SemiVoice

May 23

• MEMS Pursues Development of 'Nitride-Based Red Micro LED Chip Miniaturization and High Efficiency' Technology

  ➀ MEMS, a MEMS and semiconductor company, has been selected to lead a national project (funded at 75 billion KRW, ~$57.7 million USD) to develop miniaturized, high-efficiency nitride-based red micro LED chips, aimed at resolving efficiency challenges in small-sized displays;

  ➁ The project targets applications in wearable and XR devices, focusing on innovative chip design and process technology to improve resolution and reduce power consumption while maintaining high external quantum efficiency;

  ➂ With Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display as demand partners, MEMS will leverage its semiconductor and foundry expertise to advance domestic supply chains and strengthen Korea's global competitiveness in micro LED technology.

• SK Earthon Enters Indonesian Market... Accelerates Resource Clustering Strategy

  ➀ SK Earthon secured exploration rights for two offshore blocks (Serang and Binaya) in Indonesia, partnering with Petronas and INPEX for Serang (14% stake), and Pertamina and Petronas for Binaya (22% stake).

  ➁ The blocks are located in high-potential regions: Serang near Java Island (estimated 1.2B barrels of oil, 6.3Tcf gas) and Binaya near Maluku Islands (6.7B barrels of oil, 15Tcf gas).

  ➂ This marks SK Earthon's expansion of its resource clustering strategy in Southeast Asia, leveraging prior successes in Vietnam and Malaysia to strengthen regional energy development.

• imec 'Anticipates Collaboration with Korean Startups... Comprehensive Support in Technology, Infrastructure, and Investment'

  ➀ Imec, a global semiconductor research institute, expressed its intent to actively support Korean deep-tech startups through technological collaboration, infrastructure access, and investment networks, while seeking global partnerships without geographical constraints;

  ➁ The organization, with 6,000 researchers and €4 billion (approx. $4.28 billion USD) in cleanroom facilities, has nurtured 35 spin-off companies over seven years, including two unicorns like Celestial AI;

  ➂ Imec evaluates startups based on disruptive technology, market potential, and team capabilities, advising entrepreneurs to engage with industry stakeholders to validate ideas and adapt to market demands.

• Gyeonggi Province to Provide Free Latest GPUs 'H200' and More to AI Companies

  ➀ Gyeonggi Province launches a program to provide free cloud-based access to advanced GPUs (including NVIDIA's latest H200 and upcoming B200) and NPUs for AI startups and SMEs;

  ➀ The initiative, starting in June 2025, allows companies to flexibly use resources via a credit system, with domestic NPUs accounting for over 20% of offerings to strengthen Korea's AI semiconductor ecosystem;

  ➂ The project aims to accelerate AI innovation, reduce market entry barriers, and foster global competitiveness for local startups through additional support programs like networking and awards.

• SK Hynix Develops 'UFS 4.1' Based on 321-layer NAND to Target Mobile AI Market

  ➀ SK Hynix announced the development of UFS 4.1, a mobile storage device utilizing 321-layer TLC NAND flash, targeting on-device AI applications;

  ➁ The product features a 7% improvement in power efficiency, 15% faster random read speeds, and 40% faster random write speeds compared to the previous 238-layer generation, with a thinner 0.85mm design for ultra-slim smartphones;

  ➂ Planned for mass production in Q1 2026, SK Hynix aims to expand into consumer and data center SSDs using 321-layer NAND technology.

May 22

• Telcom Group Participates in 'BUTECH 2025'... Unveils Electrical, Electronic, and Automation Solutions

  ➀ Telcom Group, a specialist in electrical/electronic components and factory automation, participates in BUTECH 2025 at BEXCO, Busan;

  ➁ The company exhibits products from global partners (e.g., Panasonic, Delta) and showcases cross-industry automation solutions;

  ➂ Focuses on customer engagement in Busan/Gyeongnam regions with customized industrial automation offerings.

