SemiVoice

September 17

• Citi Group Predicts Micron's 48% Revenue Growth Next Year, Closing Gap with SK Hynix

  ➀ Citigroup forecasts Micron's FY2026 revenue to reach $56 billion (~78 trillion KRW), a 48% YoY increase from $37.7-$37.9 billion in FY2025;

  ➁ Micron's HBM production expansion includes new Singapore advanced packaging facilities and Idaho DRAM fab upgrades to capitalize on 33% CAGR HBM market growth (projected $98B by 2030);

  ➂ Analysts highlight Micron's data center/AI-driven revenue (55% of total) and 2-year sales surge (50% growth) posing competitive pressure on HBM leader SK Hynix.

• ADTechnology Selected as '2025 Korea's Premier Job-Creating Company'

  ➀ ADTechnology was certified as a 'Premier Job-Creating Company' by Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor for its contributions to quality employment expansion and workplace improvement;

  ➁ The semiconductor design firm increased its workforce from 274 employees in 2023 to 388 in 2025 H1, with a focus on youth recruitment and vocational high school talent development;

  ➂ It implemented employee welfare programs, including early leave every Wednesday, monthly early Fridays, and flexible annual leave approval.

• Samsung's 'Micro RGB TV' Receives Global Acclaim

  ➀ Samsung's 115-inch Micro RGB TV, showcased at IFA 2025, earned widespread praise from international media, with TechRadar UK calling it 'the best TV of IFA' and a panel that 'heralds a new era';

  ➁ The TV was lauded for its color accuracy, contrast ratio, and immersive experience, with Trusted Reviews stating it 'sets a new benchmark for TVs';

  ➂ Samsung's portable screen 'The Moving Style' also attracted significant attention, named 'Best Tech of IFA' by Digital Trends.

• SK On Completes All-Solid-State Battery Pilot Plant... 'Commercialization by 2029'

  ➀ SK On announced the completion of its all-solid-state battery pilot plant in Daejeon, accelerating its commercialization target from 2030 to 2029;

  ➁ The company aims to achieve energy density of 800Wh/L initially and 1,000Wh/L long-term, utilizing its proprietary WIP-Free technology to enhance production efficiency;

  ➂ Innovations include reduced internal resistance through optimized electrode design and parallel development of lithium metal batteries for higher energy density.

• SK Hosts 'Ulsan Forum'... Sparks Innovation in Southeast Region Through Technology and Culture

  ➀ SK Group and Ulsan Chamber of Commerce co-host the 4th Ulsan Forum on September 24, focusing on integrating technology and culture to drive regional innovation;

  ➁ The forum features sessions on 'AI Hub for Manufacturing' and 'Local Culture Network,' building on previous initiatives like cultural street development and joint cultural projects;

  ➂ Concrete plans to link AI and cultural content with local industries will be announced, supported by government bodies, universities, and broadcast live on YouTube.

• K-SURE Lowers Financial Entry Barriers for Small Shipbuilders

  ➀ Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) signed a multilateral agreement with six institutions to enhance financial accessibility for small shipbuilders;

  ➁ The agreement reduces costs for specialized reports required in financial processes and supports 70% of related expenses;

  ➂ Aims to eliminate hidden financial barriers and improve order competitiveness for small shipbuilders through collaborative efforts.

• HD Hyundai Electric Supplies Eco-Friendly High-Voltage Circuit Breakers to Finland, Accelerating European Market Expansion

  ➀ HD Hyundai Electric secured a contract to supply 145kV SF6-Free high-voltage circuit breakers in Finland, marking its second European order after a Swedish deal in May 2024;

  ➁ The eco-friendly breakers, developed domestically in Korea, eliminate sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions and align with tightening global environmental regulations;

  ➂ With the global circuit breaker market projected to double to $42.9 billion by 2032, HD Hyundai Electric is expanding in Europe and the U.S., including 345kV breaker supplies for American data centers and ongoing 420kV model testing.

• Autumn Recruitment Focuses on 'A·C·E' (AI, Communication, Experienced Professionals)

  ➀ A survey by the Korea Chamber of Commerce reveals 69.2% of companies prioritize AI skills, 55.4% value communication, and 54.9% seek experienced professionals in second-half hiring;

  ➁ 69.4% of firms demand AI specialists, emphasizing data processing, AI-driven service design, and AI development capabilities;

  ➂ Experienced hires are preferred (51% of companies), while labor policies like the 4.5-day workweek and retirement age extension significantly impact recruitment strategies.

