SemiVoice

May 30

• LG Electronics and LG Uplus Begin First Field Test of Next-Gen 'Liquid Cooling Solution' for AI Data Centers

  ➀ LG Electronics and LG Uplus are conducting the first external test of their advanced liquid cooling solution (CDU) at LG Uplus's Pyeongchon 2 data center to optimize cooling performance in high-heat AI data center environments;

  ➁ The solution uses cold plates attached to CPUs/GPUs, circulating coolant to dissipate heat, offering compact design and high energy efficiency critical for AI data centers;

  ➂ Key features include virtual sensors for system stability, inverter-driven pumps for energy savings, and leak detection sensors, leveraging LG's decade-long expertise in data center cooling technologies.

• Lotte Chemical Conducts Resource Recycling Awareness Education for Children at Workplace Daycare Centers

  ➀ Lotte Chemical announced on May 29, 2025, that it has been running a 40-day educational campaign since May 12 for children at five in-house daycare centers across Seoul, Yeosu, Uiwang, and Daesan, focusing on waste toy recycling and resource circulation awareness.

  ➁ The program, part of its 'Project LOOP' initiative, engaged children through interactive activities like environmental quizzes, toy disassembly, upcycled keychain creation, and toy donations, aiming to instill the importance of resource conservation and environmental protection.

  ➂ Partnering with social enterprise 'Elephant Factory', Lotte Chemical plans to expand this model to public daycare centers after pilot testing, reinforcing its ESG commitment through circular economy practices since 2020.

• S-Oil Launches Welfare Card Offering KRW 55 per Liter Discount for Truck Drivers

  ➀ S-OIL launched the '55 Truck Welfare Shinhan Card,' providing an immediate on-site discount of KRW 55 per liter (≈$0.042) for truck drivers at approximately 2,000 S-OIL gas stations nationwide, along with government fuel subsidies;

  ➁ The card has no annual fee, is available to all licensed freight transport operators under the Cargo Transport Business Act, and can be applied through Shinhan Card channels;

  ➂ S-OIL, the market leader in the truck fuel segment, continues to strengthen customer benefits through high-value partnerships and promotions for both commercial and general customers.

• Daehan Electric Wire Triples Bus Duct Factory Capacity

  ➀ Daehan Electric Wire tripled the production scale of its bus duct factory in Dangjin, Chungnam, completing the expansion in May 2025 and launching mass production;

  ➁ The company added polyethylene terephthalate (PET) insulation lines and introduced epoxy insulation equipment to diversify its product portfolio, enhancing performance in high-voltage/high-temperature environments;

  ➂ The upgraded facility aims to accelerate its entry into the large-capacity power distribution market, targeting data centers, smart buildings, and semiconductor plants requiring stable power supply.

May 29

• Zetacube Launches AI System Integrated Server 'SAI', Supporting Both On-Premises and DePIN Cloud

  ➀ Zetacube introduced the 'SAI' server, pre-installed with AI frameworks like DeepSeek and LLaMA3, supporting both on-premises and DePIN cloud deployments;

  ➁ The solution offers full-stack services (consulting, hardware configuration, model tuning, and training) to streamline AI adoption for enterprises;

  ➂ The product was showcased at World IT Show 2025 and won the '2025 K-Digital Brand Grand Prize' for bridging security and cost-effectiveness in AI integration.

• SK On Extends Talent Development Collaboration with UNIST

  ➀ SK On and UNIST extended their industry-academia collaboration to train battery professionals, continuing the 'e-SKB' program that offers tuition support and employment benefits;

  ➁ The program expanded to include mechanical and electrical engineering departments, allowing participation for both new enrollees and current students, and now covers doctoral programs;

  ➂ SK On is also cooperating with KAIST, Sungkyunkwan University, and Hanyang University to strengthen its R&D capabilities in the battery sector.

• HD Hyundai Electric Wins 'Economic Deputy Prime Minister Award' as Outstanding Value-Up Company

  ➀ HD Hyundai Electric received the highest Economic Deputy Prime Minister Award at the 2025 Value-Up Excellence Awards, recognized for superior performance in financial metrics (TSR, ROE, PBR) and corporate governance;

  ➁ The company secured eight incentives, including tax benefits and IR participation opportunities, after surpassing three evaluation stages involving quantitative and qualitative assessments;

  ➂ HD Hyundai Electric aims to achieve a 30% dividend payout ratio and 28% ROE by 2027, aligning with its 2023-disclosed shareholder value enhancement plan.

