SemiVoice

May 15

• Gyeonggi Province Provides 45.1 Billion KRW in Equipment Support to Semiconductor Design Companies

  ➀ Gyeonggi Province secured 45.1 billion KRW (approx. $33.3 million) in funding from 2025 to 2027 to support fabless semiconductor design companies, including AI and autonomous vehicle chip developers, by providing shared access to high-end design and verification equipment;

  ➁ The initiative aims to reduce costs for SMEs, offering equipment like emulators for virtual validation, high-speed signal analyzers, and secure remote servers at 30% lower fees compared to other regions;

  ➂ A System Semiconductor Development Support Center in Pangyo Techno Valley will host the facilities, coupled with workforce training programs to accelerate product development and commercialization.

• Samsung Electronics Selected as TV Supplier for Visually and Hearing Impaired for 6th Consecutive Year

  ➀ Samsung Electronics has been chosen for the sixth consecutive year to supply TVs to visually and hearing-impaired individuals under a government initiative to reduce information inequality;

  ➁ The company will provide 35,000 units of its 43-inch Full HD Smart TV in 2025, a 3,000-unit increase from 2024;

  ➂ The TVs feature accessibility enhancements, including grayscale mode for colorblind users, customizable color adjustments, and AI-driven sign language tracking for seamless viewing.

• Hanwha Momentum Establishes New Process Lab for Next-Gen Battery Equipment Development

  ➀ Hanwha Momentum established a dedicated 'Process Lab' within its secondary battery R&D center in Asan to develop next-gen battery equipment and manufacturing processes, including all-solid-state batteries and dry-process technology;

  ➁ The lab aims to expand customer collaboration through customized services and efficient process solutions, a rare move for an equipment manufacturer;

  ➂ Plans include expanding dry-process R&D facilities, building all-solid-state battery evaluation spaces, and hiring additional research staff in H2 2025.

• LG Electronics Launches 'Life's Good' Campaign Worldwide

  ➀ LG Electronics is promoting its global campaign 'Life's Good' through environmental and social initiatives, including installing 150 handmade bird nests in the U.S. and creating a pollinator garden with 100 native plants to support local ecosystems;

  ➁ In Kazakhstan, LG partnered with universities to deliver lectures on optimism, technological innovation, and the brand's values to over 300 students;

  ➂ The company aims to expand its ESG-driven 'Life's Good' campaigns globally, aligning with its vision of 'A Better Life for All' through sustainable practices and community engagement.

May 14

• Korea Toray Science Promotion Foundation Opens Applications for Science and Technology Awards and Fellowships

  ➀ The Korea Toray Science Promotion Foundation is accepting applications for the 8th Science and Technology Awards (2 recipients, 100 million KRW each ≈ $75,000) and Fellowships (5 researchers, 50 million KRW/year for 3 years ≈ $112,500 each) until June 2025;

  ➀ The foundation has provided 6 billion KRW (~$4.5 million) since 2018, supporting 14 awardees, 30 fellows, and 210 STEM scholarship students;

  ➂ Applications are available on the foundation's website, with an awards ceremony scheduled for October 2025.

• TG Sambo to Participate in 'AI Expo Korea 2025', Showcasing Latest AI Solutions

  ➀ TG Sambo, a leading Korean IT company, will exhibit AI-optimized PCs, laptops, servers, and integrated solutions at AI Expo Korea 2025;

  ➁ Collaborating with partners like Konan Technology and Persona AI, the company will demonstrate real-time AI applications through on-site demos;

  ➂ Emphasizing hardware-software synergy, TG Sambo aims to deliver industry-ready AI solutions leveraging 40+ years of hardware expertise.

• [Photo] Galaxy S25 Edge with the Thinnest Design

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, the slimmest model in the Galaxy S series to date;

  ➁ The device features a refined design with a 5.8mm thickness and 163g weight achieved through lightweight engineering;

  ➂ The product was unveiled at the 'Galaxy S25 Edge: Beyond Slim' event in Seoul's Gangnam district, introduced by Vice President Moon Sung-hoon.

