SemiVoice

September 4

• S-Oil Launches 'My GoodLOVES Campaign'

  ➀ S-Oil initiates 'My GoodLOVES' campaign to reduce single-use plastic gloves at self-service gas stations by promoting reusable alternatives.

  ➀ The campaign creatively uses 3D-animated characters to personify gloves (e.g., lost gloves, old gloves) and encourages consumers to repurpose unused gloves as refueling gloves.

  ➂ A consumer engagement event runs until September 14, 2025, offering prizes like Stanley tumblers and Starbucks gift cards for sharing personalized refueling gloves on social media with specific hashtags.

• Coway Launches First PLCC 'Coway Shinhan Card' with Shinhan Card

  ➀ Coway and Shinhan Card jointly launched the 'Coway Shinhan Card,' its first Private Label Credit Card (PLCC), offering rental service discounts based on spending tiers: KRW 1.3M ($100) for over KRW 300K ($230), KRW 1.7M ($131) for over KRW 700K ($538), and KRW 3M ($230) for over KRW 1.5M ($1,154) monthly;

  ➁ New cardholders receive unconditional KRW 1.3M ($100) discount for two months, while a promotional event (until Oct 31, 2025) provides up to KRW 600K ($46) in monthly discounts for 60 months to eligible customers;

  ➂ Annual fees are KRW 27K ($208) for domestic use and KRW 30K ($230) for international use (Mastercard). Coway emphasized plans to deliver differentiated benefits aligned with customer lifestyles.

• Samsung Electronics Opens AI-Based B2B Solution Experience Space in Bangkok, Thailand

  ➀ Samsung Electronics has established a 270-pyeong (898㎡) AI-powered B2B experience studio in Bangkok, Thailand, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, featuring smart home, retail, and conference solutions;

  ➁ The studio provides tailored AI solutions and expert consultations for enterprise customers, showcasing appliances, TVs, and mobile devices;

  ➂ This follows recent B2B expansions in Singapore, Latin America, and India, including a 180-pyeong (595㎡) facility in Mumbai, reinforcing Samsung’s focus on commercial markets.

• POSCO Group Collaborates with Global Consulting Firm SGS to Accelerate Safety Management System Innovation

  ➀ POSCO Group signed an MOU with SGS, a global safety consulting leader, to overhaul its safety management system and implement advanced processes;

  ➁ The collaboration includes safety diagnostics for POSCO E&C starting in September and joint efforts to establish an AI-integrated smart safety solutions company;

  ➂ Additionally, POSCO discussed safety partnerships with dss+ and explored European safety policies during recent visits to strengthen its safety governance.

• Dt&C Busan Test Research Center Doubles First-Half Performance Compared to Last Year

  ➀ Dt&C’s Busan Test Research Center, established in 2023, reported doubled performance in H1 2025 by expanding specialized testing capabilities for defense and shipbuilding industries, addressing regional infrastructure gaps;

  ➁ The center introduced advanced equipment (e.g., vibration testers, torpedo impact testers) and plans further upgrades, including a 6-ton vibration tester and automated reporting systems to enhance efficiency;

  ➂ Prioritizes meeting mass-production testing demands for defense exports, aiming to reduce logistics costs and delays for local manufacturers while targeting profitability growth from 2025.

September 3

• Hanwha Defense Trio Presents 'Orca' Custom Solutions in Poland, Launches Full-Scale Bidding Campaign

  ➀ Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean showcased localized defense solutions at MSPO 2025 in Poland, targeting the €5.9 billion (8 trillion KRW, ~$6.15 billion) 'Orca project' for three new submarines;

  ➁ Key exhibits included the 3,000-ton Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine (with AIP and lithium-ion batteries), export-ready coastal patrol ships, and the K9A2 howitzer with automated ammunition loading;

  ➂ Hanwha emphasized partnerships with Polish manufacturers through technology transfers, workforce training, and joint production agreements to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.

• HD Hyundai Oilbank Conducts 'Juyupass Premium' Event... Expanding Sales of Premium Gasoline

  ➀ HD Hyundai Oilbank is offering a free trial event for its 'Juyupass Premium' subscription service until September 7, targeting 400 selected customers with benefits including KRW 50/liter discounts (approx. $0.04/liter) on premium gasoline and car wash coupons;

  ➁ The premium subscription service, launched in August 2023, specifically caters to high-octane fuel users and is part of the company’s strategy to expand premium fuel sales amid rising demand;

  ➂ HD Hyundai Oilbank has solidified its position as a leader in Korea’s premium fuel market since 2005, offering products like 'KAZEN' and 'ULTRA KAZEN,' and has been the exclusive supplier for South Korea’s largest motorsport event since 2019.