• Hanwha Seimatech Opens 'Advanced Packaging Technology Center' in Icheon

  ➀ Hanwha Seimatech established an advanced packaging technology center near SK Hynix's facility in Icheon to support TC Bonder equipment for HBM production;

  ➁ The company secured orders worth 805 billion KRW (~$623 million) from SK Hynix between March and May 2025, with some equipment already operational;

  ➂ The center focuses on TC Bonder installation, process optimization, emergency response, and customer requirement implementation, following four years of development since 2020.

• LG NOVA Nurtures U.S. Cleantech Startup 'PADO'... Launches Second Spin-off Company

  ➀ LG NOVA, LG Electronics' North American Innovation Center, launched its second spin-off company 'PADO AI Orchestration', a U.S. cleantech startup specializing in AI/ML-based energy demand-supply analysis and cost optimization, following Prime Focus Health in 2024;

  ➁ PADO collaborates with global energy tech firm MARA to develop AI solutions for optimizing energy supply and load management in hyperscale data centers, enhancing stability and reducing operational costs;

  ➂ LG NOVA, established in Silicon Valley in 2020, focuses on fostering innovative startups in cleantech, healthtech, and AI to drive future business models and sustainable energy transformation.

• Samsung Secures Next-Generation Peltier Cooling Technology ... Published in Nature Communications

  ➀ Samsung Electronics and Johns Hopkins University developed a nano-engineered thin-film Peltier cooling device, achieving 75% higher efficiency than traditional vapor compression systems and demonstrating a refrigerant-free refrigerator prototype.

  ➁ The new technology reduces material usage to 1/1000th of conventional methods, improving cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability while enabling miniaturization and lightweight design.

  ➂ Potential applications span home appliances, semiconductors, medical devices, automotive, and data centers due to precise temperature control and rapid cooling capabilities.

• HiEMSolutec Expands Pre-Maintenance Checks for LG System Air Conditioners

  ➀ HiEMSolutec, an LG subsidiary specializing in HVAC maintenance, expanded pre-summer maintenance checks for LG system air conditioners nationwide by 26% year-on-year, combining online diagnostics and on-site inspections;

  ➁ Online checks surged 45% YoY (9,000+ cases) due to increased adoption of TMS (Total Maintenance Service) for remote monitoring, while on-site inspections focused on operational status, noise levels, and component integrity;

  ➂ Proactive measures, including staff expansion (+23%) and spare parts stockpiling (+9%), aim to minimize outages during peak summer demand, with pre-maintenance proven to halve repair requests compared to reactive servicing.

• The Suction Power That Erects the Leaning Tower: Samsung's Bespoke AI Ad Gains Popularity

  ➀ Samsung Electronics' global ad campaign for its Bespoke AI home appliances, featuring surreal graphics, has gained widespread attention;

  ➁ The humorous ads highlight product features, such as a dryer cleansing clouds and a vacuum straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa;

  ➂ The campaign, with over 40,000 social media comments, aims to position Samsung as an innovative lifestyle companion revolutionizing household chores.

May 28

• PI Advanced Materials Certified as Top 15% in Global ESG Evaluation

  ➀ PI Advanced Materials received a 'Silver' rating (top 15%) from French ESG assessor EcoVadis for its sustainability performance;

  ➁ EcoVadis evaluates over 150,000 companies across 185 countries based on environmental, labor/human rights, ethical, and sustainable procurement criteria;

  ➂ The company emphasized this certification will strengthen trust with global clients and boost export competitiveness.

• Corporate Business Outlook Remains Negative for 3 Years and 3 Months... Semiconductor Sector Sees 'Largest Increase'

  ➀ South Korea's Business Survey Index (BSI) for June 2025 recorded 94.7, marking the 38th consecutive month below the threshold of 100, reflecting prolonged corporate pessimism;

  ➁ The semiconductor and electronics/telecommunication equipment sector surged to a 15-year high (123.5 BSI), driven by eased U.S.-China trade tensions and increased demand for inventory hedging;

  ➂ While the automotive sector showed positive trends (103.0 BSI), industries like textiles, chemicals, and metals continued to face challenges, with overall economic risks such as weak domestic demand persisting.

• Samsung Electronics Selected as 'Home Entertainment Brand of the Year' by UK Consumer Group Which?

  ➀ Samsung Electronics was awarded 'Home Entertainment Brand of the Year' at the 2025 Which? Awards in the UK, organized by the consumer group Which?;

  ➁ The awards recognize excellence in technology, design, and accessibility across 13 categories, including home entertainment, electric vehicles, and healthcare;

  ➂ Samsung's win highlights its leading position in TV technology, following previous accolades, with the company committing to enhance consumer experiences.