• Incheon Semiconductor High School Strengthens Government-Industry-Academia Cooperation to Cultivate Semiconductor Talent

  ➀ Incheon Semiconductor High School collaborates with the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education to discuss fostering semiconductor talent through industry-academia partnerships;

  ➁ The school established advanced practical labs and secured KRW 4.5 billion (approximately USD 3.4 million) in government funding over five years to enhance vocational training;

  ➂ Initiatives include a 'employment-first, learning-later' model and customized curricula to align with industry needs, aiming to bridge education and workforce demands.

• [Photo] 'Thinner Than a Pencil'

  ① Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, the slimmest design in the Galaxy S series, featuring a 5.8mm thickness and 163g weight;

  ② The device showcases refined engineering and lightweight construction;

  ③ It was launched at the 'Galaxy S25 Edge: Beyond Slim' event in Seoul's Gangnam district on May 13.

• Precise Design and Lightweight Construction Bring the Galaxy S25 Edge to Life

  ➀ Samsung has launched the 'Galaxy S25 Edge,' the slimmest Galaxy S series smartphone to date, featuring a 5.8mm thickness and 163g weight;

  ➁ The device combines precise engineering and lightweight design, marking a significant advancement in form factor;

  ➂ The unveiling event, 'Galaxy S25 Edge: Beyond Slim,' took place in Seoul's Samsung Gangnam on May 13.

• Samsung's 'Bespoke AI Jet 400W' Receives Global Acclaim

  ➀ Samsung's wireless vacuum cleaner, the 'Bespoke AI Jet 400W,' launched last month, has earned consecutive praise from global tech media for its 400W suction power and AI-driven features; Trusted Reviews awarded it 4.5/5 and highlighted its auto-adjusting suction and top-tier dust collection.

  ➁ Key features include AI Mode 2.0, dual batteries (up to 100/60 minutes runtime), a self-emptying Clean Station, and integration with Samsung's SmartThings app for maintenance tracking; media like T3 and CHIP praised its efficiency and ranked it 1st among 43 tested models.

  ➂ German media Connect noted its adaptive suction optimizes battery life, while SamMobile called it Samsung's 'best vacuum' due to its lightweight design and comprehensive smart ecosystem.

• Samsung Electronics Unveils 'Lightest' Galaxy S25 Edge with Ultra-Slim Design

  ➀ Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, the slimmest model in the Galaxy S series, featuring a 5.8mm thickness and 163g lightweight design;

  ➁ The device combines a larger screen than the Galaxy S23 while being 8g lighter;

  ➂ Unveiled at the 'Galaxy S25 Edge: Beyond Slim' event in Seoul's Gangnam district, emphasizing advanced engineering for portability.

May 13

• Cheonan Selects 3rd Cohort of Future Unicorn C-STAR…8 High-Tech Startups Chosen

  ➀ Cheonan City selected 8 high-tech startups for the 3rd cohort of its Future Unicorn C-STAR program, focusing on sectors like electric vehicle components, AI-based industrial safety, food tech, and eco-friendly solutions;

  ➁ The selected companies include those developing energy-efficient manufacturing technologies, rapid EV charging systems, and AI-driven recycling solutions, showcasing diverse innovation;

  ➂ Following the success of the 2nd cohort (14 companies), the city aims to strengthen its startup ecosystem through tailored support, positioning itself as a hub for cutting-edge technological growth.

• Angel Robotics and LIG Nex1 Collaborate on Military Wearable Robot Development

  ➀ Angel Robotics and LIG Nex1 announced a partnership to jointly develop military wearable robots, building on their 2023 MOU for practical implementation;

  ➁ The collaboration combines Angel Robotics' expertise in wearable robotics with LIG Nex1's defense manufacturing capabilities, focusing on R&D and real-world application validation;

  ➂ The initiative marks a strategic expansion of Angel Robotics' technological reach into defense applications, as emphasized by CEO Nammin Jo.

• [Photo] Samsung Electronics Unveils 'Samsung Vision AI' Outdoor Advertisement at Global Landmark

  ➀ Samsung Electronics showcased its 'Samsung Vision AI' outdoor advertisement at a global landmark, specifically Seoul's Shinsegae Department Store;

  ➁ The campaign highlights Samsung's advancements in AI technology and vision;

  ➂ The article includes a photo provided by Samsung Electronics, emphasizing the visual impact of the advertisement.

