SemiVoice

May 19

• CAT Beam Tech Localizes Compact Carbon Nanotube-Based X-ray Equipment

  ➀ CAT Beam Tech has developed and begun mass production of the 'CBT NanoVision 2DXR/3DCT,' a compact X-ray system using domestically designed core components like CNT-based electron emitters and high-voltage control modules;

  ➁ The system offers dual applications: industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) for semiconductors and batteries, and low-dose medical imaging for surgical settings, with enhanced precision and safety;

  ➂ The company has secured international patents and collaborations (e.g., Harvard Medical School), positioning itself as a leader in next-gen X-ray technology for automation, low radiation, and high accuracy.

• Seongnam City Launches Full-Scale Semiconductor Design Talent Training at Sogang-Pangyo Digital Innovation Campus

  ➀ Seongnam City and Sogang University will jointly operate a 20-week 'Global Semiconductor Design Expert Program' at the Sogang-Pangyo Digital Innovation Campus, recruiting 40 graduates or soon-to-be graduates in electrical/electronic/computer fields, offering free tuition and training stipends;

  ➁ The program focuses on practical training and projects to cultivate globally competitive semiconductor design talent, aligning with Seongnam's initiatives to strengthen the fabless semiconductor ecosystem, including a dedicated support center and government-funded projects;

  ➂ Seongnam is emerging as a hub for semiconductor and AI education, with institutions like KAIST AI Research and Sungkyunkwan University's Fabless AI Research Center, further solidified by this new campus.

• Murata Commercializes Ultra-Small High-Frequency Chip Inductor 'LQP01HV Series'

  ➀ Murata began mass production of the LQP01HV series, a 0201-size (0.25×0.125mm) high-frequency chip inductor with high Q-factor characteristics, targeting miniaturized mobile devices;

  ➁ The product addresses the growing demand for smaller components and reduced circuit loss in RF circuits due to multifunctional mobile devices and limited internal space;

  ➂ It achieves a 60% smaller mounting area compared to the 0402-size LQP02TQ series while maintaining equivalent Q performance, offering industry-leading Q-factor for its size.

• Hanwha Recruits 4th Cohort for 'Pebbles of the Universe' Space Talent Program

  ➀ Hanwha Group and KAIST jointly launched the 4th cohort recruitment for their 'Pebbles of the Universe' program, targeting middle school students passionate about space exploration with the theme 'Exploration Beyond the Solar System';

  ➁ The 6-month program includes project-based curriculum, mentorship by KAIST professors, and opportunities for NASA facility visits, with 30 selected participants receiving certificates and academic benefits;

  ➂ Hanwha Space Hub aims to strengthen Korea's space industry competitiveness through strategic investments in youth talent development and interdisciplinary education.

• Korea Iron & Steel Association Hosts '2025 Steel Marathon Event'

  ➀ The Korea Iron & Steel Association held the '2025 Steel Marathon Event' on May 17 at Hanam Misa Rowing Park, with over 5,000 participants including industry professionals and their families;

  ➁ The 18th edition of the event, themed 'Steel Rebound! Opening the Future Together!', aimed to inspire resilience in the steel industry amid economic uncertainties;

  ➂ Side activities included children's programs, a 50th-anniversary photo wall, CPR training, and attendance by CEOs of major steel companies like POSCO and Hyundai Steel, with participation up by 800 compared to 2024.

• Samsung OLED TV Receives NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatibility Certification, Minimizing 'Screen Tearing'

  ① Samsung's 2025 OLED TV (SF95) has obtained NVIDIA's G-SYNC Compatible certification, synchronizing display refresh rates with GPU frame rates to reduce screen tearing and stuttering for smoother gaming.

  ② The TV also previously received AMD's FreeSync Premium Pro certification, solidifying its position as a top-tier gaming display.

  ③ Additional gaming-focused features include AI Auto Game Mode, 165Hz refresh rate support, and SmartThings integration for home device control.

May 18

• SK Hynix and Hanmi Semiconductor Temporarily Resolve HBM Equipment Conflict

  ➀ SK Hynix resumed purchasing TC Bonder equipment from Hanmi Semiconductor (428 billion KRW, ~$330 million USD), ending a conflict over HBM production tool supply;

  ➁ Tensions arose after SK Hynix introduced Hanwha Semiconductor as a secondary supplier, prompting Hanmi to raise prices by 20% and withdraw maintenance personnel;

  ➂ Both Hanmi and Hanwha (385 billion KRW, ~$29.6 million USD order) will supply HBM equipment, but patent disputes and supply chain diversification risks remain unresolved.