• Ceragem Launches 'Celltron Circulation Chair' Medical Device for Blood Circulation Improvement

  ➀ Ceragem launched the 'Celltron Circulation Chair,' a medical device approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to improve blood circulation and alleviate muscle pain;

  ➁ The chair utilizes electric potential technology, thermal therapy (up to 60°C), and four built-in speakers for vibration massage, with five automated modes and adjustable reclining up to 140°C for the upper body and 180°C for the lower body;

  ➂ Designed for everyday use, it enables activities like reading and relaxation during therapy, and Ceragem plans to expand its line of healthcare appliances to support healthy living.

• Samsung Art Store Unveils Disney Collection with 4K Quality Support

  ➀ Samsung introduces a Disney Collection on its Art Store platform, featuring works from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic in 4K resolution;

  ➀ The Art Store, launched in 2017 for Lifestyle TVs like 'The Frame,' now expands to Neo QLED and OLED models in 2025;

  ➂ The collaboration aims to enrich users' daily lives with diverse, high-quality art content.

• Samsung Electronics Service Sweeps Call Center Category in '2025 KSQI (Korea Service Quality Index)'

  ➀ Samsung Electronics Service became the first and only home appliance service company to win the 'Customer Touch Call Center' award for three consecutive years and the 'Outstanding Call Center in Korea' award for 16 years in the 2025 KSQI call center category;

  ➁ The evaluation involved monitoring 100 calls per company, assessing criteria like call response speed, consultation accuracy, and proactive service attitude;

  ➂ The company pledged to enhance differentiated services to ensure optimal use of Samsung AI home appliances.

• Advantech Unveils World's First NVIDIA Jetson Thor-Based Full-Stack Edge AI System at COMPUTEX 2025

  ➀ Advantech debuted the MIC-743, the first full-stack edge AI system integrating NVIDIA Jetson Thor and Blackwell GPU at COMPUTEX 2025, delivering up to 2070 FP4 TFLOPS for large AI models like VLMs and LLMs.

  ➀　The system features compact rugged design optimized for mobility, real-time vision-language models, and humanoid robotics, replacing x86 platforms with ARM-based efficiency and high-speed Ethernet integration.

  ➂　Combined with NVIDIA Holoscan for low-latency sensor streaming, the solution targets industrial and mobility markets, with live demos available online until May 23.

• SK Networks President Choi Seong-hwan and Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Discuss AI Collaboration

  ➀ SK Networks President Choi Seong-hwan met with former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss global AI collaboration and technology partnerships between nations and companies;

  ➁ SK Group and SK Networks showcased AI-driven innovation strategies, including Phoenix Labs' pharmaceutical AI platform 'Keron,' designed for tailored industry solutions;

  ➂ Sunak emphasized AI's revolutionary potential in drug development, praising Phoenix Labs' Keron as a key technology to accelerate precision and efficiency in the field.

• Schneider Electric Accelerates Digital Transformation in the Edge Computing Era with Micro Data Center Solutions

  ➀ Schneider Electric introduced micro data center solutions to address the growing demand for edge computing, enabling agile and efficient digital transformation for enterprises;

  ➁ Gartner predicts that 75% of enterprise data will be processed at the edge by 2025, while IDC forecasts the global edge computing market to grow from $156 billion (227 trillion KRW) in 2023 to $274 billion (399 trillion KRW) by 2027;

  ➂ Schneider's micro data centers, including S-, C-, and R-series for different environments, offer simplified deployment, low initial costs, and enhanced security, supporting stable and sustainable IT infrastructure.