• LS Marine Solution Commences Construction of 13,000-Ton Large HVDC Cable Laying Vessel

  ➀ LS Marine Solution invests 345.8 billion KRW (~$266 million) to build Asia's largest and world's fifth-largest HVDC cable laying vessel, capable of laying both HVDC and optical cables;

  ➀ Only three such vessels currently operate globally, with the new ship set to begin operations in H1 2028 and integrate with LS Green Link’s U.S. facility for a turnkey solution;

  ➂ The project aims to enhance national power grid independence and expand into offshore wind and long-distance submarine cable markets.

• OCI Holdings and LG Energy Solution Partner for New ESS Business in North America

  ➀ OCI Holdings' subsidiary OCI Energy signed a tripartite MOU with CPS Energy and LG Energy Solution's Vertech to develop energy storage systems (ESS) in North America, focusing on solar energy storage and supply;

  ➁ The Alamo City ESS LLC project (120MW solar + 480MWh ESS) will launch in 2026, part of OCI's 3GW ESS pipeline aimed at stabilizing Texas' power grid amid surging AI data center demand;

  ➂ OCI plans a $265 million (₩380 billion) solar cell factory in Texas to produce 2GW annually by 2025, addressing US tariff risks and projected 2,100% growth in AI-related power needs by 2030.

• Prepare Early for Summer Vacation: Cruise Ferry Fanstar Miracle Offers 'Early Bird' Discounts

  ➀ Panstar Group's Fanstar Miracle cruise ferry launches an early bird promotion (May 26 – June 22) with up to 30% discounts on summer cruises (July 1 – August 31) between Busan and Osaka, including VIP lounge access and duty-free coupons;

  ➁ The ship features luxury amenities like balcony cabins, outdoor pools, spas, and provides free shuttle buses to Osaka city center;

  ➂ Special June cruises cover destinations like Maizuru, Sakaiminato, Yeosu, and Jeju, targeting expanded cruise tourism options.

• SIT Technology to Fully Launch Next-Generation Satellite Communication Solutions

  ➀ SIT Technology partners with Israel's SatixFy to supply high-performance satellite communication chipsets, modem modules, and digital beamforming solutions in South Korea;

  ➁ The collaboration targets industries such as defense, aerospace, and telecommunications, supporting 6G, UAM, and smart defense systems;

  ➂ Both companies plan joint seminars, demo systems, and B2B consulting to expand the adoption of next-gen satellite technologies in the domestic market.

• LG Electronics Expands B2B New Material Business with 'Marine Glass'

  ➀ LG Electronics partners with Seoul National University's Blue Carbon Business Group to promote blue carbon industries using their Marine Glass, a water-soluble material that aids marine ecosystem restoration and carbon reduction;

  ➁ Marine Glass dissolves to release minerals that stimulate algae growth, contributing to sustainable energy and ecological recovery;

  ➂ LG plans to expand collaborations across industries, leveraging Marine Glass in health supplements, biofuels, and food safety, while enhancing functional material sales in Asian markets like Vietnam and India.

• Samsung Electronics Introduces First Home Ventilation System 'Bespoke AI Air Combo'

  ➀ Samsung unveils its first home ventilation system, 'Bespoke AI Air Combo,' designed to integrate with residential air conditioners for comprehensive indoor air quality management and energy efficiency;

  ➁ The system features a 4-stage air purification process, dehumidification (up to 32L daily), UV-C sterilization, and AI-driven modes for auto-adjusting ventilation and air quality based on environmental conditions;

  ➂ Combined with Samsung's air conditioners, it reduces energy consumption by up to 40% while maintaining optimal humidity (40-60%) and operates quietly at 26 dB, covering spaces up to 50 pyeong (~165㎡).

• In the AI Era, Ensuring Connectivity Between Data Centers is a Key Challenge

  ➀ Global survey by Ciena reveals AI is expected to become the dominant workload within 2-3 years, driving a 6x+ surge in Data Center Interconnect (DCI) bandwidth demand;

  ➁ South Korea leads in dark fiber adoption (51%) and faces critical infrastructure challenges as large-scale AI training transitions to distributed data centers, requiring cross-border connectivity investments;

  ➂ AI demands real-time, low-latency networks, prompting architecture redesign to dynamically distribute traffic and optimize operations through predictive analytics.