• LG Energy Solution Launches New Startup Collaboration Platform 'OSS'

  ➀ LG Energy Solution announced its 'OSS' program to collaborate with promising startups, focusing on battery technology innovation；

  ➁ The program accepts proposals in six fields (materials, cells, packs, etc.) until June 30, with opportunities for R&D partnerships and equity investments；

  ➂ CTO Kim Je-young emphasized the company's commitment to leading the battery industry through external collaborations.

• WithPS Signs KRW 26.6 Billion Contract with Hanwha Systems to Supply 'L-SAM Main Power Supply Units'

  ➀ WithPS, a defense industry SME, signed a KRW 26.6 billion (approx. $20.6 million) contract with Hanwha Systems to supply main power supply units for the L-SAM missile defense system's multi-function radar (MFR);

  ➁ The power units, developed over two years using proprietary technology, achieve domestic production of critical components for missile defense systems and exhibit world-class performance in power density and durability, with potential exports to Middle Eastern countries;

  ➂ Supported by R&D from Jeonnam Technopark and regional institutions, WithPS aims to strengthen Korea's defense ecosystem and expand its role as a specialized defense supplier, contributing to national security and regional growth.

• Samsung Electronics Showcases 'Samsung Vision AI' Outdoor Advertising at Global Landmarks

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launched outdoor advertisements for its 'Samsung Vision AI' campaign at global landmarks, including Times Square in New York City;

  ➁ The campaign aims to promote Samsung's AI technology and vision through high-visibility marketing;

  ➂ Highlights Samsung's strategic focus on advancing AI integration in consumer electronics and global brand influence.

• Samsung's 'Vision AI' Outdoor Advertisement in London, UK

  ➀ Samsung Electronics unveiled its 'Vision AI' through a large-scale outdoor advertisement at Piccadilly Circus, a global landmark in London;

  ➀ The campaign highlights Samsung's efforts to promote its AI technology on a global scale;

  ➂ The outdoor ad underscores Samsung's strategic focus on enhancing brand visibility in the AI sector.

• Epson Korea Appoints Jun Morofushi as New CEO

  ➀ Epson Korea has appointed Jun Morofushi as its new CEO, who brings over 25 years of experience in global sales and marketing for printers and projectors at Seiko Epson.

  ➁ Morofushi previously led global marketing for Seiko Epson's Orient brand mechanical wristwatches, driving business expansion.

  ➂ He aims to support Korean enterprises in global market entry and strengthen collaboration on ESG-focused eco-friendly solutions and campaigns.

• Semikron Danfoss Module with Rohm's 2kV SiC MOSFET Adopted in SMA Solar System

  ➀ SMA Solar Technology's new solar system 'Sunny Central FLEX' incorporates Semikron Danfoss' power module with Rohm's 2kV SiC MOSFET, targeting large-scale solar plants and energy storage systems;

  ➁ The SEMITRANS® 20 module enables high-efficiency 1,500V DC applications and simplified design through Rohm's gate resistor-integrated technology, with future applications in EV charging and wind power converters;

  ➂ Rohm's 2kV SiC MOSFET offers high reliability and radiation resistance, addressing demanding environmental conditions in solar energy while contributing to CO2 reduction goals.

May 12

• EcoPro Conducts Social Contribution Activities in Cheongju and Pohang During Family Month

  ➀ EcoPro carried out social activities in May (Family Month) by engaging with children at a daycare center in Cheongju to create carnation flowerpots and deliver snack sets;

  ➁ Donated funds to support pediatric cancer and rare disease treatments through the Korea Social Welfare Council;

  ➂ Distributed lunchboxes to 150 underprivileged households in Cheongju and provided snack sets to an orphanage in Pohang, where its battery material production base is located.

