SemiVoice

September 14

• Samsung Display Launches First Innovative Technology Contest for Domestic Universities

  ➀ Samsung Display announces its first open contest for innovative technology ideas from domestic universities, focusing on next-generation display technologies and OLED, with submissions accepted until October 17.

  ➀ Selected projects will receive annual research funding of 100-200 million KRW (approximately $77,000-$154,000) per project, with top-performing projects eligible for additional support of up to 800 million KRW (about $615,000) over three years.

  ➂ The initiative aims to break through technological barriers and foster new converged technologies to strengthen future competitiveness in the display industry amid increasing market diversification and competition.

• SK Gas and Renault Korea Join Hands for Korea's First LPG Hybrid Vehicle Marketing Collaboration

  ➀ SK Gas and Renault Korea signed an exclusive marketing agreement to launch Korea's first LPG hybrid vehicle, backed by SK Gas' 10 billion KRW (≈$7.4 million) investment;

  ➁ The vehicle features a next-gen LPDi engine with improved power, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, targeting eco-friendly mobility dominance;

  ➂ The partnership includes joint marketing campaigns, co-branded promotions, membership benefits integration, and customer engagement initiatives to drive market expansion.

• S-Oil Wins Excellence Award in Private Enterprise Category at '2025 Korea Public Relations Awards'

  ➀ S-Oil won the Excellence Award in the private enterprise category at the 2025 Korea Public Relations Awards for its GoodLOVES campaign, which upcycles disposable gloves into reusable ones;

  ➁ The campaign, launched in August 2024, transforms discarded gloves and repurposes fuel station banners to promote resource circularity;

  ➂ S-Oil’s follow-up campaign, 'My GoodLOVES,' uses 3D-animated characters on social media to encourage consumers to creatively reuse old gloves.

• HD Hyundai Infracore Demonstrates Excavator Emergency Braking Safety Technology in France for the First Time

  ➀ HD Hyundai Infracore showcased its DEVELON excavators with smart safety technologies, including the E-STOP emergency braking system, in France from September 8-11, attracting attention from French authorities and construction companies;

  ➁ The E-STOP system uses cameras and sensors to automatically halt equipment upon detecting obstacles, aiming to enhance on-site safety and prevent accidents;

  ➂ The demonstration strengthens HD Hyundai Infracore's brand credibility in Europe's construction equipment market, projected to grow from $198.5 billion (2025) to $355.5 billion (2035) with a 6% annual growth rate.

• Gachon University Rises with Medicine, Pharmacy, and AI... President Lee Gil-Yeo's Choice Drives Early Admissions to 1st Place

  ➀ Gachon University topped South Korea's 2026 early admissions with 83,903 applicants for 3,269 spots, achieving an average 25.7:1 competition ratio and a record 577.2:1 for its medical school;

  ➁ High demand was driven by specialized programs in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and strong employment outcomes, with key majors like Pharmacy and Korean Medicine showing 35:1–48.2:1 ratios;

  ➂ President Lee Gil-Yeo attributed the success to the university's industry-aligned curriculum and commitment to fostering globally competitive talents.

September 12

• HP Maintains No.1 Share in Domestic Gaming PC Market for 3 Consecutive Years

  ➀ HP secured the top position in Korea's gaming PC market for 12 consecutive quarters from Q3 2022 to Q2 2025, supported by its OMEN brand's comprehensive product lineup including desktops, laptops, and high-performance monitors;

  ➁ The company integrates AI technologies like real-time game optimization via 'OMEN AI' and customization features through the 'OMEN Gaming Hub' to address evolving gamer needs;

  ➂ HP expanded its ecosystem with HyperX peripherals and innovative modular designs like the 'Pulsefire Saga' mouse, aiming to enhance immersive gaming experiences.

• Hanwha Power Systems Obtains Basic Approval from US Classification Society for Ammonia-Fueled Gas Turbine Conversion of LNG Carriers

  ➀ Hanwha Power Systems secured ABS’s Approval in Principle (AiP) to retrofit 174K LNG carriers with 100% ammonia-fueled gas turbines, a carbon-free propulsion solution;

  ➁ Ammonia, emitting zero CO₂ during combustion, is a key alternative for maritime decarbonization, with the system eliminating pilot oil usage;

  ➂ The AiP validates safety standards and commercialization potential, enabling Hanwha to offer retrofit solutions for LNG carriers and expand its leadership in global ship decarbonization markets.

• Government Announces 316 Koreans Detained in the U.S. to Return Home on Local Noon of the 11th

  ➀ 316 Korean workers detained by U.S. immigration authorities during a crackdown at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Georgia on September 4 will return via chartered flight on September 11 (local time);

  ➁ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed that no handcuffs will be used during repatriation, and the U.S. guaranteed no future entry restrictions for these individuals;

  ➂ Repatriation faced temporary delays due to U.S. consideration of retaining them as skilled workers, but ultimately prioritized their return home. One detainee chose to stay, while 330 people (including 14 foreigners) will board the flight.