September 2

• Chungnam Discusses New Projects to Drive Economic Growth: RISE Advancement and Advanced OSAT Construction

  ➀ South Chungcheong Province reviewed its 2026 policy plans, emphasizing new initiatives like upgrading the RISE project, establishing a high-tech semiconductor post-processing testbed, and elevating overseas offices to regional branches;

  ➀ Key projects include boosting venture ecosystems, AI-driven automotive innovation, pet healthcare certification centers, and expanding renewable energy infrastructure such as carbon capture and storage (CCS);

  ③ The province aims to solidify long-term growth through agricultural reform, carbon neutrality leadership, and addressing population decline, ensuring these efforts shape its future for decades.

September 1

• Korean Sovereign AI: The Key to Shaping the National Economy

  ➀ The success of Korea's sovereign AI hinges on close government-industry collaboration, aiming to position Korea as a top-three global AI power (G3) by fostering investments and ecosystem development;

  ➁ The government emphasizes replicating past ICT successes through unified public-private efforts to drive AI innovation and national transformation;

  ➂ Experts urge Korea to establish itself as a global sovereign AI partner, leveraging its potential in pioneering AI technologies akin to K-content's global expansion.

• Doosan Enerbility Sees Successive Visits from APEC Member Countries' Energy Authorities

  ➀ Doosan Enerbility hosted visits from energy officials of multiple APEC member countries, including the U.S. Department of Energy's Deputy Assistant Secretary Tommy Joyce, who inspected its nuclear reactor and SMR manufacturing facilities in Changwon.

  ➁ The company discussed nuclear energy cooperation with global partners, signing MOUs with Amazon, X-energy, KHNP, and Fermi America to expand its SMR and nuclear project footprint in the U.S. market.

  ➂ Doosan emphasized its commitment to leveraging its competitive manufacturing capabilities to capture new opportunities in the global nuclear energy sector, particularly amid rising global demand for SMRs and advanced reactors.

• [10,000th Issue] In the AI Revolution Era, The Elec Reclaims Position as Korea’s Premier ‘AX Professional Media’

  ➀ The Elec, a South Korean media outlet, rebrands itself as an AI Transformation (AX) specialist, marking its 10,000th issue after 42 years;

  ➁ It launches 10 major AI initiatives, including AI video news, certification programs, healthcare AI evaluations, and national defense AI forums;

  ➂ These efforts aim to position South Korea as a global AI leader by enhancing AI literacy, safety standards, and industrial applications.

• LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI Unveil New ESS Battery Products at U.S. 'RE+ 2025'

  ➀ LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI will participate in the 'RE+ 2025' renewable energy exhibition in Las Vegas from September 8-11, showcasing ESS (Energy Storage System) battery products tailored for the North American market.

  ➁ LG Energy Solution introduced its 'JF2 AC/DC Link' system with a capacity of up to 5.1 MWh and unveiled prismatic LFP battery cells for the first time. Samsung SDI launched two new SBB (Samsung Battery Box) models, SBB 1.7 (17% higher energy density) and SBB 2.0 (LFP-based with extended lifespan), alongside UPS solutions and safety technologies.

  ➂ Both companies aim to strengthen their foothold in the U.S. ESS market, driven by demand for localized supply chains and expanding data center infrastructure.

• S-Oil Establishes LinkedIn Account to Strengthen Global Promotion

  ➀ S-Oil launched an official LinkedIn account to enhance global promotion and recruitment efforts, leveraging the platform's 1 billion+ users across 200 countries;

  ➁ The company plans to share CEO leadership insights and key business activities on LinkedIn while using other social media channels (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) for customer engagement;

  ➂ This move aims to strengthen global competitiveness and showcase S-Oil's innovative energy initiatives through targeted digital communication.

• Schneider Electric Supplies MEP Equipment to 'SK AI Data Center Ulsan'

  ➀ Schneider Electric and SK Telecom signed a strategic agreement to supply integrated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) equipment for the 'SK AI Data Center Ulsan', expanding their partnership established at MWC25 in March 2025;

  ➁ The collaboration includes integrating Schneider's ETAP solution with SKT's AI DCIM system for digital twin-based operational optimization, enhancing energy efficiency and data center management capabilities;

  ➂ Both companies will deepen cooperation across SK Group, including joint development of UPS/ESS using SK On's lithium-ion batteries and collaboration on energy subscription services (EaaS) to drive next-gen sustainable data center ecosystems.

