SemiVoice

August 19

• Ceragem Creates 'Wellness Room' at Korean Air's Incheon International Airport

  ➀ Ceragem collaborated with Korean Air to establish a 'Wellness Room' in the renovated lounges of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport, enhancing passenger relaxation and healthcare experiences;

  ➁ The project initially installed 19 advanced healthcare devices (e.g., Master V7/V9, PowerZ M6/M8 Fit) in the Mileage Club and Prestige Lounges, with plans to add 13 more units by April 2026, totaling 32 devices;

  ➂ The initiative aims to reinforce Ceragem's global healthcare branding by providing travelers with private, premium wellness experiences during transit.

• [Photo] Business Community Urges Revision of Labor Union Act Amendment

  ➀ South Korea's six major economic organizations, including the Korea Employers Federation (KEF), held a joint press conference at the National Assembly on August 18, 2025, urging lawmakers to revise the proposed Labor Union Act amendment.

  ➁ The groups emphasized the need to incorporate the business sector's proposals to ensure minimal stability and balance in labor-management relations.

  ➂ The event highlighted growing tensions between corporations and policymakers over labor reforms affecting industrial relations.

• Epson Korea Launches High-End 6-Axis Robot 'C-C Series' Specialized in High-Speed and High-Precision Tasks

  ➀ Epson Korea unveiled its high-end 6-axis 'C-C Series' robots, targeting high-speed and high-precision industrial applications;

  ➁ The series features enhanced maintenance ease with battery-less motor units and reduced connectors, alongside improved efficiency via RC+8.0 software and safety certifications (PL=d, Category 3);

  ➂ With payloads of 8kg/12kg and arm lengths up to 1400mm, the robots aim to boost quality and productivity in manufacturing.

• [Photo] Economic Six Organizations Hold Press Conference

  ➀ Six major South Korean economic organizations, including the Korea Enterprises Federation, held a press conference urging amendments to the Labor Union Act;

  ➀ The event took place at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, with attendees such as the federation's chairman and a ruling party member;

  ➂ This highlights ongoing debates over labor policies and economic reforms in South Korea.

• AI Era Semiconductor Packaging Diagnosis... 2025 HaeDong Packaging Technology Forum Opens on the 29th

  ➀ The 2025 HaeDong Packaging Technology Forum, focused on advanced semiconductor packaging in the AI era, will take place on August 29 at the Seoul Science and Technology Convention Center;

  ➁ Hosted by KMEPS, the event gathers industry and academic experts to discuss design, materials, processes, and AI integration in semiconductor packaging;

  ➂ The forum highlights AI's dual role in enabling advanced packaging technologies and optimizing the packaging process, supported by HaeDong Science & Culture Foundation and ETnews.

• [Photo] Economic Community Urges Amendment to Labor Union Act Revision Bill

  ➀ Six major South Korean economic organizations, including the Korea Employers Federation, held a joint press conference at the National Assembly on August 18, 2025;

  ➀ They urged amendments to the proposed Labor Union Act, calling for the acceptance of revisions proposed by the economic sector;

  ➂ The groups stressed the need to adopt these revisions to ensure minimal labor-management stability and balance.

• [Photo] Economic Organizations Urge Revision of Labor Union Act Amendment

  ➀ South Korea's economic organizations, including the Korea Employers Federation, jointly urged lawmakers to revise the Labor Union Act amendment during a statement at the National Assembly on August 18, 2025;

  ➁ They emphasized the need to adopt proposals from the business community to ensure stable labor-management relations and balanced reforms;

  ➂ The appeal highlights ongoing tensions between economic stakeholders and legislative efforts affecting labor policies.

• Dongkuk Steel Group Sponsors Habitat for Humanity Korea's '815 Run'

  ➀ Dongkuk Steel Group sponsored the 2025 '815 Run' organized by Habitat for Humanity Korea, an annual marathon campaign (since 2020) to improve housing for descendants of Korean independence activists, aligning with its 'Steel for the Nation' CSR philosophy;

  ➁ The group donated 20.6 million KRW (≈$15,800) this year, including 8.15 million KRW in direct sponsorship and 12.45 million KRW from employee participation fees, bringing cumulative donations to 41.25 million KRW (≈$31,700);

  ➂ The initiative expands its support from uniformed public servants to independence activists' descendants and reinforces its commitment to social responsibility under the 'Move Together, Move Green' strategy.