• SK Innovation E&S Commences Commercial Operation of South Jeolla Offshore Wind Power Phase 1, Largest Private Project in South Korea

  ➀ SK Innovation E&S and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) initiated commercial operation of the 96MW South Jeolla Offshore Wind Power Phase 1, Korea's largest private offshore wind project, capable of powering 90,000 households annually with 307 million kWh;

  ➁ The project, developed by a 51:49 joint venture, achieved stable daily generation of 913,000 kWh and plans to expand to 900MW by 2031, equivalent to a nuclear reactor's capacity;

  ➂ It marks Korea's first use of domestic monopile foundations and localized equipment (75%), while sharing profits with local communities and contributing to regional economic growth.

May 21

• Sage Selected for Ministry of SMEs and Startups' '2025 Super Gap Startup 1000+ Project'

  ➀ Sage, an AI machine vision company, was selected for the 2025 DIPS 1000+ project, a government initiative supporting deep-tech startups in AI/Big Data, to advance AI-driven manufacturing quality control solutions;

  ➁ The company developed SAIGE VISION, automating visual inspections with AI, and collaborates with Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and others, securing 15.5 billion KRW (~$11.5 million USD) in Series B funding in 2024;

  ➂ Plans include expanding into integrated AI platforms, developing 3D inspection models, and AI agents for quality improvement, leveraging the project's funding and support.

• KoreaTech Promotes Lab-Based Startups, Leads Global Entrepreneurship with Research Achievements

  ➀ KoreaTech fosters lab-based startups in semiconductor, bio, and smart manufacturing, bridging R&D with commercialization through its technology holding company;

  ➁ Key successes include LinkSolution (3D printing for defense/automotive, securing $17.3M in Pre-IPO funding) and T&R Biofab (3D bioprinting pioneer, KOSDAQ-listed with global partnerships);

  ➂ Located in a strategic industrial cluster, the university provides tailored funding and resources, aiming to establish itself as a global hub for innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

• Korea University of Technology Establishes Successful Startup Model Through Research Commercialization and Technology Holding Companies

  ➀ Korea University of Technology actively supports lab-based startups in semiconductors, biotechnology, and smart manufacturing through direct investments via its technology holding company and customized programs like TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup), achieving KRW 10 billion (approx. $7.3 million) in investments and 58 successful startups within a year post-graduation;

  ➀ Global success stories include Link Solution (3D printing, defense, and aerospace) and T&R Biofab (3D bioprinting), with the former securing KRW 22.5 billion (approx. $16.5 million) in pre-IPO funding and the latter listing on KOSDAQ;

  ➂ The university offers a comprehensive entrepreneurship ecosystem, including实战 education models, incubators, and global programs, aiming to position startups as a viable career path.

• LG Electronics Targets 'Global South' HVAC Market with Consultant Summit

  ➀ LG Electronics hosted the 'LG HVAC Leaders Summit 2025' in South Korea, inviting HVAC consultants from 7 Asian countries, with plans to expand to Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American regions;

  ➁ The event highlighted LG's advanced HVAC technologies, including system air conditioners, chillers, and AI-driven data center thermal management solutions, emphasizing their capability to deliver large-scale projects like Singapore’s Tuas logistics hub;

  ➂ LG aims to strengthen its B2B HVAC market dominance in the Global South by leveraging partnerships with consultants and addressing growing demand driven by rapid urbanization and industrial development in these regions.

• HMM Receives 'A+' Credit Rating from Nice Credit Rating, Upgraded Two Notches

  ➀ HMM's corporate credit rating was upgraded from 'A-' to 'A+' (Stable) by Nice Credit Rating, marking its first upgrade in two years;

  ➁ The upgrade reflects HMM's enhanced business competitiveness through alliances (e.g., Premier Alliance, MSC cooperation) and cost efficiency from new vessel investments;

  ➂ The agency highlighted HMM's robust financial stability, strong cash flow, and liquidity to effectively navigate container market fluctuations.