• LGD's 4th Gen OLED Panel Selected as SID's Outstanding Paper

  ➀ LG Display's fourth-generation OLED panel research paper was selected as the 'Outstanding Paper of the Year' by the Society for Information Display (SID) at SID 2025;

  ➁ The panel features a stacked RGB layer structure, achieving up to 4,000 nits brightness and 20% improved energy efficiency for 65-inch models;

  ➂ Dubbed 'Primary RGB Tandem,' the technology was recognized among the top 5% of over 500 global submissions.

• Seongnam Industrial Promotion Agency Signs MOU with Semiconductor Industry Cities for Supply Chain Cooperation

  ➀ Seongnam Industrial Promotion Agency signed an MOU with semiconductor industry cities (Yeongwol, Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong) to collaborate on policy exchange, talent development, and supply chain stabilization;

  ➁ The agreement aims to strengthen domestic competitiveness in semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment (SOMA) by linking the Seoul Metropolitan Semiconductor Mega Cluster with resource-rich Yeongwol;

  ➂ Seongnam, as a fabless industry hub, will drive cross-regional value chain integration and support 4th industrial sectors like semiconductors, biohealth, and gaming.

• Lee Myung-jae, CEO of Myung Information Technology: 'We Will Become a Comprehensive Data Management Company Beyond Digital Recovery and Forensics'

  ➀ Lee Myung-jae, CEO of Myung Information Technology, emphasized the company's 35 years of expertise in digital recovery and forensics at the 2025 Data Recovery & Digital Forensics Conference, outlining plans to expand into a global comprehensive data management company;

  ➁ The company introduced its latest recovery solution 'PC-3000 Portable PRO,' enabling simultaneous recovery of up to four devices (including SSDs and memory cards) and showcasing AI-driven 'digital health check' technology for preventive data protection;

  ➂ Myung Information Technology is actively expanding in Southeast Asia through partnerships (e.g., Malaysia's CSM) and plans to enter European and North American markets, while reviving post-COVID global expansion with cloud-based remote recovery services.

May 17

• SFA Switches to Profit in Q1... Recovery from Northvolt Bankruptcy Loss Aftermath

  ➀ SFA reported Q1 revenue of 398.4 billion KRW (~$306.5 million) and operating profit of 29 billion KRW (~$22.3 million), marking a return to profit compared to the previous quarter's 7.4 billion KRW loss (~$5.7 million). Year-on-year, revenue fell 30.5% and operating profit declined 47%;

  ➁ The company attributed the turnaround to recovering from losses linked to Northvolt's bankruptcy and expects further improvements in 2025;

  ➂ SFA plans to strengthen turnkey capabilities in North America for battery clients and launch new semiconductor inspection equipment to drive growth.

• InnoMetri Reports Q1 Operating Loss of 2.2 Billion KRW... 'Recovery Expected from Q2'

  ➀ InnoMetri recorded Q1 revenue of 8.7 billion KRW (~$6.69 million USD) and an operating loss of 2.2 billion KRW (~$1.69 million USD), with revenue down 4.4% QoQ but losses narrowing sharply compared to the previous quarter's 10.5 billion KRW (~$8.08 million USD);

  ➁ The company attributed the losses to delayed EV battery orders but expects a rebound in Q2 as orders resume and backlogged projects contribute to revenue;

  ➂ InnoMetri, a non-destructive inspection equipment supplier for EV batteries, is expanding into semiconductor glass substrates (TGV) through partnerships to target commercialization in new markets.

• Samsung Compliance Committee Chair Lee Chan-hee Vows to Be a 'Breakwater' Against External Pressures

  ➀ Lee Chan-hee, Chairman of Samsung's Compliance Committee, pledged to act as a 'breakwater' against external pressures on the company and prevent political-business collusion;

  ➁ He highlighted increasing economic instability linked to political conflicts and early presidential elections, urging adherence to compliance principles;

  ➂ The committee expanded oversight to overseas operations, conducting inspections in Vietnam and Eastern Europe to ensure legal compliance in labor, environment, and safety regulations.

• LG Electronics Demonstrates Next-Generation Satellite Voice Communication Solution for the First Time

  ➀ LG Electronics showcased a satellite-based voice communication solution at the 5GAA conference in Paris, enabling two-way voice communication for drivers in areas without terrestrial networks;

  ➁ The solution automatically switches to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in remote or disaster-stricken regions, providing critical connectivity for emergencies;

  ➂ As a pioneer in connected vehicle technologies, LG has been a member of the 5GAA since 2016, driving innovation in autonomous and connected mobility.