August 18

• Ina Group Hosts '2025 Seminar Fair'... Proposes Automation Solutions Through Robot and Motion Control Technology

  ➀ Ina Group will host the '2025 Seminar Fair' across seven South Korean cities from September 2 to 11, focusing on automation innovation through robotics and motion control technologies;

  ➁ The event features seminars on motor application strategies, robot automation (including collaborative robots), semiconductor wafer transfer systems, and hands-on demos with products like actuators and controllers;

  ➂ Participants can register for free online and receive commemorative gifts, with tailored programs addressing regional industrial needs.

• LG Chem Hosts 'Recycle Social Contribution Impact Challenge' Contest

  ➀ LG Chem collaborates with Hope Friends Korea Food for the Hungry to launch a contest seeking innovative ideas for repurposing discarded resources to benefit communities and daily life;

  ➁ The focus is on recycling technologies, with examples including using plastic waste to create assistive devices, playground equipment, and eco-friendly products;

  ➂ Submissions are open online from August 18 to September 19, 2025, with winners receiving prizes incorporating LG Chem’s eco-friendly materials, aiming to drive sustainable social value.

• Dongwha Electrolite Supplies Electrolyte to Global Automaker

  ➀ Dongwha Electrolite announced it will supply electrolyte, a key material for lithium-ion battery cells, to a global automaker for electric vehicles, though client details remain undisclosed;

  ➁ Production and delivery will be conducted at its newly operational Tennessee plant, aiming to expand market share in North America;

  ➂ The company emphasized strategic investments and supply chain enhancements to strengthen its product portfolio and industry presence.

• Samsung Electronics Launches 'Bespoke AI Water Purifier Countertop' with Industry-Leading 82 Harmful Substance Filtration Capability

  ➀ Samsung's new 'Bespoke AI Water Purifier Countertop' features a 4-stage NSF-certified filtration system that removes 82 harmful substances, including microplastics and heavy metals like lead and mercury;

  ➁ Equipped with automated functions such as stainless steel pipe sterilization, residual water drainage, and cleaning reminders to maintain hygiene;

  ➂ Integrates SmartThings and Bixby voice control for customizable water temperature/volume, coffee brewing modes, and real-time filter monitoring, priced at ₩1.45 million (~$1,115 at 1,300 KRW/USD).

• PNC Solutions' METALENSE 2 Registered as Officially Supported Device on Global XR Platform 'ArborXR'

  ➀ PNC Solutions' AR glasses "METALENSE 2" has been registered on ArborXR, a global XR device management platform used by over 3,000 enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies like Walmart and Pfizer;

  ➁ The registration enhances MDM compatibility and operational efficiency, validating METALENSE 2's technical excellence for industrial applications;

  ➂ This collaboration aims to strengthen South Korea's XR ecosystem and accelerate global market expansion, with METALENSE 2 already deployed in manufacturing, education, and defense sectors.

• S-Oil Operates Brand Communication and Experience Booth at 'Universe Festival 2025'

  ➀ S-Oil collaborated with its subsidiary STLC and organizer Peaches to create a gas station-themed booth at the 'Universe Festival 2025', featuring brand character photo zones and interactive activities;

  ➁ The booth utilized yellow and black branding, displayed scenes from S-Oil's TV ad campaign, and distributed 3,000 souvenirs including plush keyrings, face painting, and glow bracelets;

  ➂ The festival, blending music, art, and lifestyle, attracted young audiences and reinforced S-Oil's commitment to innovative marketing strategies.

• Sek Reports KRW 13.2 Billion Revenue in First Half; Projects Profitability in Q3

  ➀ Sek reported KRW 13.2 billion (≈$101.5M) in H1 2025 revenue, up 70% QoQ, but failed to turn profitable due to one-time IPO-related costs;

  ➁ Order backlog grew to KRW 52.9 billion (≈$40.7M), a KRW 6 billion increase from early 2025, driven by delayed revenue recognition post-equipment inspection;

  ➂ The company anticipates profitability in Q3 as revenue concentrates in Q4 and plans to launch TGV metal-fill defect inspection equipment for glass substrates starting 2026.

August 17

• Heavy Industry Petrochemicals Risk Missing Golden Time... Eyes on Government Support Measures to Encourage Business Restructuring

  ➀ The South Korean government plans to announce support measures for the petrochemical industry this month, focusing on voluntary business restructuring, financial incentives, and tax benefits;

  ➁ The industry faces challenges due to global oversupply from China and the Middle East, coupled with weak demand, with projections that half of companies may collapse within three years without intervention;

  ➂ Proposed measures include production adjustments, regulatory easing, tariff exemptions for raw materials, policy financing, electricity cost reductions, and promoting high-value eco-friendly chemical materials.

