SemiVoice

April 28

• Samsung Electronics Emphasizes QLED TV Differentiation in Southeast Asia and Latin America with Cadmium-Free Quantum Dot Technology

  ➀ Samsung is promoting its cadmium-free Quantum Dot technology in Southeast Asia and Latin America to differentiate from Chinese competitors TCL and Hisense, emphasizing environmental certifications and compliance with EU RoHS regulations;

  ➁ The company obtained SGS certification for its cadmium-free Quantum Dot films, while TCL and Hisense face consumer lawsuits in the U.S. for alleged false advertising related to QLED TV technology;

  ➂ Despite leading in revenue (51.1% market share), Samsung's unit sales dominance is challenged by Chinese brands, with TCL and Hisense rapidly closing the gap in unit-based market share.

• LGD Obtains Certification for Carbon Emission Calculation System

  ➀ LG Display secured the 'Product Carbon Footprint Methodology' certification from TÜV Rheinland;

  ➁ The certification validates their system for quantifying carbon emissions across the entire product lifecycle based on international standards;

  ➂ Their optimized IT system enables streamlined emission calculations by inputting only basic product data, integrated with existing development platforms.

• LG Energy Solution Holds Talent Recruitment Event in Chicago, USA… President Kim Dong-myeong Says 'Securing Growth Partners'

  ➀ LG Energy Solution hosted the Battery Tech Conference (BTC) in Chicago, a global talent recruitment event targeting top-tier PhD and master's graduates, following previous editions in San Francisco and New York;

  ➁ President Kim Dong-myeong emphasized the battery industry's transformative potential and the company's goal to collaborate with 'growth partners' to lead the future of the sector;

  ➂ The event included networking and technology showcases, with plans to expand BTC to Frankfurt, Germany, in June 2025 to strengthen global talent acquisition efforts.

• Samsung Electronics Launches 'AI Home Appliance Troika' Campaign… Strengthens Leadership in Three Major Appliances

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launches its 'AI Home Appliance Troika' campaign, highlighting flagship AI-driven air conditioners, washer-dryers, and refrigerators to reinforce dominance in core home appliance categories;

  ➁ Key products include the Bespoke AI WindFree Combo AC (Q1 sales up 50% YoY), Bespoke AI Combo Washer-Dryer (10,000 units sold in 40 days post-launch), and Bespoke AI Hybrid KitchenFit Max Fridge, all integrating advanced AI features and design innovations;

  ➂ The campaign features nostalgic teaser videos with celebrity ambassadors Kim Yuna, Han Ga-in, and Jun Ji-hyun, bridging past advertising legacy with modern AI advancements to emphasize lifestyle improvements.

• Samsung Electronics to Invest 170 Billion Won in Indian Factory Affected by Strike

  ➀ Samsung Electronics will invest 170 billion KRW (~$128.6 million) in its Sriperumbudur home appliance factory in Tamil Nadu, India, which experienced a month-long strike in 2024 over labor demands;

  ➁ The investment aims to strengthen trust in local labor and adds 100 jobs, though specifics on infrastructure use and timelines remain uncertain;

  ➂ The factory, producing refrigerators and washing machines, contributes ~20% of Samsung’s $12 billion annual revenue in India.

• LG Electronics Shares Customer Experience with 2nd Gen 'True Fan' Ambassadors

  ➀ LG Electronics held a launch ceremony for its 50-member 2nd 'LG Ambassador' cohort on April 26, targeting customers aged 20-40;

  ➀ The ambassadors, divided into three teams (Gen-Z, Idea Lab, Lifestyle), will create video content promoting LG's products and the brand's 'Better Life for All' vision over three months;

  ➂ The program aims to authentically amplify positive customer experiences and strengthen engagement with genuine brand supporters.

• KDDX Caught in Dilemma Between Negotiated Contract and Joint Development

  ➀ The South Korean next-generation destroyer (KDDX) project faces delays due to unresolved conflicts over procurement methods: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries supports a negotiated contract, while Hanwha Ocean advocates joint development;

  ➁ External committee members oppose the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s (DAPA) push for a negotiated contract, citing risks of competitive bidding and technical challenges in splitting design responsibilities;

  ➂ Legal ambiguities and concerns over project delays persist, with predictions that the decision may shift to the next administration, potentially prolonging the stalemate.