• [Photo] IITP Tech & Future Insight Concert × IT Mega Vision 2025

  ➀ The IITP Tech & Future Insight Concert × IT Mega Vision 2025 was held in Seoul on May 16, 2025, under the theme 'AX Era: Future Business Unveiled by Agentic AI and Physical AI';

  ➁ Hong Jin-bae, head of the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), delivered the opening remarks;

  ➂ The event aimed to explore future business opportunities and technological advancements driven by AI innovations.

• Samsung Electronics Launches 'AI Bubble Washing Machine' with AI Features

  ➀ Samsung Electronics released its 2025 'AI Bubble Washing Machine,' integrating AI technologies like customized washing, vibration/noise reduction, and SmartThings connectivity;

  ➁ The machine reduces energy consumption by up to 20%, water usage by 14%, and fabric damage by 21%, while offering features like AI Course Sync and Bubble Waterfall for efficient cleaning;

  ➂ Priced between 640,000 KRW (~$500) and 950,000 KRW (~$730), it comes in four colors and targets enhanced user convenience through AI-driven performance.

• HD Hyundai Senior Vice Chairman Discusses Shipbuilding Cooperation Plans with U.S. Trade Representative

  ➀ HD Hyundai Senior Vice Chairman met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss Korea-U.S. cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, marking the first official meeting between USTR and a Korean shipbuilder;

  ➁ Proposed collaboration areas included joint technology development, shipbuilding partnerships, and workforce training, while highlighting HD Hyundai Samho's crane manufacturing capabilities to address China's dominance in U.S. port crane supply;

  ➂ Greer, a key figure in U.S.-China trade negotiations during the Trump administration, emphasized mutual efforts to strengthen bilateral industrial ties.

• Korea Robot Industry Association Holds HR Department Heads Council for Robot Companies

  ➀ The Korea Robot Industry Association held the 3rd 'Robot Company HR Department Heads Council' to discuss expanding robotics workforce recruitment;

  ➁ Representatives from HD Hyundai Robotics, Doosan Robotics, RoboTiz, and AIDIN Robotics participated, focusing on workforce development initiatives and networking;

  ➂ The association emphasized practical collaboration strategies and ongoing efforts to strengthen information exchange and cooperation among member companies.

May 16

• Bitsrocell to Supply 84 Billion KRW Military Ampoule Batteries to India

  ➀ Bitsrocell signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to supply ampoule batteries worth 84.44 billion KRW (approximately $63.3 million) to the Indian Ministry of Defense, with deliveries from September 2025 to November 2026;

  ➁ Ampoule batteries are specialized power sources for electronic fuzes in artillery shells, replacing mechanical fuzes in modern weapon systems;

  ➂ India is the largest global market for these batteries, and Bitsrocell, a supplier since 2016, plans to expand into the Middle East and Africa.

• LX Hausys Recognized for Construction Capabilities, Selected for Government Certification Program

  ➀ LX Hausys was selected by the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation under the Ministry of Employment and Labor as a government-certified company for its construction service technology qualification system, enhancing the credibility of its technical personnel;

  ➁ The certification covers three fields: window, sheet flooring, and flooring installation, with plans to expand to kitchen and door construction;

  ➂ This initiative aims to improve customer trust in construction quality and elevate the pride of technicians through government-recognized qualifications.

• ROHM Develops Insulated Gate Driver IC Optimized for High-Voltage GaN Device Drive

  ➀ ROHM announced the development of the 'BM6GD11BFJ-LB,' an insulated gate driver IC optimized for 600V-class high-voltage GaN HEMTs, enhancing efficiency and miniaturization in motor and server power applications;

  ➁ The IC utilizes proprietary on-chip insulation technology to reduce parasitic capacitance, supports 2MHz high-frequency operation, and improves noise immunity (CMTI: 150V/ns), ensuring stable control in high-speed GaN switching;

  ➂ Available since March 2024 through online distributors, ROHM plans to bundle the IC with its GaN devices to streamline application design.

• FITI Testing & Research Institute and German TUV SUD Strengthen Test and Certification Cooperation in Southeast Asia

  ➀ FITI and TUV SUD signed an agreement to expand global testing and certification services for textiles and consumer goods, focusing on Southeast Asia;

  ➁ The partnership aims to assist Korean exporters with KC certification and improve supply chain stability by aligning with global quality standards;

  ➂ Both organizations will enhance technical exchanges and service quality to boost competitiveness in global testing and certification.

• SPG Unveils Actuator for Humanoid Robots at U.S. Exhibition

  ➀ SPG showcased actuators for humanoid robots and precision reducers for collaborative robots at the U.S. industrial automation exhibition 'Automate 2025';

  ➁ Actuators and reducers are critical components for robot motion control, with growing demand driven by the expansion of humanoid and collaborative robot markets;

  ➂ SPG aims to strengthen its presence in the North American market, with overseas clients initiating development requests to reduce reliance on Chinese robot components.