• EcoPro Surpasses 300,000 Tons in Cumulative NCA Cathode Material Sales

  ➀ EcoPro has exceeded 300,000 tons in cumulative sales of nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathode materials, sufficient to produce batteries for 3 million electric vehicles;

  ➁ The company commercialized Korea's first NCA cathode material in 2008, steadily scaling production to 100,000 tons (2021) and 200,000 tons (2022), with clients including Sony and Samsung SDI;

  ➂ It aims to expand into the energy storage system (ESS) market, where its cathode sales grew six-fold year-over-year in 2023.

• LG Electronics Reduces Plastic Use in System Air Conditioners... Cuts Carbon Emissions by 4,400 Tons

  ➀ LG Electronics developed a 'physical foaming' manufacturing process for commercial 4-way system air conditioners, reducing plastic use by 270 tons annually and CO₂ emissions by 4,400 tons;

  ➁ The company switched plastic materials from ABS to lower-emission PP, cutting plastic usage by 900g per unit;

  ➂ The CO₂ reduction equals the annual absorption capacity of pine forests covering 580 soccer fields. Production began in June 2025, with plans to expand to residential and commercial products.

• 500 Major Companies See 5.9% Increase in First-Half Operating Profit, But Drops to -1.7% Without SK Hynix

  ➀ SK Hynix’s operating profit surged 99.3% YoY to KRW 16.65 trillion ($12.9 billion) in H1 2025, driven by AI-driven HBM demand, while other top 500 companies (excluding SK Hynix) saw profits drop 1.7%;

  ➁ Samsung Electronics’ operating profit fell 33.4% to KRW 11.36 trillion ($8.8 billion), and industries like petrochemicals (e.g., SK Energy, Lotte Chemical) faced significant losses;

  ➂ Samsung SDI recorded the largest H1 operating loss at KRW 831.9 billion ($645 million), with shipbuilding and defense sectors showing improved profitability.

• Samsung Electronics Targets Southeast Asian HVAC Market...Introduces Technologies at Asia HVAC Conference

  ➀ Samsung Electronics showcased HVAC solutions, including the "1-Way Cassette System Air Conditioner" and high-efficiency "DVM" model, at the 2025 Asia HVAC Conference attended by 11 countries;

  ➁ Launched a new Southeast Asian market-focused Wi-Fi-enabled, compact air conditioner with AI energy-saving mode (up to 20% efficiency) and eco-friendly R32 refrigerant (32% lower GWP than R410A);

  ➂ Achieved over 20% YoY sales growth in Southeast Asia for system air conditioners, with a 35% surge in 1-Way Cassette model sales, driven by smart connectivity and localized strategies.

• LG's Major Subsidiaries Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 19% Compared to 2018

  ➀ LG's seven major subsidiaries reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 19% (from 21.12 million tons in 2018 to 17.03 million tons in 2023), aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 with interim targets of 34% reduction by 2030 and 52% by 2040;

  ➁ Renewable energy usage targets are set at 76% by 2030, 89% by 2040, and 100% by 2050, while expanding compliance with South Korea's K-Taxonomy for green economic activities;

  ➂ Enhanced governance includes mandatory compliance training for all employees, 100% participation in self-audit programs, and expanded ESG disclosures aligning with KSSB sustainability standards.

• SK's Icheon Forum Opens on the 18th: Seeking Ways to Strengthen Core Competitiveness in the AI Era

  ➀ SK Group hosts the 9th Icheon Forum 2025 from August 18–20, focusing on AI and digital transformation to strengthen core competitiveness;

  ➁ Key discussions include global AI ecosystem strategies, SK's role in AI innovation, HBM's success driven by SK's corporate culture, and AI-driven manufacturing productivity improvements;

  ➂ Members from SK Hynix, SK Innovation, and IBM share case studies, while junior leaders present AI-based workflow innovations and sustainable happiness initiatives.