May 27

• Roborock Launches First Robot Vacuum with Robotic Arm 'Saro Z70'

  ➀ Roborock introduced the Saro Z70, the world's first robot vacuum featuring a 5-axis robotic arm "Omnigrip," capable of lifting objects up to 300g, including socks and slippers, and placing them in designated areas;

  ➁ Equipped with AI-based navigation, obstacle avoidance, and app-controlled features, it offers customizable cleaning zones and integrates with smart home platforms via Matter 1.4;

  ➂ The docking station supports auto-emptying, 80℃ hot water mopping, 55℃ hot air drying, and includes a 5-year warranty.

• [Photo] Dyson Pencil Vac Cleaning Demonstration

  ➀ Dyson unveiled its new lightweight 'Pencil Vac' wireless vacuum cleaner, weighing 1.8kg with a 38mm handle diameter;

  ➁ The product launch event took place at Musinsa Square Seongsu 4 in Seoul on May 26, 2025, featuring a live demonstration by Nathan Lawson McClain, a Senior Engineering Manager at Dyson;

  ➂ Designed for enhanced portability and ease of use in household cleaning applications.

• Export Companies Warn: 'If U.S. Tariff Policy Continues, Exports to Drop 4.9%, Operating Profits 6.3%'...Electronics and Automotive Parts Hit Hard

  ➀ South Korean export companies project a 4.9% decline in exports and 6.3% drop in operating profits if U.S. tariff policies continue, with electronics (-8.3%) and automotive sectors (-7.9%) most affected;

  ➁ Over 80% of companies anticipate negative impacts on both U.S. and South Korean firms, expecting tariff uncertainties to persist for over six months;

  ➂ Key responses include diversifying export markets (26.9%) and adjusting global production (19.8%), while firms urge government negotiations to minimize tariffs and stabilize trade.

• Advantech Achieves Double Victory with Two 'Best Choice Awards' at COMPUTEX 2025

  ➀ Advantech won two Best Choice Awards at COMPUTEX 2025 for its Edge AI Server AIR-420 and battery-free NFC ePaper Solution EPD-304, marking its first dual-category victory in the event's history;

  ➁ The AIR-420 supports dual GPUs with AMD Ryzen CPUs and AI-optimized components, while the EPD-304 features IP68-rated durability and reduces annual carbon emissions by 657 tons;

  ➂ The company highlighted its edge computing innovations and sustainability strategies during live sessions, aligning with ESG goals.

• Korea Chamber of Commerce Launches 'External Cooperation Committee'... Close Response to Economic Legislation

  ➀ The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) established an External Cooperation Committee with regional chamber presidents to strengthen legislative response capabilities and act as a responsible partner in policymaking;

  ➁ The committee will coordinate regional economic issues, promote local industries, and develop policy solutions for investment activation;

  ➂ Future initiatives include submitting legislative proposals, organizing parliamentary meetings, and advancing regional innovation projects such as the 'Mega Sandbox' program

• [Photo] The World's Slimmest Wireless Vacuum Cleaner

  ➀ Dyson unveiled its new 'Pencil Bag' wireless vacuum cleaner during an event in Seoul on May 26;

  ➁ The product features an ultra-slim design weighing 1.8kg with a 38mm handle diameter, showcased by senior engineering manager Nathan Lawson McClain;

  ➂ The launch event at Musinsa Square Seongsu 4 highlighted Dyson's innovation in compact home appliance technology.

• Korean Advertising and PR Practical Academy Holds Regular Academic Conference: Proposing Hyper-Personalized Marketing in the AI Era

  ➀ The Korean Advertising and PR Practical Academy will host its 2025 academic conference at Hongik University's Sejong Campus on May 30-31, focusing on AI-driven hyper-personalized marketing and public communication strategies;

  ➁ Over 100 experts from academia, government, and industry will present and discuss case studies on balancing coexistence and collaboration in advertising/PR;

  ➂ Special sessions are sponsored by cultural and governmental institutions, aiming to strengthen industry-academia partnerships.

• LG Electronics Signs Business Agreement with GS ITM to Expand Data Center HVAC Supply

  ➀ LG Electronics partners with GS ITM to supply high-efficiency HVAC solutions and IT infrastructure for data centers in the Seoul metropolitan area, including liquid cooling (CDU), air cooling, and DC-powered systems;

  ➁ Plans to optimize existing data centers through energy diagnostics and expand collaboration in power plants and commercial buildings;

  ➂ Aims to accelerate B2B business growth with advanced cooling technologies tailored to diverse customer needs.