• US Requires Case-by-Case Approval for Semiconductor Equipment Exports to China... Inevitable Disruptions for Samsung and SK’s Local Factories

  ➀ The U.S. removes Samsung Xi’an and SK Hynix Wuxi/Dalian facilities from the 'Validated End-User (VEU)' list, requiring case-by-case government approval for semiconductor equipment imports to China starting January 2026, hampering their advanced process upgrades;

  ➁ Samsung (40% of NAND output) and SK Hynix (40% DRAM, 20% NAND output in China) face production delays and reduced competitiveness as China accelerates domestic semiconductor production;

  ➂ China's Ministry of Commerce condemns the U.S. move, calling it a 'selfish act' that destabilizes global semiconductor supply chains.

• Electronic Times 10,000th Issue: Pioneering Social Issues Ahead of Their Time

  ➀ The Electronic Times marks its 10,000th issue with a legacy of in-depth journalism, including award-winning climate change coverage and carbon neutrality strategies;

  ➁ Analyzed the mobility industry's shift to software-defined vehicles (SDV) and future strategies of global automakers, spanning autonomous cars and UAM;

  ➂ Highlighted platform regulation debates impacting Naver and Kakao, and reported on Samsung/LG-led smart home innovations, earning industry accolades.

August 31

• Where Lab Meets Factory Floor: Korea Tech University's New Industry-Academic Collaboration Center Launches

  ➀ Korea Tech University inaugurates its Industry-Academic Collaboration Center, integrating university, corporate, research institute, and government resources to foster practical innovation;

  ➁ The facility houses shared equipment, joint labs, and corporate R&D centers, enabling students and enterprises to collaborate on next-gen semiconductor, autonomous manufacturing, and bio-materials (5T fields) development;

  ➂ Aims to boost regional economic growth and youth employment in Siheung and Ansan via tech commercialization, startups, and a 'Deep Tech Village' initiative.

• Lee Jae-yong Returns from U.S. Economic Envoy Visit... "We Must Work Hard"

  ➀ Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned to South Korea after concluding a one-week U.S. visit as part of the Korea-U.S. summit economic envoy delegation, emphasizing the need for diligence;

  ➁ Samsung subsidiaries strengthened U.S.-Korea partnerships, including Samsung Heavy Industries' MRO agreement with Vigor Marine Group for U.S. naval projects and Samsung C&T's collaboration with KHNP and Fermi America on an AI campus project integrating nuclear power, renewable energy, and hyperscale data centers;

  ➂ The agreements aim to expand joint efforts in shipbuilding, nuclear energy, and AI infrastructure, highlighting Samsung's role in advancing bilateral technological and industrial cooperation.

• 'Design in Suwon, Production at TSMC'... Suwon City Signs Investment Agreement with Aziqland

  ➀ Suwon City signed its 19th investment agreement under the 8th elected administration with Aziqland, a South Korean ASIC design solution company, to support its headquarters and R&D center expansion;

  ➁ Aziqland, TSMC's sole Value Chain Alliance (VCA) partner in Korea, specializes in custom semiconductor design and collaborates with TSMC for production, enhancing domestic fabless firms' global competitiveness;

  ➂ As an Arm-approved Total Design (ATD) partner, Aziqland provides Arm-based system-on-chip (SoC) solutions across AI, automotive electronics, IoT, and 5G applications, offering end-to-end design-to-production support.

• Chungnam Signs $46.58 Million Export Contracts and Expands Overseas Bases in China and Vietnam

  ➀ Chungnam Province signed new export MOUs worth $46.58 million (KRW 65.2 billion) during business trips to China and Vietnam, focusing on expanding overseas markets;

  ➁ Established a Shanghai office to strengthen trade with China and completed a network of seven global offices, while signing a cooperation agreement with Vietnam's Hue City to enhance regional partnerships;

  ➂ Conducted export consultations worth $88.51 million in Vietnam, secured $33.58 million in MOUs, and promoted academic collaborations in smart farming between Korean and Vietnamese universities.

August 30

• US Requires Samsung and SK to Obtain Case-by-Case Approval for Semiconductor Equipment Exports to China

  ➀ The U.S. abolished the 'Validated End-User (VEU)' program, requiring Samsung, SK Hynix, and Intel to obtain case-by-case approvals for exporting U.S.-made semiconductor equipment to their Chinese factories;

  ➁ The move restricts upgrades to existing facilities in China, potentially hindering production for Korean semiconductor manufacturers;

  ➂ The new rule takes effect 120 days after its publication on August 29, 2025.

• Ceragem Launches Healthcare-Based Senior Residential Complex Project

  ➀ Ceragem teamed up with EZAsset Management, Samjeong KPMG, and Ceradyne IC to establish Wellstown, a senior residential complex integrated with healthcare services.