• S-Oil's Incheon Oil Storage Terminal Achieves Highest 'P Grade' in Process Safety Management

  ➀ S-Oil's Incheon oil storage terminal secured the highest 'P Grade' in South Korea's Process Safety Management (PSM) evaluation, upgraded from its previous 'S Grade', marking all its owned terminals now at the top P level;

  ➁ The PSM system, assessed every four years by the government, categorizes facilities into four grades (P, S, M+, M-), with only ~10 of 600 hazardous sites in Seoul metropolitan area achieving P Grade due to stringent criteria;

  ➂ S-Oil enhanced safety through employee training, risk assessments, compliance audits, and participatory safety culture initiatives, pledging further safety system improvements to maintain accident-free operations.

August 16

• Yonsei University Professor Kim Hyun-jae's Team Develops AI Semiconductor that Sees and Processes Light Like the Retina

  ➀ Yonsei University researchers developed an AI semiconductor that mimics the human retina, enabling light detection and real-time processing in a single device. It autonomously distinguishes colors/forms, adjusts contrast, and filters unnecessary visual data.

  ➁ The IGZO-based transistor integrated with metal-sensitive islands significantly improves visible light absorption and control of oxygen vacancies, reducing power consumption and latency while enhancing stability.

  ➂ This technology could improve applications requiring fast on-site decisions, such as autonomous vehicles, edge AI cameras, biomedical imaging, and smart monitoring systems. Results were published in IOP Publishing's Extreme Manufacturing journal.

• US President Trump to Impose Semiconductor Tariffs Next Week

  ➀ US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose semiconductor tariffs next week under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, citing national security concerns;

  ➁ The tariffs will start at a low rate but escalate significantly over time to pressure foreign companies to build manufacturing facilities in the US;

  ➂ Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously indicated the tariffs would be announced within two weeks, aligning with Trump's latest statement.

• Lee Jae-yong Returns to Korea After 17-Day U.S. Visit, 'Prepared Next Year's Business'

  ➀ Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned to South Korea after a 17-day U.S. trip, stating he focused on preparing for next year’s business strategies;

  ➁ Discussions likely followed Samsung's historic $17.3 billion (23 trillion KRW) foundry deal with Tesla to produce next-gen AI6 chips at its Texas plant;

  ➂ Lee plans to attend a national appointment ceremony on August 15 and join the U.S.-South Korea summit later in August as part of an economic delegation.

August 15

• Samwha Electronics Partners with Global Leaders to Secure Initial Orders for Ferrite Cores in Ultra-Fast EV Chargers

  ➀ Samwha Electronics, a South Korean material specialist, secured its first order for ferrite cores used in ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers from a global enterprise, marking its entry into the EV and autonomous vehicle market;

  ➁ The company is developing high-frequency ferrite materials for wireless charging systems in robotaxis and LiDAR filters, aligning with the anticipated commercialization of Level 4 autonomous vehicles post-2025;

  ➂ EV-related ferrite sales are expected to surpass 50% of total revenue by 2026, driven by partnerships with global firms and advancements in self-driving and wireless charging technologies.

• Korea Elevator Safety Corporation Holds 3-Day Industry-Academic Cooperation Workshop in Tongyeong

  ➀ The Korea Elevator Safety Corporation (KESC) hosted a 3-day workshop in Tongyeong to strengthen collaboration with elevator education institutions and address educational paradigm shifts driven by generative AI;

  ➁ The event involved 27 participants from KESC, elevator-focused universities, and high schools, featuring discussions on reducing industrial accidents, AI-based curriculum development, and digital literacy training;

  ➂ KESC emphasized adapting to advanced technologies like AI to enhance safety and competitiveness in the elevator industry.

• Panaysia Wins Contract for Development of Edge AI Server for On-Device AI

  ➀ Panaysia secured a government-supported project to develop modular edge AI servers for on-device AI, focusing on flexible resource configuration using CXL technology;

  ➁ The solution integrates GPUs, NPUs, and high-performance CPUs in a modular design to optimize performance and reduce operating costs, while addressing security and latency issues;

  ➂ Collaborative efforts with KAIST, UNIST, and other universities aim to deploy the technology in smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and urban security systems.

August 14

• [Photo] Yu Gwan-sun's Smile

  ➀ AI technology reconstructed the smiling image of Korean independence activist Yu Gwan-sun for an exhibition at Seoul's National Museum of Korea;

  ➁ The exhibition, titled '80th Anniversary of Liberation, Rediscovered Faces', commemorates the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation;

  ➂ The AI-powered restoration provides a vivid portrayal of Yu Gwan-sun, symbolizing historical remembrance and technological innovation.