration methods, partnership strategies, and action plans in the near future.

• DYETEC Research Institute and Control Union Korea Sign Cooperation Agreement to Support Sustainable Fiber Certification

  ➀ DYETEC Research Institute and Control Union Korea are set to sign a cooperation agreement at 'DORNBIRN GFC-ASIA 2025' to establish a cooperative system to support sustainable fiber certification for the domestic fiber industry.

  ➁ Control Union, a global certification body with over 100 years of history, issues certifications such as GRS, RCS, OCS, and GOTS, which are essential for fiber companies' global exports.

  ➂ The collaboration aims to support certification processes, standardize and ensure reliability of certification procedures, exchange information and technology regarding international standards and regulations, and jointly operate sustainable fiber technology seminars and ESG education programs.

• New Representative Appointed at German Chamber of Commerce in Korea

  ➀ The German Chamber of Commerce in Korea (KGCCI) has appointed Marie Antonia von Schnurbein as its new representative.

  ➁ Von Schnurbein has over 20 years of experience in international business, corporate relations, and chamber operations. She has held positions such as Head of Corporate Relations at the German Chamber of Commerce in Spain, Deputy Director, and Chairman of the Barcelona office. In 2022, she served as the representative for the German Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka.

  ➂ Von Schnurbein expressed her commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and innovation between Korean and German companies, and aims to create new opportunities and strengthen influence in both markets with members and partners.

• SK Chemical Showcases Sustainable Solutions at Europe's Largest Coating Expo

  ➀ SK Chemical participated in the European Coating Show 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, from the 25th to 27th of March, marking its first participation in a coating and painting exhibition.

  ➁ The company showcased sustainable materials such as Skybon, SkyCHDM, and Ecotrion, emphasizing environmentally friendly and high-performance products.

  ➂ SK Chemical plans to continue tailoring its marketing strategies to highlight the sustainability of its technologies and materials across different regions and industries.

• New Degradation Mechanism of Lithium-ion Batteries Discovered

  ➀ A hidden cause of battery life reduction has been discovered by a research team led by Professor Hong Ji-hyun at POSTECH, in collaboration with researchers from KIST and Professor Kim Jong-soon from Sungkyunkwan University.

  ➁ The team found that a quasi-conversion reaction occurs during battery discharge, causing oxygen from the cathode material to escape and form lithium oxide, which reacts with the electrolyte to produce gas and degrade battery performance.

  ➂ The research, supported by various Korean technology development programs, was published as a cover paper in the journal 'Advanced Energy Materials.'

March 31

• TJ Plus CTO Park Myung-kyun Develops Enclear Non-conductive Liquid Fire Extinguisher

  ➀ TJ Plus CTO Park Myung-kyun has developed 'Enclear', a non-conductive liquid fire extinguisher, which has been certified for both general fire (A) and electrical fire (C). It is capable of handling electrical fires at a safe distance without the risk of electric shock or secondary damage to equipment.

  ➁ The extinguishing agent is non-toxic to humans, has a freezing point of minus 20 degrees, and minimizes damage to electronic devices. It can also prevent thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries by cooling them effectively.

  ➂ The product is already patented in the U.S., China, Japan, and Taiwan, with plans for global market expansion. TJ Plus aims to make the product more affordable through mass production and diversified product lineups.