• YEST Wins Passive Right Confirmation in HPSP Patent Case Over Chamber Door Structure Differences

  ➀ YEST won a patent infringement lawsuit regarding high-pressure annealing equipment, as the Patent Tribunal ruled that its lock mechanism differs from HPSP's patent (No. 1553027);

  ➁ The tribunal identified structural differences: YEST's equipment uses a single rotating external door without an external rotating locking ring, unlike HPSP's dual-door design;

  ➂ YEST is conducting product wafer evaluations with major semiconductor clients and expects visible results in mass production tests by year-end, asserting no future infringement risks despite pending patent validity reviews.

April 27

• [Desk Interview] Shin Yo-sik, CEO of Union Biometrics: 'Leading the Global Biometrics Market with 25 Years of Union's Trust and Technology'

  ➀ Union Biometrics rebranded to mark its 25th anniversary, shifting focus to global biometrics leadership with core technologies like facial recognition and anti-spoofing, targeting integrated solutions across security and healthcare;

  ➁ Aggressive overseas expansion: Secured partnerships with Japan’s NEC (aiming for $2.3M+ revenue in 2024) and plans to enter North America, capitalizing on U.S. tariffs against Chinese competitors;

  ➂ Prioritizes R&D in AI-driven biometric precision and software solutions, launching PetID for animal biometrics and anti-spoofing tools, while emphasizing a trust-centered corporate philosophy.

• Namdong National Industrial Complex Management Council Hosts Briefing on AI-Based Corporate Leap Platform

  ➀ The Namdong National Industrial Complex Management Council in Incheon hosted a seminar on an AI-based corporate growth platform, attended by 40+ representatives of local businesses.

  ➀ The event introduced integrated AI-driven solutions for enhancing business plans, employment programs, and safety management systems, alongside showcasing practical case studies.

  ➂ Authorities emphasized leveraging AI to foster corporate growth and create regional jobs, with plans to expand tailored support for SMEs.

April 26

• Defense Information and Communication Association, Hanwha, TerraTech, 'Advanced Development Seminar on Defense C4I System +α' Held

  ➀ The Defense Information and Communication Association held a seminar on the advancement of the Defense C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) system, in collaboration with Hanwha Systems, Geoin Artificial Joint Association C&C, and TerraTech.

  ➁ The seminar focused on how to project cutting-edge technologies such as big data, AI, and IoT held by private companies into battlefield management information systems, and the direction in which these technologies should evolve.

  ➂ Various experts from companies like MaumAI, Cesia Platform, Hunesion, Seeclap, Picocast, Hyosung Information, Future System, Markany, and MenEnTel presented on the development direction of network-centric warfare using IT, and discussions were held on the military application of such advanced technologies.

• Korea Zinc Supports Vulnerable Groups for 14th Year through Charity Initiative

  ➀ Korea Zinc has sponsored the Red Cross Society's 'Hope Windmill Support Project' for the 14th year, donating a total of 700 million won annually through the Social Welfare Community Chest. The funds are used to provide essential food items to 25,279 vulnerable households across the country.

  ➁ This year, in addition to the 20,000 families already supported through the Hope Windmill project, an additional 5,000 vulnerable households were assisted. The support packages include instant meals such as ready-to-eat meals, ramen, and soup kits.

  ➂ Korea Zinc has also donated a cumulative total of 36.7 billion won to the Social Welfare Community Chest as of last year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to social welfare initiatives. Employees from Korea Zinc also participate in various volunteer activities to support local communities.

• Panasonic to Supply Cylindrical Batteries to US EV Maker Havixer

  ➀ Panasonic has been selected as a battery cell supplier for US electric vehicle maker Havixer, and will provide 2170 cylindrical batteries.

  ➁ The 2170 batteries, with an energy density of 800 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L), are expected to maximize truck performance and efficiency.

  ➂ The batteries will be produced at Panasonic's Japanese factory and shipped to Havixer's headquarters in California, with plans to manufacture them at a new production line in Kansas in the future.

• LG Electronics CEO Emphasizes 'Experience' in R&D

  ➀ LG Electronics CEO Cho Ju-wan emphasized that research and development (R&D) should be centered around 'experience', highlighting the importance of providing differentiated experiences to customers.

  ➁ He cited innovative products like the wireless OLED TV 'LG Signature OLED M' and the mobile lifestyle screen 'LG StanbyME' as examples of customer experience differentiation.