  ➁ The partnership assigns roles: EZAsset handles real estate acquisition and asset management, Samjeong KPMG develops strategies and investor outreach, while Ceradyne IC oversees construction and development.

  ➂ Ceragem leads the project, aiming to create a differentiated living model that combines housing and healthcare technologies for the aging population.

• Sea Rooftop Pool Party: New Trend Capturing the 2030 Generation

  ➀ Pantech Group, operator of the luxury cruise ferry Miracle, launched the 'Ocean Club Cruise' targeting the MZ generation (20-39 age group), featuring an adult-exclusive pool party with live performances, fireworks, and scenic night views of Busan;

  ➁ The VIP package (valued at ~$1,538 USD / 2 million KRW) sold out quickly, highlighting strong demand;

  ➂ Additional entertainment includes magic shows by award-winning performers Han Man-ho and Park Joon-woo, reinforcing efforts to redefine cruise experiences for younger demographics.

• FITI and KOIMA Collaborate on Testing and Certification to Support Import Companies and Ensure Consumer Safety

  ➀ FITI Testing & Research Institute and the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) signed a cooperation agreement to enhance testing and certification services for import companies, aiming to improve supply chain stability and product quality;

  ➁ The partnership includes cost reduction measures for KC certification, safety inspections, and specialized training/consulting to strengthen consumer safety, particularly for overseas direct purchase platforms like AliExpress;

  ➂ Both organizations expect the collaboration to boost import quality control for raw materials, finished goods, and consumer products, ensuring compliance with safety standards while supporting Korean companies' competitiveness.

• Robotis and C-Mes Accelerate Deployment of Dual-Arm Humanoid Robots in Logistics and Manufacturing Lines

  ➀ Robotis and C-Mes signed an MOU to commercialize physical AI-based humanoid robots for logistics and manufacturing, focusing on real-world deployment;

  ➁ Robotis contributes hardware expertise (actuators, ROS platforms, and edge boards), while C-Mes provides AI-driven perception and motion control software;

  ➂ The collaboration aims to elevate industrial automation and develop globally competitive robotic solutions tailored to factories and supply chains.

• Robotis Collaborates with Seemecs to Develop Humanoid Robots

  ➀ Robotis partners with Seemecs to commercialize AI-based humanoid robots for logistics and manufacturing applications;

  ➁ They will jointly develop a humanoid platform, with Robotis focusing on precision hardware and driving systems, while Seemecs contributes AI recognition and decision-making technologies;

  ➂ The collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of industrial automation through advanced robots capable of precise movements.

• Kiturami Improves Usage Terms for Rental Service 'Ttasum Care'

  ➀ Kiturami partnered with Hyundai Rental Care to enhance its home boiler rental service "Ttasum Care," extending management periods to 5 years (60 months) and 8 years (96 months) with free post-service (AS), annual maintenance, and 24/7 fault response;

  ➁ Rental fees start at 27,900 KRW/month (~$21.46) for a premium model over 5 years and 18,900 KRW/month (~$14.54) over 8 years. Hyundai Rental Card users receive discounts up to 25,000 KRW/month (~$19.23), reducing the minimum premium plan fee to 4,900 KRW/month (~$3.77);

  ➂ Two boiler models are available: Premium (L20) and Standard (L11), targeting long-term maintenance and affordability.

August 29

• Qualcomm Hosts AI Developer Event with Microsoft and Korea University

  ➀ Qualcomm collaborated with Microsoft and Korea University to organize an Edge AI Developer Hackathon, where students developed edge AI applications;

  ➁ Eleven teams were selected in the finals based on evaluations across five criteria;

  ➂ A Qualcomm VP emphasized the students' innovative solutions and pledged ongoing support for domestic edge AI developers.

• Hanwha Robotics Selected as AI Factory Specialist

  ➀ Hanwha Robotics was certified as an AI Factory specialist by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and KEIT for its AI vision solution in collaborative robots;

  ➁ The certification provides preferential benefits in government project applications until August 2027, reinforcing its role in smart manufacturing;

  ➂ The company aims to lead AI transformation in domestic manufacturing and expand global market influence through autonomous robotic systems.

• Cheonan C-STAR Company Mithril Emerges as a Game-Changer in AI Industrial Accident Prevention Market

  ➀ Mithril, part of Cheonan's C-STAR startup program, developed 'Guardian-Alpha AI'—an AI-vision camera and IoT solution that detects industrial safety risks in real-time at high-risk sites like manufacturing plants and shipyards;

  ➁ The system analyzes CCTV and sensor data to prevent accidents, gaining traction globally, including a partnership with Egypt's Elswedy Group;

  ➂ Cheonan City plans to support Mithril's global expansion through investment, networking, and market entry assistance.