SemiVoice

June 6

• Hanmi Semiconductor Forms Dedicated Team for HBM4 'TC Bonder 4'

  ➀ Hanmi Semiconductor established a 50-member specialized team named 'Silver Phoenix' to provide technical support and optimization for its 6th-gen HBM4-specific TC Bonder 4 equipment;

  ➁ The team will be deployed to client production facilities for on-site maintenance and performance enhancement;

  ➂ TC Bonder 4 improves productivity and precision over previous generations, using thermal compression to stack multiple chips for HBM4 applications.

• Korea Zinc Supports Cultural and Career Experience Programs for Children with Immigrant Backgrounds

  ➀ Korea Zinc has been sponsoring 60~80 million KRW (approximately 45,000~60,000 USD) annually since 2018 through the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation to support book purchases for children in Ulsan community centers;

  ➁ Since 2023, the company expanded its efforts by funding cultural and career exploration programs for over 80 immigrant-background children in Ulsan, with an annual contribution of 80 million KRW (~60,000 USD);

  ➂ The programs include cultural excursions (e.g., pottery museums, independence movement history), career workshops, and climate change education, culminating in a成果分享会活 (achievement-sharing event) in November.

• Doosan Enerbility Succeeds in 380MW Gas Turbine Full-Speed Full-Load Performance Test

  ➀ Doosan Enerbility successfully completed a full-speed full-load (FSFL) performance test for its 380MW gas turbine, a successor to its 2019 270MW model, marking readiness for global competition;

  ➁ The turbine achieves 380MW output, 43% efficiency (570MW and 63% in combined cycle), and meets global environmental standards, targeting overseas markets;

  ➂ Leveraging growth in the global data center market (projected to expand from 63.4GW in 2024 to 112.3GW by 2029), the company is negotiating to supply over 10 turbines to North American data centers by 2028.

• Applied Materials Korea Receives Minister of Environment Commendation Award

  ➀ Applied Materials Korea was awarded the Minister of Environment Commendation for its contributions to environmental conservation;

  ➁ The company has supported CSR initiatives including river ecosystem restoration, tree planting, and environmental education programs;

  ➂ CEO Park Kwang-sun emphasized the company's commitment to collaborating with employees and local communities to build a sustainable future

• Cuckoo Launches 'PowerClone Robot Vacuum AI 2'

  ➀ The PowerClone Robot Vacuum AI 2 features 75°C hot water sterilization and 55°C hot-air drying, eliminating 99.99% of bacteria and odors, with automated station cleaning and dustbin emptying;

  ➁ Enhanced cleaning capabilities include 16,200㎀ suction power, edge-cleaning technology for tight spaces, and automated hair/tangle management;

  ➂ Smart features include obstacle detection, customized cleaning modes, TLS-encrypted data security, and app-based remote control for IoT integration.

• U.S. Commerce Secretary 'Renegotiating Semiconductor Subsidies'... Impact on Samsung and SK Hynix Noted

  ➀ U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that semiconductor subsidies under the CHIPS Act are being renegotiated, suggesting possible reductions due to 'excessive generosity';

  ➁ Samsung (expected to receive $4.745 billion for its Texas foundry) and SK Hynix ($458 million for Indiana packaging facility) may face reduced subsidies, as the Biden administration initially pledged over $50 billion for semiconductor investments;

  ➂ Former President Trump opposes the subsidies, advocating tariffs instead, and has urged Congress to repeal the CHIPS Act.

June 5

• 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.

June 3

• SK Magic Launches 'Ultra-Compact Plus Direct Water Purifier' for Single-Person Households

  ❶ SK Magic introduces a compact water purifier with a 60% smaller size compared to previous models, featuring a 'moving faucet' to reduce splashing and a night-use lighting system;

  ❷ Incorporates a stainless steel vacuum insulation system (a first in South Korea) to cut energy consumption by 50%, along with automated self-cleaning functions including UV sterilization;

  ❸ Offers four customized temperature settings, six-stage filtration, and optional professional maintenance services at 4-month or 12-month intervals.

• Advantech to Hold Industrial Edge Computing Strategy Webinar on June 12th

  ➀ Advantech will host a webinar on June 12th to share Edge Computing and Edge AI strategies validated in heavy industries and manufacturing;

  ➀ The event includes real-world cases from partner VIVITY AI, such as AI-driven equipment monitoring and real-time safety systems;

  ➂ Topics cover Edge Computing selection criteria, Edge-to-Server integration, and a giveaway for attendees.

• BodyFriend Donates Massage Chairs to Shelter for Hearing-Impaired Elderly

  ➀ BodyFriend donated two massage chairs to Cheong-eum Welfare Center, a shelter for hearing-impaired seniors, to commemorate the 45th Disability Day;

  ➁ The center, South Korea's first welfare facility for the hearing-impaired, serves over 1,500 individuals;

  ➂ This follows BodyFriend's 2022 donation of massage chairs to 10 welfare centers in Gangnam District, reflecting its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

• SLS Advanced Materials Supplies Battery Foil to China's CATL

  ➀ SLS Advanced Materials signed a supply agreement with CATL to provide battery foil (current collector materials) for electric vehicle batteries from its Hungary plant starting in 2026;

  ➁ This marks the first partnership between a Korean battery foil manufacturer and CATL in Europe;

  ➂ CATL is expanding its European production capacity with an operational plant in Germany (14GWh), a new facility in Hungary (100GWh) set to launch this year, and a planned joint venture in Spain with Stellantis.