• LX Hausys Launches Window Advertising Campaign Targeting Autumn Peak Season

  ➀ LX Hausys introduces a new autumn advertising campaign featuring actress Jeon Ji-hyun to promote its 'View Frame' windows, emphasizing their bezel-less design and multi-chamber structural advantages;

  ➁ The campaign, themed around experiencing lifestyle improvements through the windows, will run on YouTube, SNS, and digital platforms until mid-October;

  ➂ The company aims to strengthen marketing efforts to highlight the unique features of its window products for consumer engagement.

• Body Friend and Dae Myung Station Sign Agreement to Develop Integrated Healthcare and Life Care Services

  ➀ Body Friend and Dae Myung Station (operator of the life care brand 'Dae Myung I’m Ready') signed a strategic partnership to integrate healthcare and life care services, including joint membership benefits and employee welfare programs;

  ➁ Customers purchasing or renting Body Friend’s healthcare robots combined with Dae Myung’s services will receive discounts on cruises, golf, weddings, and accommodations at Sonohotels & Resorts;

  ➂ The collaboration aims to leverage both companies’ expertise in healthcare and lifestyle to enhance customer well-being.

• Samsung Electronics Sweeps 1st Place in U.S. Consumer Satisfaction for TVs, Vacuum Cleaners, and Home Appliances

  ➀ Samsung ranked 1st in the 2025 ACSI survey for TVs (83 points, 2nd consecutive year), home appliances (82 points, tied with Whirlpool), and newly added vacuum cleaner category (top score);

  ➁ Competitors LG and TCL tied for 2nd in TVs (81 points), while Shark (81) and Dyson/Bissell (80) trailed in vacuums;

  ➂ ACSI highlighted product reliability and post-sale support as key factors, with Samsung also leading in smartphone and smartwatch categories per May 2025 results.

• LG Electronics Supports Clean Water and Laundry Facilities in Nigeria

  ➀ LG Electronics installed solar-powered water supply facilities and mobile laundry rooms in Abeokuta, Nigeria, providing 24/7 clean water and free laundry services;

  ➁ The initiative aims to alleviate hardships caused by water and electricity shortages, aligning with LG's 'Life's Good' brand ethos;

  ➂ Additional support included free inspection/repair services for LG appliances, reinforcing the company’s commitment to social impact.

• Hanwha Aerospace Collaborates with BAE Systems on Next-Gen GPS Solutions to Strengthen 'Cheonmu' Precision Strikes

  ➀ Hanwha Aerospace and BAE Systems signed a technical cooperation agreement to integrate next-generation anti-jamming GPS technology into the Cheonmu guided missile system, enhancing its resilience against electronic warfare.

  ➁ BAE’s NATO-verified military GPS and anti-jamming technologies will be adopted to ensure operational reliability in contested environments, building on a prior ￥180 billion KRW (approximately $138 million USD) modular charge supply contract from 2023.

  ➂ The collaboration aims to expand advanced electronic warfare capabilities and strengthen South Korea-UK security ties, targeting global defense markets with cutting-edge, NATO-compatible systems.

• Doosan Skoda Power Secures Contract for Temelín Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 & 2 Generator Replacement Project

  ➀ Doosan Skoda Power, a subsidiary of Doosan Enerbility, secured a contract with Czech utility CEZ to replace generators and provide long-term maintenance for the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 & 2, valued at approximately 300 billion KRW (≈223 million USD);

  ➁ The project includes supplying and replacing generators, auxiliary equipment, and 15-year post-completion maintenance, with Doosan Skoda Power as the main contractor and Doosan Enerbility providing technical support;

  ➂ This marks Doosan’s first achievement since announcing its technology transfer plan in 2023, aiming to expand its nuclear power business in Europe and global markets, while Doosan Skoda Power became the first power equipment company listed on the Prague Stock Exchange in February 2024.

• 62.8% of South Korea's Top 500 Companies Have No or Undecided Hiring Plans for Second Half

  ➀ 62.8% of South Korea's top 500 revenue companies have no or undecided hiring plans for H2 2025, reflecting a 7.3% YoY increase in firms halting recruitment;

  ➁ 37.8% of hiring companies will maintain or reduce staff, citing economic uncertainty, rising costs, and prolonged domestic/global downturn;

  ➂ Construction (83.3%), food, steel, and petrochemical sectors show the highest hiring freezes, urging policy support for deregulation and employment incentives.