September 16

• [Photo] Virtual Reality (VR) Game Experienced in Extended Reality (XR) Space

  ➀ A multi-generational career experience center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, attracts visitors with XR-based cosmic space exploration and VR gaming activities;

  ➁ Korea Job World offers immersive VR games in an XR environment, blending education and entertainment;

  ➂ The facility caters to both children and adults, highlighting the growing integration of XR/VR technologies in interactive learning and leisure.

• [Photo] Children Experiencing the Mobility Universe

  ➀ A multi-generational career experience center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, attracts families with interactive mobility-themed activities;

  ➀ Children explore futuristic mobility concepts at the Korea Job World facility;

  ➂ The center emphasizes immersive learning through hands-on exhibits for all ages.

• Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun: 'Developing Easy and Fast AI Application Technology'... Samsung AI Forum 2025

  ➀ Samsung hosted the 'Samsung AI Forum 2025' on September 15-16, 2025, featuring global AI experts like Yoshua Bengio and Joseph Gonzalez, who discussed vertical AI strategies in semiconductors and introduced new AI models such as 'Scientist AI' to enhance safety and scientific discovery.

  ➁ Samsung emphasized AI's critical role in chip design, software development, and overcoming manufacturing challenges, with DS Division VP Song Yong-ho highlighting AI's transformative potential.

  ➂ The forum also addressed future 'Agantic AI' advancements, including UC Berkeley's 'Sleep-time Compute' paradigm and large-scale reasoning models (LRM), streamed globally via Samsung’s YouTube channel.

• Ceragem Sponsors International Women’s Tennis Tournament to Strengthen Customer Engagement

  ➀ Ceragem sponsors the WTA 500 Korea Open 2025, installing its medical and wellness products, including the Paujet M8 Fit massage device and Celltron Circulation Chair, in player lounges and recovery zones to showcase technological innovation;

  ➁ The Paujet M8 Fit offers AI-driven full-body massage, while the Celltron chair uses electrotherapy for blood circulation improvement and muscle pain relief, both certified by Korean regulatory authorities;

  ➂ Ceragem aims to strengthen global sports marketing and expand overseas market influence through this high-profile event, which has a total prize pool of 1.6 billion KRW (approx. $1.2 million USD).

• SK Innovation Launches Volunteer Activity to Create Maps for the Mobility Disadvantaged

  ➀ SK Innovation announced a volunteer initiative where employees nationwide will collect accessibility data (e.g., ramps, entryways) from commercial facilities for a map app aiding people with disabilities, infants, and other mobility-disadvantaged groups, aiming to cover 1,000 locations by year-end;

  ➁ The effort collaborates with non-profit '계단뿌셔클럽,' which has amassed data on 76,000 facilities since 2023, supported by SK’s social contribution arm, and its founder was named among BBC’s 2024 '100 Women';

  ➂ SK Innovation also plans a focused 'V-Week' from September 15–26, featuring programs like assistive activities for children with developmental disabilities and e-book creation for the visually impaired.

• [Photo] Exciting Experience of Future Mobility

  ➀ A multi-generational job experience center at Korea Job World in Seongnam, South Korea, attracts families and individuals of all ages;

  ➁ Children participate in interactive activities exploring futuristic mobility technologies and career pathways;

  ➂ The venue showcases innovations in transportation, offering hands-on learning about next-gen mobility solutions.

• Doosan Robotics Establishes Integrated R&D 'Innovation Center'

  ➀ Doosan Robotics consolidated dispersed R&D facilities in Bundang and Suwon into a new 2,000-pyeong Innovation Center in Seongnam to maximize R&D synergy;

  ➁ The center will host 80 researchers focusing on humanoid robots, hardware, AI, and intelligent robotic software solutions;

  ➂ Appointed Oh Chang-hoon, former CTO of Toss Securities, to lead AI and software development, leveraging industrial data to advance Physical AI innovation.

• KDDX Faces a Critical Week: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Victory or New Variables Emerge?

  ➀ South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is expected to finalize the contractor selection for the KDDX next-generation destroyer project this week, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries likely securing the negotiated contract due to its prior basic design work;

  ➁ Despite momentum for a single-source contract, opposition persists from civilian committee members and the Minister of National Defense, who historically opposes non-competitive bidding, risking delays or procedural hurdles;

  ➂ Industry experts emphasize the urgency to resolve the contractor selection to ensure project stability, while uncertainties remain over political and institutional decisions ahead of DAPA's final approval on September 30.