• Samsung Expands 'Galaxy Campus' Membership to Teachers, Enhances Educational Support

  ➀ Samsung has expanded its official education discount platform 'Galaxy Campus' to include elementary, middle, and high school teachers, broadening educational support;

  ➁ The program offers discounts on devices like the Galaxy Tab, which teachers use to create interactive quizzes for students;

  ➂ This initiative aims to enhance digital learning experiences and strengthen Samsung's presence in the education sector.

May 15

• South Korea to Introduce 'Battery Recycled Material Certification System' in 2027 for Recovering National Core Resources Such as Nickel Sulfate

  ➀ The South Korean government plans to implement a certification system for recycled battery materials by 2027, targeting recovery of critical resources like nickel sulfate from used batteries;

  ➁ The initiative aims to promote circular use of EV and energy storage batteries, stabilize raw material supply chains, and align with international regulations such as the EU Battery Act;

  ➂ Measures include incentives for recycled material usage, regulatory adjustments, and support for domestic recyclers to expand into global markets.

• KoELSA Conducts Intensive Safety Inspections on Elevators in Public Rental Housing

  ➀ KoELSA is conducting joint safety inspections on elevators in public rental housing, focusing on aging apartments (over 30 years old) and complexes with prior safety incident records, in collaboration with LH and the Housing Management Corporation;

  ➀ Customized checks include elevator door safety mechanisms and entrance door conditions to ensure accessibility for vulnerable residents;

  ③ Safety education for electric scooter users and distribution of 4,500 warning stickers for elevator areas are also underway to prevent collisions.

• SM Gold Trading Co., Ltd. Donates Scholarships to JaeNeung University for the 6th Consecutive Year

  ➀ SM Gold Trading Co., Ltd. donated 5 million KRW (~$3,600) to JaeNeung University's Distribution and Product Planning Department, marking the 6th consecutive year of support, with total contributions exceeding 30 million KRW (~$21,800);

  ➁ The scholarships target students with outstanding academic performance and good conduct, aligned with the company's commitment to nurturing talent in the distribution industry;

  ➂ Both the university and the company emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and the role of sustained philanthropy in empowering future professionals.

• KCC Launches 'FIREMASK 3005', Domestic Thinnest 3-Hour Fire-Resistant Coating

  ➀ KCC developed 'FIREMASK 3005', a 3-hour fire-resistant epoxy coating with Korea's thinnest thickness (9.45mm), certified for steel structures in high-rise buildings;

  ➁ The product enhances construction efficiency and cost-effectiveness by reducing material usage and application time, already deployed in a major Incheon data center project;

  ➂ KCC expands its fire-resistant coating lineup, collaborates with Graco for advanced application equipment, and offers water-based options for faster drying and broader industrial use.

• KMVIA Opens Applications for 'Machine Vision Tech Innovation Awards 2025'

  ➀ The Korea Machine Vision Industry Association (KMVIA) and Korea Information Science Promotion Association are co-organizing the 'Science and Technology Innovation Awards 2025,' with submissions for the Machine Vision Tech Innovation category open from June 1 to 30.

  ➁ The awards aim to recognize domestic companies with cutting-edge creativity and technical capabilities in smart factories and AI-based machine vision, divided into four categories: smart factory hardware, smart factory software/solutions, non-factory AI vision hardware, and non-factory AI vision software/solutions.

  ➂ Winners will receive ministerial awards, promotional benefits (e.g., exhibition banners, magazine ads), and an innovation certification. Finalists will be announced in October after two rounds of judging, with KMVIA emphasizing the event's role in fostering global opportunities and industry advancement.

• Wolfspeed Faces Bankruptcy Crisis Due to Stalled Bond Restructuring Negotiations

  ➀ Wolfspeed, a U.S. semiconductor manufacturer specializing in silicon carbide (SiC) wafers, risks bankruptcy as its $6.5 billion debt restructuring negotiations hit a deadlock, with $1.5 billion tied to senior loans from Apollo Global Management;

  ➁ Junior creditors, including Valinor Asset Management and Xiaolin Capital, proposed a $600 million rescue package to refinance convertible bonds and fund operations, but senior lenders restrict additional secured debt issuance;

  ➂ Liquidity issues stem from aggressive 200mm SiC wafer facility investments and weak EV demand, leading to a non-GAAP net loss of $0.72 per share in Q3 2025 despite $185 million in revenue.