September 11

• Steel Association Holds CSO Safety and Health Meeting... Discussing Industrial Accident Prevention Measures

  ➀ The Korea Iron & Steel Association hosted a safety meeting with major steel companies and the Ministry of Employment and Labor to strengthen industrial accident prevention strategies;

  ➁ Companies like POSCO, Hyundai Steel, and KG Steel shared case studies on smart safety technologies, heatstroke prevention measures, AI-driven risk management, and autonomous safety culture programs;

  ➂ The industry requested government support for safety facility investments and education, while labor officials emphasized systemic safety management and subcontractor oversight.

• POSCO Holdings Hosts 'Industrial AI-Robot Competition' to Foster Future Talent

  ➀ POSCO Holdings held its inaugural industrial AI-robot competition, attracting 84 teams from 32 universities across South Korea, with participants tackling challenges using collaborative and quadruped robots in simulated industrial tasks.

  ➁ Winning teams from Sungkyunkwan University (quadruped robots) and the University of Seoul (collaborative robots) received awards totaling 40 million KRW (~$30,769) and hiring benefits from POSCO Group companies.

  ➂ The event highlighted the integration of AI and robotics in industrial manufacturing, with POSCO emphasizing plans to boost competitiveness in steel and battery materials through technological innovation and talent development.

• SK Innovation Selected as 'WIN' Diversity Excellence Company... Ranks 1st in Materials Sector

  ➀ SK Innovation was awarded the "Diversity Excellence Company" at the 2025 WIN Awards, ranking first among 56 companies in the materials sector for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives;

  ➁ The company implemented programs such as the "ICON" system for junior-employee-CEO communication, self-designed learning curricula, and the "Lounge" internal training program to foster an inclusive and growth-oriented culture;

  ➂ WIN, a nonprofit founded in 2007 to promote corporate diversity and female leadership, evaluated Korea's top 500 companies based on six criteria including employment and retention of female employees.

• Hanmi Semiconductor Begins Assault on '2.5D Packaging' Market for AI

  ➀ Hanmi Semiconductor unveiled two new 2.5D packaging equipment ('TC Bonder' and 'FC Bonder') at SEMICON Taiwan 2025, targeting large silicon interposers up to 120mm×120mm for AI chip integration;

  ➁ The company also showcased its HBM4-specific 'TC Bonder 4' and 7th-gen MSVP 6.0 Griffin system, reinforcing its 21-year dominance in the HBM and packaging equipment market;

  ➂ Aiming to expand beyond HBM into system semiconductors, Hanmi emphasized 2.5D packaging as a growth driver and highlighted its continued participation in SEMICON Taiwan since 2015, including art collaborations for marketing.

• Yeongpoong Accuses Act of Attacking Other Listed Companies to Build Justification

  ➀ Yeongpoong alleges that Act, backed by Korea Zinc, systematically targeted other listed companies (e.g., E-Mart, Lotte Shopping, Aurora) through 'low PBR projects' and shareholder proposals to create justification for attacking Yeongpoong's governance;

  ➀ Internal documents suggest Act coordinated with Korea Zinc to exploit low PBR discussions to corner Yeongpoong during their management dispute;

  ➂ Yeongpoong calls for regulatory intervention and institutional reforms to prevent shareholder proposals from being weaponized for private interests.

• Tim Cook Introduces New Apple Watch at Launch Event

  ➀ Apple CEO Tim Cook presented the newly redesigned Apple Watch at a launch event in Cupertino, California on September 9 (local time);

  ➁ The event showcased updates to the Apple Watch, highlighting potential design and feature innovations;

  ➂ The unveiling took place at Apple Park, emphasizing the company's ongoing focus on wearable technology advancements.

• From Father to Son: HD Hyundai Produces First 'Father-Son Master Craftsmen' in Korean Shipbuilding History

  ➀ HD Hyundai announced that two of its employees—Go Min-cheol (HD Hyundai Heavy Industries) and Yoo Dong-sung (HD Hyundai Samho)—were selected as 2025 'Master Craftsmen of Korea,' marking the first father-son pair to receive this honor in the shipbuilding industry;

  ➁ Go Min-cheol, son of 2004 Master Craftsman Go Yun-yeol, introduced laser tracker technology to enhance precision in nuclear fusion reactor production, while his father contributed over 40 years to shipbuilding structural engineering;

  ➂ HD Hyundai Samho also celebrated its first Master Craftsman, Yoo Dong-sung, recognized for advancing mechanical systems in shipbuilding, highlighting HD Hyundai's commitment to technical excellence and craftsmanship.

• Participants Capturing New AirPods Product at Apple Event

  ➀ Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, new iPhones, and updated Apple Watch during its product launch event in Cupertino, California, on September 9;

  ➁ Attendees at the event were photographed capturing images of the new AirPods Pro 3;

  ➂ The announcements highlighted Apple's latest consumer electronics innovations, including refreshed hardware across multiple product lines.