• [Photo] Experience LG Soundbars, XBOOM, and More

  ➀ LG Electronics showcased its home entertainment products, including the 77-inch OLED evo TV, customizable Soundbar S95TR, and XBOOM wireless speakers at Ground220 in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo district during Family Month;

  ➁ The event allowed visitors to experience immersive audiovisual technologies and hands-on dessert-making activities in a family-friendly atmosphere;

  ➂ Rising demand for home appliance upgrades amid Family Month drove consumer engagement with LG’s latest innovations.

• [Photo] Experience Making Desserts with Kitchen Appliances

  ➀ Increased demand for home appliance replacements during Family Month in South Korea;

  ➁ LG Electronics hosts an interactive event at Seoul's Ground220, allowing visitors to experience making desserts using their kitchen appliances;

  ➂ The event combines product trials with hands-on activities, attracting consumers amid the seasonal surge in home electronics purchases.

• Agricultural Machinery Digital R&D Center to Establish 'Full Lifecycle Support' for Agricultural Mobility Ecosystem

  ➀ The Eco-friendly Hydrogen/Electric Agricultural Machinery Research Center at Chungnam National University will complete infrastructure (including a 1,485㎡ research building and 14,000㎡ outdoor testing site) by Q3 2027, supported by a 21.2 billion KRW (~163 million USD) investment over five years;

  ➁ The center will deploy 16 advanced equipment types, including hydrogen charging stations and digital twin-based simulation systems (VILS/HILS), to assist companies in product development and validation;

  ➂ Aiming to bridge the technology gap with advanced countries, it targets a 60% operational rate by 2029 and plans global collaborations to enhance South Korea's competitiveness in eco-friendly agricultural machinery, which currently holds only 1.3% of the global market share.

• Shipbuilding Industry’s Star LNG Carriers See Sharp Decline in Orders… Minimizing Gaps Through Diversification

  ➀ South Korea’s top shipbuilders (HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean) experienced a significant drop in LNG carrier orders in 2025 compared to 2024, attributed to reduced demand from major projects like Qatar, overcapacity, and falling freight rates;

  ➁ To offset the decline, the shipbuilders diversified into container ships and oil tankers, with HD securing 34 container ships and 6 oil tankers, Samsung securing 2 container ships, and Hanwha securing 6 container ships and crude oil carriers;

  ➂ The industry is accelerating green technology development, partnering with firms like Maersk and Baker Hughes to advance decarbonized shipping and carbon-free propulsion systems.

• Ilwol GML Expands Presence in US Market by Entering eBay and Walmart Following Amazon

  ➀ Ilwol GML secured partnerships with eBay and Walmart to sell electric/cooling mats in the U.S., following its entry into Amazon, and plans to supply 100,000 units while switching to Amazon's FBA model to expedite delivery;

  ➁ The U.S. imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese-made mats, leading to a 25% price hike for competing products, creating opportunities for Ilwol GML to capture market share;

  ➂ The company expects summer season sales to reach $5 million and is in talks with U.S. bedding companies to replace Chinese suppliers.

• [Photo] Let's Make a Delicious Highball

  ➀ Demand for home appliance replacement has risen during Family Month, prompting interest in experiential events;

  ➁ LG Electronics hosts a popular event at Seoul's Ground220, where visitors use kitchen appliances to create desserts and highballs;

  ➂ The hands-on activity combines home appliance demonstrations with food and beverage crafting, attracting families and tech-savvy consumers.

• [Photo] Desserts Made Instantly with AI

  ➀ Demand for home appliance replacements rises during Family Month, with LG Electronics offering interactive experiences;

  ➀ LG's AI-powered kitchen appliances enable users to create desserts through hands-on activities;

  ➂ Ground220 in Seoul attracts visitors to explore smart home technologies and culinary innovation.

• Memory Market Gains Momentum... Samsung Announces DRAM Price Hike

  ➀ Samsung has raised DRAM prices for DDR4 by 20% and DDR5 by approximately 5%, marking its first price increase in over a year amid recovering demand;

  ➁ The move follows Micron's earlier price adjustments and reflects increased pre-tariff inventory restocking by PC/mobile/server manufacturers ahead of potential US tariff hikes;

  ➂ This price reversal, first since April 2024, signals recovery in general-purpose DRAM alongside AI-driven HBM demand, with Q2 earnings expected to reflect improved profitability.