  ➂ The CX(Customer eXperience) Center, established at LG Electronics in late 2022, focuses on comprehensive customer experience research, strategic roadmap formulation, and innovation in customer experience across the company.

• Silicon Motion Aims to Penetrate Indian AI Data Center Market

  ➀ Silicon Motion participates in the 22nd Data Center Summit & Awards 2025 in Mumbai, India, introducing SSD controller technology.

  ➁ The company aims to build initial collaboration relationships with major AI data center companies in India to expand its customer base.

  ➂ The Indian data center market is expected to grow at an average of 13.4% per year until 2032, driven by government-led AI development policies.

• Cheonan Startup 'Our Neighborhood Plastic Lab' Gains Attention for Sustainable Circular Economy Model

  ➀ Cheonan-based startup 'Our Neighborhood Plastic Lab' is gaining attention for its sustainable circular economy model.

  ➁ The startup, established in 2023, collects and repurposes waste plastic to develop design products, educational content, and public campaigns.

  ➂ Over the past two years, the company has collected approximately 1,976 kg of waste plastic, developed over 40 products, and sold around 35,000 items, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 5,460 kg.

• Samsung OLED TV Receives Consecutive Acclaim from Global Tech Media

  ➀ Samsung's OLED TV, particularly the SF95 model, has received widespread praise from global technology media for its improved picture quality, glare reduction, and AI features.

  ➁ The SF95 model was hailed as the 'best QD-OLED TV for the price' and was selected as 'Editor's Choice' by multiple renowned tech media outlets.

  ➂ The 2025 Samsung OLED TV lineup, expanded to 14 models across 3 series, includes features like 'Glare-Free' and '4K AI Upscaling Pro' technology, along with AI smart home functions and home monitoring.

• Silicon Motion and Musinsa Earth Sign Business Cooperation Agreement for Eco-Friendly Fashion

  ➀ Silicon Motion (Silicon TC) and Musinsa's sustainability platform, Musinsa Earth, have signed a business cooperation agreement to expand the eco-friendly fashion market.

  ➁ The core of the agreement is the application of Silicon TC's recycled fiber 'Rizen' to Musinsa's brand products.

  ➂ The collaboration will include joint market analysis, new product development using Rizen, and comprehensive promotion and marketing efforts, with plans to expand the sale of Rizen-utilized products through other brands in the future.

April 25

• Light and Powerful AI Laptop 'ThinkPad X1 Carbon 13th Gen'

  ➀ The ThinkPad X1 Carbon 13th Gen, released by Lenovo Korea, features AI functions based on ChatGPT and various smart functions, gaining user attention.

  ➁ Weighing only 986 grams with a 14-inch screen, it meets the MIL-STD-810H standard, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.

  ➂ The laptop includes a Copilot+ function for AI assistance, smart wellness mode for posture correction, and smart sharing features for easy file transfer between the PC and smartphones. It also supports a 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an 8 MP IR camera for reduced eye strain during meetings.

• Let's Transition to the 'ㅍㅊㅈ' Industrial Era

  ➀ Since the Industrial Revolution, mass production has enabled humanity to enjoy a materially prosperous era, with global trade increasing by an average of 3-5% annually since the 1860 Anglo-French free trade agreement. However, this prosperity has come with environmental pollution, significant wealth inequality, and climate change. While efforts have been made to address environmental pollution and wealth inequality, climate change remains a critical unresolved issue.

  ➁ The article discusses the failure to meet the 1.5℃ target set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, with CO2 levels reaching a record high of 440 PPM. Despite efforts in renewable energy development, pessimism remains about keeping global temperatures below 1.5℃. The author suggests that in addition to scientific and technological approaches, a change in human perception and behavior is needed.

  ➂ The author proposes transitioning to the 'ㅍㅊㅈ' era (a conceptual shift from material prosperity to sustainability) to address climate change. By reducing industrial output through tariffs and focusing on technological innovation, South Korea can lead the world in building a new industrial ecosystem and achieving sustainable growth.

• Experiencing AI through Speech at World IT Show 2025

  ➀ The World IT Show 2025, the premier ICT festival in South Korea, was held on April 24th at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul.

  ➁ Visitors were able to learn about the AI features of the Galaxy S25 series at Samsung Electronics' AI class.

  ➂ The event showcased various advancements and applications in AI technology.