• LG Electronics Expands XBoom Buds Wireless Earbuds Lineup

  ➀ LG Electronics expanded its XBoom Buds lineup to three models: the premium XBoom Buds Plus, budget XBoom Buds Lite, and existing mid-range model;

  ➁ The XBoom Buds Plus features adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation (ANC), 'Plug and Wireless' connectivity for non-Bluetooth devices, and UV sterilization;

  ➂ The XBoom Buds Lite offers ANC, customizable EQ, multi-point connectivity, and up to 35 hours of battery life at an affordable price.

• Hyosung TNC to Produce Fibers from Discarded Clothing Through Recycling

  ➀ Hyosung TNC launches Korea's first T2T (Textile-to-Textile) project, partnering with Canada's LOOP Industries to recycle discarded clothing into polyester fibers, starting Q4 2025;

  ➁ Global textile waste reaches 92 million tons annually, yet recycling rates remain low (1% for clothing regeneration). The T2T initiative aims to expand recycled fiber adoption, with the market projected to grow to 75 trillion KRW (~$56.9 billion) by 2030;

  ➂ The collaboration will showcase its sustainable fashion model at the Première Vision Paris exhibition, promoting a circular textile ecosystem.

September 15

• "AI PC Market Grows"... Intel Responds with Full Force Using 'Panther Lake'

  ➀ Intel is intensifying its AI PC market strategy with its next-gen processor 'Panther Lake,' leveraging Windows 10's end-of-support in October 2025 to drive PC replacement demand and AI processor adoption;

  ➁ In Q2 2025, AI PCs accounted for nearly 40% of Intel processor notebook sales in South Korea, a 6% YoY increase, with 87% of enterprises considering AI PCs for future upgrades;

  ➂ Intel aims to supply 100 million AI PCs by the end of 2025, with Panther Lake (built on 18A process) offering 2x AI performance improvement over Arrow Lake and enhanced power efficiency to solidify its market leadership.

• Samsung Display Cashes in on Corning Stock Sales for Significant Profit

  ➀ Samsung Display sold 6 million shares of Corning stock in two transactions this year (March and August), generating approximately **500 billion KRW ($3.58 billion USD**, based on average exchange rates).

  ➁ Corning's stock surged over 50% year-to-date to $75+ (as of September 11) due to growing interest in silicon photonics, a technology replacing electrical signals with light for advanced semiconductor applications.

  ➂ Samsung Display retains 68 million Corning shares, positioning it for future gains. The shares originated from restructuring deals in 2013 and 2021, with Samsung exercising put options since 2024 to liquidate portions of its stake.

• Protec Develops 'Copper Pin Attachment' Equipment for Advanced Packaging, Replacing Electroplating

  ➀ Protec unveiled the CPA-6000, a copper pin attachment equipment that inserts pre-made copper pins into a pin mask's holes, aligns them with ±5μm precision, and fixes them via laser bonding.

  ➁ The method reduces process time from 1,200 minutes (for electroplated copper pillars) to 5 minutes, while eliminating the need for electroplating facilities and chemicals to cut costs and space.

  ➂ Targeting advanced packaging markets like PoP and 2.5D packages, Protec plans to mass-produce the equipment by 2026 to enhance I/O density and address limitations of solder bumps.

• Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics Significantly Increase New Models of Kimchi Refrigerators

  ➀ Samsung and LG expanded their 2025 kimchi refrigerator models, with Samsung launching 49 models (vs. 31 in 2024) and LG 78 models (vs. 60 in 2024), intensifying competition amid Winia’s bankruptcy;

  ➁ Both companies improved energy efficiency: 100% of Samsung’s and 88% of LG’s 2025 models achieved Grade 1 certification despite stricter government standards;

  ➂ Focused on ultra-slim (4mm) built-in designs for kitchen integration, while China’s Haier targets niche markets with smaller capacities (80L–306L).