• LG Electronics Installs Transparent and Ultra-High-Definition Signage in Tokyo's Key Commercial District

  ➀ LG Electronics installed transparent OLED and Micro LED signage in Tokyo's NEWoMan TAKANAWA, a major commercial complex linked to East Japan Railway's redevelopment project;

  ➁ The installations include a 380-inch transparent OLED video wall and high-resolution LG Magnit displays at entrances, offering immersive digital experiences;

  ➂ LG reinforces its dominance in Japan's premium TV market (leading in large OLED TVs) and aims to expand global commercial display leadership.

• Apple Unveils 5.6mm Ultra-Slim New Model 'iPhone Air'

  ➀ Apple introduces the iPhone Air, replacing the Plus model in its lineup, with a 5.6mm thickness and 165g weight, making it the thinnest and lightest iPhone to date;

  ➁ Enhanced durability features include a Grade 5 titanium frame and new front coating, along with a single rear camera and a front-facing 'Center Stage' camera enabling auto-framing and wide-angle shooting;

  ➂ CEO Tim Cook claims the iPhone Air will be a "game-changer," targeting competition with Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge.

September 10

• Schneider Electric Proposes 'High-Efficiency UPS Solutions'

  ➀ Schneider Electric highlighted the importance of UPS solutions to address power outage risks caused by climate change and introduced next-generation UPS products supporting business continuity and data protection;

  ➁ The Easy UPS 3S Pro offers over 96% efficiency in dual-conversion mode and external battery support, while the APC Smart-UPS Ultra is an ultra-compact lithium-ion-based solution reducing size/weight by 50% and tripling battery lifespan;

  ➂ The solutions emphasize strategic energy efficiency improvements and predictive maintenance to mitigate power risks and support sustainable growth.

• Integrit and SK Hynix Collaborate to Advance AI Inference for Quadruped Robots… Implements 'Physical AI Platform' in Manufacturing Sites

  ➀ Integrit partners with SK Hynix to enhance Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot with AI-based real-time inference, enabling autonomous navigation and safety management in semiconductor manufacturing sites.

  ➁ The project utilizes Integrit’s on-device AI platform, AirPath® V4 McQueen, integrating multimodal AI models (vision, language, action) for real-time risk prediction and decision-making, reducing cloud dependency and latency.

  ➂ This marks the first industrial application of quadruped robots with integrated real-time RFM (Robot Foundation Model) platforms, expanding AI-driven automation in smart factories, logistics, and security.

• Advantest Launches Next-Generation CD-SEM E3660 for Masks

  ➀ Advantest launched the E3660 CD-SEM, a next-generation high-precision metrology tool for photomasks and EUV masks, improving critical dimension (CD) reproducibility by over 20% compared to its predecessor and supporting 2nm node requirements;

  ➁ The device addresses escalating measurement demands driven by multilayered masks, complex patterns, and curved geometries, with enhanced speed and accuracy to handle increased data points, especially as High-NA EUV lithography nears commercialization by 2027;

  ➂ Co-developed with imec, the E3660 integrates optimized solutions for curved patterns and targets both external mask manufacturers and in-house semiconductor fabrication units, positioning itself as a key tool for next-gen mask development.

• Schaeffler Mass-Produces Inverter Brick Featuring ROHM's SiC MOSFET

  ➀ ROHM and Schaeffler AG announced mass production of a high-voltage inverter brick integrating ROHM's 4th-gen SiC MOSFET, designed for Chinese automotive manufacturers' 800V+ electric vehicles;

  ➁ The compact module supports up to 650Arms current, enhancing EV efficiency and performance while enabling scalable designs for X-in-1 architectures;

  ➂ The partnership, active since 2020, strengthened with a 2023 SiC supply agreement, accelerating next-gen mobility solutions commercialization within one year of development.

• LG Chem and Toyota Join Hands... Investment in Gumi Cathode Material Plant Stake

  ➀ LG Chem announced that Toyota Tsusho (Toyota Group's trading arm) acquired a 25% stake in its Gumi cathode material plant, becoming the second-largest shareholder, with LG Chem retaining 51% and Huayou Cobalt reduced to 24%;

  ➁ The partnership helps LG Chem comply with U.S. IRA regulations and enhances its cathode material supply chain for North American battery customers, including Toyota's recent 2.9 trillion KRW (≈$2.23 billion USD) supply contract for cathodes;

  ➂ LG Chem’s Gumi plant, with 66,000-ton annual capacity and advanced LGPF technology, aims to solidify its global leadership in battery materials through partnerships with automakers like GM (25 trillion KRW/≈$19.2 billion USD contract) and PPES.