• Gyeonggi Province Shares Strategies to Address Semiconductor Crisis

  ➀ Gyeonggi Province is holding a seminar on semiconductor industry crisis management and policy communication at the Suwon Next-Generation Convergence Technology Research Institute.

  ➁ The event includes lectures on the history and future of the semiconductor industry, Gyeonggi Province's strategy for cultivating materials, parts, and equipment, and advanced packaging technologies.

  ➂ An expert panel on fabless companies will provide insights into global industry competitiveness, and attendees will tour the institute's semiconductor technology center to deepen their understanding of the field.

• Learn Fun and Exciting Ways to Use AI

  ➀ The top domestic ICT festival, World IT Show (WIS) 2025, was held on April 24 in Seoul at COEX.

  ➁ Visitors were learning AI utilization methods for the Galaxy S25 series at Samsung Electronics' AI class.

  ➂ The event showcased various technological advancements and activities related to AI and ICT.

• Exploring LG Electronics' Mobile AI Home Hub

  ➀ LG Electronics' mobile AI home hub, code-named Project Q9, was showcased at the World IT Show (WIS) 2025 in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

  ➁ The event is South Korea's premier information and communications technology (ICT) festival.

  ➂ Visitors were seen examining the innovative hub at the exhibition.

• AI Mobility Space Solution 'Sophielum'

  ➀ LG Electronics unveils 'Sophielum', an AI mobility space solution, at the World IT Show (WIS) 2025 in Seoul.

  ➁ The event, held at COEX in Gangnam, attracted numerous visitors.

  ➂ Attendees were seen exploring the features of 'Sophielum' at the LG Electronics booth.

• AR Book at World IT Show 2025

  ➀ The World IT Show (WIS) 2025, a premier information and communications technology (ICT) festival in South Korea, took place on April 24th in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

  ➁ Visitors were seen exploring the AR book at the Artizenspace booth.

  ➂ The event showcased cutting-edge technology including augmented reality innovations.

April 24

• HS Hyosung Advanced Materials Showcases Eco-Friendly Mobility Parts at 'Auto Parts Industry ESG·Carbon Neutrality Expo 2025'

  ➀ HS Hyosung Advanced Materials is participating in the '2025 Auto Parts Industry ESG·Carbon Neutrality Expo' from April 23rd to 25th, presenting eco-friendly mobility parts and materials for future generations.

  ➁ The company is introducing recycled automotive car mats, recycled seat belts, waste airbag separation technology, and a recycling system for transforming waste seat belts into new ones.

  ➂ The recycled materials used in their products are expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 34%, highlighting HS Hyosung's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly technology.

• Corporate sentiment at 'worst' due to tariffs and exchange rates... manufacturing and exports in the red

  ➀ The business sentiment index (BSI) for manufacturing has hit its lowest point in 4 years and 9 months, while the export BSI has fallen below 90 for the first time in 4 years and 7 months.

  ➁ The overall BSI forecast for May is 85.0, marking the fourth time this year that the forecast has been in the 80s.

  ➂ The prolonged downturn in key industries such as petrochemicals and steel, combined with global trade risks, has led to a contraction in corporate sentiment across most manufacturing sectors.

• SK Hynix Completes Customer Validation of DDR5 Based on CXL 2.0

  ➀ SK Hynix has completed customer validation of its DDR5 96GB product based on Compute Express Link (CXL) 2.0.

  ➁ CXL 2.0 is an interface designed to efficiently connect CPU, GPU, and memory, supporting large-scale and high-speed computations. The completion of the validation means the product is ready for use in CXL 2.0 applications.

  ➂ By applying this product to server systems, the memory capacity increases by 50% and the bandwidth expands by 30% compared to existing DDR5 modules, reducing data center construction costs. The company also plans to complete the validation of other products like the 128GB module in the near future.

• Synology Releases High-Performance and Flexible Storage Solution 'DiskStation DS925+' and 'DX525 Expansion Unit'

  ➀ Synology has released the 'DiskStation DS925+' NAS, designed for high performance and stable data management, featuring dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 slots for flash storage pools or cache configuration, offering significant performance improvements.

  ➁ The 'DX525 expansion unit' allows expansion of drive bays up to 9, providing a maximum raw storage capacity of 180TB.

  ➂ The DS925+ operates on the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, offering various business features such as cross-platform file access, remote synchronization, and integrated backup and recovery across different devices and cloud accounts.