• Advantech-Qualcomm Collaborate to Accelerate IoT Edge AI Innovation

  ➀ Advantech and Qualcomm announced a collaboration at Computex 2025 to advance on-device AI-driven IoT applications, leveraging Qualcomm's cutting-edge Dragonwing platforms (QCS6490, IQ8, IQ9) for robotics, smart manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities;

  ➁ The partnership integrates Qualcomm’s Linux, Edge Impulse, and Foundry tools with Advantech’s EdgeAI SDK to provide developers with no-code/low-code solutions, accelerating product deployment;

  ➂ Joint efforts aim to drive digital transformation via scalable edge AI innovations, enhancing intelligent autonomous systems across industries.

• LG Electronics Secures No.1 Spot in Global OLED TV Market in Q1 with 52.1% Shipment Share

  ➀ LG Electronics maintained its 13th consecutive year as the global OLED TV market leader in Q1 2025, achieving a 52.1% shipment share (704,400 units), up 12.4% YoY;

  ➁ Large-sized OLED TVs (70-inch and above) drove growth, with 54.9% market share in 70+ inch models and 63.6% in 80+ inch models, reflecting a "bigger is better" consumer trend;

  ➂ OLED TVs now account for 44.8% of the premium TV market ($1,500+), while LG plans to strengthen leadership through a dual-track strategy combining OLED and QNED LCD TVs. Global OLED TV shipments rose 11% YoY to 1.35 million units.

• HD Hyundai Construction Equipment's Ulsan Plant Reborn as 'Smart Factory', Boosting Productivity by 20% ↑

  ➀ HD Hyundai Construction Equipment invested 200 billion KRW (approx. $1.53 billion) to transform its Ulsan plant into a smart factory, integrating two facilities and upgrading systems like real-time tracking, welding robots, AGVs, and AI-based quality inspection;

  ➁ The factory's labor productivity improved by 20%, production cycle shortened by 35%, and annual capacity increased from 9,600 to 15,000 units (56% growth), targeting mid-to-super-large excavators and wheel loaders;

  ➂ The plant now serves as a global "mother plant," connecting with overseas production bases and customization centers, and delivered its first smart-factory-produced machinery to key regions like the U.S., Europe, and China.

• Hyosung Donates 130 Million KRW for Medical Rehabilitation and Family Support Projects for Disabled Children

  ➁ Hyosung donated 1.3 billion KRW (approximately $1 million) to the Pureumae Foundation to support medical rehabilitation for low-income disabled children, educational and psychological therapy expenses for their non-disabled siblings, and family trips involving Hyosung employees;

  ➁ The company has provided long-term rehabilitation opportunities for disabled children since 2013 and expanded support to siblings facing emotional challenges in 2014;

  ➂ Hyosung also conducts monthly employee volunteer activities at Seoul Bethany Children's Center and sponsors barrier-free film productions to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

May 20

• HSAD Launches 'Upbit Pizza Day' Campaign with Upbit

  ➀ HSAD collaborates with cryptocurrency exchange Upbit to launch the 'Upbit Pizza Day' campaign, celebrating Bitcoin Pizza Day (May 22), which commemorates the first Bitcoin transaction for pizza in 2010;

  ➁ A unique pizza featuring domestically sourced beets (playing on the homophonic 'bit' from Upbit and 'beet') was developed by Chef Yun Nam-no and will be available at select Papa John's stores from May 22–25;

  ➂ The campaign aims to engage Gen Z and non-investors with creative storytelling, highlighting Upbit's brand values through a modern reinterpretation of cryptocurrency history.

• LG Energy Solution Secures Key Patents for Next-Gen Dry Electrode Technology, Awards Top In-House Inventors

  ➀ LG Energy Solution awarded 12 employees for securing key patents in next-generation battery technologies, including dry electrode production and 46-series cylindrical batteries, to foster R&D innovation;

  ➀ Key inventions include optimized dry electrode manufacturing (enabling mass production), anode-free cells with advanced coatings, and safety diagnostic methods for batteries;

  ➂ The CEO emphasized patents as critical assets and pledged continued investment in R&D and talent development.