• Personnel Appointments at Korea Design Promotion Agency

  ➀ Strategic Management Headquarters' Human Resources Team Leader: Ahn Na-young;

  ➁ Strategic Management Headquarters' Financial Accounting Team Leader: Shin Kyung-min;

  ➂ Performance Promotion Division Management Evaluation Team Leader: Yoo Dong-seok;

  ➃ Service Design Division Safety Design Team Leader: Park Min-young

• NVIDIA Switches to SOCAMM2... Crisis Turned to Opportunity for Samsung and SK

  ➀ NVIDIA has halted its SOCAMM1 project and is proceeding with SOCAMM2, initiating sample testing with Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron due to technical issues with the earlier version;

  ➁ SOCAMM2 offers faster data transfer speeds (up to 9600MT/s) and may incorporate LPDDR6, resetting competition as Samsung and SK Hynix regain parity with Micron, which initially led in SOCAMM1;

  ➂ Mass production of SOCAMM2 is expected in early 2026, gradually expanding adoption to address AI server memory demands alongside HBM.

• KDDX Negotiated Contract Push Sparks Backlash: 'Why Not a Win-Win Solution?'

  ➀ South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) plans to advance a negotiated contract for the KDDX next-generation destroyer project, favoring HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as the sole contractor due to its involvement in the basic design phase;

  ➁ Critics argue that a collaborative approach (joint design and construction) between HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean would enhance efficiency, ensure timely delivery, and foster industry ecosystem sustainability, with lawmakers and experts urging DAPA to reconsider;

  ➂ Opposition highlights the success of HD Hyundai and Hanwha's prior collaboration in Canada's submarine project, emphasizing the need to prioritize national defense interests and global export competitiveness through partnership.

• POSCO Continues 57 Years of No Labor Disputes... Finalizes 2025 Wage and Collective Agreement

  ➀ POSCO's 2025 wage and collective agreement passed with 71.76% approval, maintaining its 57-year strike-free tradition since 1968;

  ➁ The agreement includes an 84.6 USD (110,000 KRW) monthly wage increase, bonuses totaling ~5,000 USD (6.5 million KRW) per worker, and enhanced safety measures;

  ➂ Labor and management prioritized early resolution amid global steel industry challenges, including overcapacity and U.S. tariffs.

• Worker Death at GS Caltex Logistics Center... “Full Efforts to Identify Cause and Prevent Recurrence”

  ➀ A 60-year-old subcontractor worker died at GS Caltex's Incheon logistics center on September 12 after falling while preparing for afternoon work during lunch break.

  ➁ GS Caltex halted all related operations, launched an investigation with authorities, and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

  ➂ The company pledged to strengthen safety management systems and prevent future incidents through thorough cause analysis.

• Petroleum Refining Industry Faces Gloomy Outlook in Second Half Due to Weak Refining Margins, Oil Prices, and Demand

  ➀ South Korea's petroleum refining industry, suffering large-scale losses in Q2 2025, anticipates continued struggles in H2 due to persistently weak refining margins (at $3-4 per barrel, below breakeven), falling international oil prices (WTI at $62/barrel), and declining demand;

  ➁ Global economic slowdown, U.S.-China trade tensions, and increased OPEC+ production further suppress oil prices and demand recovery, despite typical seasonal demand peaks;

  ➂ Analysts predict limited improvement in refinery performance, expecting annual losses despite potential H2 margin adjustments, with no immediate catalysts for a rebound.

September 14

• Samsung Electronics Service Conducts Support Activities for Youth Preparing for Independence

  ➀ Samsung Electronics Service provided free smartphone and tablet inspections at the Changwon Convention Center on September 13, while donating daily necessities like blankets to support youth transitioning to independence;

  ➁ Participated in the "Dream Catcher Festival" to empower 100+ youths and at-risk children in Gyeongnam Province through residential and job training programs, including an air-conditioning technician training initiative;

  ➂ Conducted technical workshops in Daejeon on September 9, covering IoT, welding, industrial safety, and career guidance to enhance employability for trainees.

• Otek Carrier’s EHS Heat Pump Targets Carbon Neutral Market with 300% Efficiency

  ➀ Otek Carrier launched the EHS Heat Pump, achieving over 300% energy efficiency, targeting South Korea's carbon-neutral market projected to grow to 4 trillion KRW (~3.07 billion USD) by 2026;

  ➁ The heat pump utilizes ambient air heat and AI-powered control to maintain stable heating even at -30°C, with applications in agriculture, industrial complexes, and public facilities;

  ➂ Future plans include Zero Energy Houses powered by solar hybrid boilers, starting in Jeju Island, to advance eco-friendly energy transitions.