• LG Electronics Launches 'BatteryReturn' Campaign for Vacuum Cleaner Parts Recycling

  ➀ LG Electronics is conducting the 'BatteryReturn' campaign until June 30, 2025, collecting used vacuum cleaner batteries and suction inlet plastics for recycling rare metals and plastics, while offering discounts up to KRW 45,000 (~$34.60) on new batteries and KRW 51,000 (~$39.20) on suction inlets;

  ➁ The campaign expands to robot vacuums and aligns with World Environment Day's 'End Plastic Pollution' theme, having recycled 90.1 tons of batteries and extracted 8.2 tons of rare metals since 2022;

  ➂ Participants can return parts at LG service centers or online, with over 116,000 customers joining cumulatively, reinforcing LG's commitment to a circular economy and ESG goals.

• S-Oil Conducts Large-Scale Gift Promotion... Distributes Gas Coupons to 210,000 People

  ➀ S-Oil is running a promotion until June 13 for bonus card members, automatically entering customers who spend ≥50,000 KRW (≈$38) per gasoline purchase (≥30,000 KRW≈$23 for LPG) into a lottery for 210,000 mobile gas coupons (10,000/5,000/3,000 KRW ≈$7.7/$3.8/$2.3);

  ➁ Winners receive coupons via KakaoTalk and an additional 2,000 KRW (≈$1.5) "Quick Refuel" app coupon for simplified payments;

  ➂ An additional event offers entry tickets (1 per 50,000 KRW spent) for prizes like the LG StanbyMe 2, recliner sets, camping gear, and 20,000 KRW (≈$15.4) coupons, with winners drawn post-event.

• Seoul Semiconductor Supplies High-Visibility LEDs for Seoul Tunnels

  ➀ Seoul Semiconductor signed an agreement with Seoul City to provide high-visibility LED lighting for tunnels and underpasses, enhancing safety during emergencies;

  ➁ The LEDs maintain visibility during fires or power outages using advanced optical semiconductor technology, with initial installations in Hongjimun, Jeongneung, and Guryong tunnels;

  ➂ The company plans to expand the solution to other tunnels and underpasses in Seoul and nationwide, emphasizing the role of domestic technology in public safety.

• LG Cultivates Native Bees to Revitalize the Natural Ecosystem

  ➀ LG, through its Evergreen Foundation, establishes a habitat for 1 million native Korean honeybees in Gwangju's Hwadam Forest, aiming to double the population annually until 2027;

  ➁ Collaborates with experts and social enterprise Becomfriends to enhance beekeeping practices and plant nectar-rich flora, supporting biodiversity and farmers impacted by bee decline;

  ➂ Hwadam Forest, designated as a national rare plant conservation site, will expand efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems.

• Yong Seok-woo, President of Samsung Electronics, Assumes Office as 21st Chairman of KEA

  ➀ Yong Seok-woo, President of Samsung Electronics' Visual Display Business Division, has been appointed as the 21st chairman of KEA (Korea Electronics and Information Technology Industry Promotion Association), succeeding the late Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee, with a three-year term;

  ➁ He emphasized strengthening global trade responses, advancing AI-driven innovation (e.g., developing 'Tech-GPT' for open innovation), and fostering public-private cooperation to address industry challenges;

  ➂ Plans include expanding on-device AI applications for SMEs and enhancing communication channels between government and businesses to stabilize the industry ecosystem.

• KCC Improves Environment of Facilities for People with Disabilities

  ➀ KCC partnered with the Future Environment Association to enhance a residential facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, using cool roof paint and universal color design for improved comfort and safety;

  ➁ The initiative focused on upgrading both interior and exterior environments through functional coatings and accessibility-focused design;

  ➂ KCC plans to expand similar community-driven projects nationwide, targeting public welfare facilities like senior centers, daycare centers, and bus stops to strengthen safety infrastructure.