SemiVoice

April 24

• Samsung Display OLED Brightness 1.5 Times That of LCDs, UL Certification Issued

  ➀ Samsung Display's OLED products have received 'True Bright' certification from UL Solutions, measuring the perceived brightness as seen by users.

  ➁ The 'True Bright' method utilizes the 'perceived brightness' measurement standard adopted by SEMI, evaluating how brightness varies with contrast.

  ➂ In comparisons, Samsung's 300-nit OLED displayed the same perceived brightness as a 510-nit LCD, and a 500-nit QD-OLED matched a 767-nit LCD, with Samsung OLEDs appearing 1.5 times brighter on average than equivalent LCDs.

• Kolon Industries and Kolon ENP Participate in 'Automotive Parts Industry ESG·Carbon Neutrality Exhibition 2025'

  ➀ Kolon Industries and its subsidiary Kolon ENP are participating in the '2025 Automotive Parts Industry ESG·Carbon Neutrality Exhibition' from the 23rd to the 25th at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul.

  ➁ The companies are showcasing eco-friendly mobility solutions, including high-functionality low-carbon automotive materials and parts.

  ➂ Kolon Industries is introducing various vehicle interior materials using plant-based and recycled raw materials, while Kolon ENP is presenting industrial engineering plastic products using marine waste and industrial residues.

• Korea Robot Industry Association Announces Application Reception for Contribution Awards

  ➀ The Korea Robot Industry Association has announced the reception of applications for the 2025 Machinery and Robotics Industry Development Contribution Awards.

  ➁ The government has been recognizing contributors to the robotics industry since 2006, with awards given to individuals who have made significant contributions in the field.

  ➂ The association will receive applications until next month, and the awards ceremony will be held on November 5th during the '2025 RoboWorld' exhibition.

• Koera锌 conducts raid over capital increase irregularities

  ➀ Koera锌's extraordinary shareholders meeting was held on January 23 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in central Seoul.

  ➁ Prosecutors have raided Koera锌 offices and executive residences over suspicions of irregularities in a paid-in capital increase process.

  ➂ The company is under investigation for failing to properly disclose plans for the capital increase, which was initiated before the completion of a share buyback, according to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.

April 22

• WaveBees Develops Domestic High-Frequency Signal Generation Module for Cheonma Missile

  ➀ WaveBees has developed a high-frequency signal generation module assembly for the Cheonma (K-31) short-range surface-to-air missile system.

  ➁ The company has completed the development of two types of assemblies for Cheonma and received a development validation certificate. This is part of a project led by the Defense Technology Promotion Research Institute to localize core components.

  ➂ The localization of this module allows WaveBees to enter the defense maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market, with potential expansion into the maintenance and performance improvement of naval, aviation, and air defense missile systems. The operating life of weapon systems typically ranges from 20 to 40 years, requiring continuous maintenance and performance improvements.

• LG Electronics CEO Visits Indonesia and Vietnam to Review Business Strategies

  ➀ LG Electronics CEO Cho Ju-wan visited Indonesia and Vietnam to inspect local business strategies, following his statement at the recent shareholders' meeting about exploring 'Global South' markets in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

  ➁ Indonesia, a rapidly growing country with the world's fourth-largest population, serves as a major production hub for LG Electronics TVs, while the Haiphong factory in Vietnam produces home appliances.

  ➂ CEO Cho emphasized the importance of B2B businesses such as HVAC, commercial displays, and high-efficiency systems, and highlighted the acceleration of B2B business through data-based customized solutions and long-term partnerships with B2B customers.

• LG Electronics Supplies 'LG Miraclass' to Megabox

  ➀ LG Electronics is supplying its next-gen cinema LED 'LG Miraclass' to Megabox COEX for installation in two theaters, with plans to expand to three theaters by the end of April 2025. Additional supply is planned for Megabox venues in Gwangjin-gu and Eaastpole.

  ➁ LG Miraclass offers 4K resolution, high contrast ratio, excellent color reproduction, and uniform brightness, providing an immersive experience for viewers. It supports brightness levels from 48 to 300 nits, suitable for 2D and 3D movie screenings, as well as conferences and seminars.

  ➂ LG Electronics and Megabox plan to collaborate to innovate the movie-watching experience in South Korea, with expanded cooperation in integrated services to revolutionize the entire customer journey from entry to exit.

• DS Techno and Solmix Selected as Intel's Excellent Partners

  ➀ DS Techno and Solmix, South Korean semiconductor component suppliers, have been selected as excellent partners by Intel.

  ➁ The companies were among 37 companies awarded the '2025 Intel EPIC Supplier Award' for their high-quality products and competitive pricing.

  ➂ Both companies directly supply parts to chip makers like Intel, bypassing equipment manufacturers, which helps Intel reduce maintenance costs. DS Techno has also attracted investments from Samsung Electronics in 2022 and Intel in 2024, and Solmix became an independent company in 2023 after being acquired by SKC in 2007.

• TIANMA Accelerates Development of Automotive OLEDs to Conquer Korean Market

  ➀ TIANMA, a Chinese display manufacturer, is accelerating the development of automotive organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels to strengthen its competitiveness in the global automotive display market and expand into the Korean market.

  ➁ TIANMA's Korean partner, Hudistek, revealed that the company is focusing on improving the quality and stabilizing the mass production of automotive OLED panels, while also expanding supply in the Korean market.

  ➂ The automotive display market is becoming increasingly competitive with the acceleration of OLED technology adoption, and TIANMA's entry into the market is expected to intensify the competition, especially in the premium electric vehicle segment where OLED display demand is rising.

• TechEL to Begin Mass Production of MicroSD for North American EV Manufacturers in Q3

  ➀ TechEL will begin mass production of MicroSD 7.0 for North American EV manufacturers from Q3.

  ➁ The MicroSD 7.0 is designed for automotive use with enhanced durability and reliability.

  ➂ The company's Vietnam factory, which started trial production in the second half of 2024, will be responsible for the production, with plans to expand its total production capacity by 200%.

• LG Display Introduces AI Secretary with Auto-Translation for Video Conferencing

  ➀ LG Display has revealed its plan to enhance work efficiency by implementing a self-developed AI assistant for tasks such as automatic translation in video conferencing and AI-generated meeting notes.

  ➁ The AI assistant aims to automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex workflows, with an expected 10% average increase in daily work productivity, aiming to reach over 30% in the next three years.

  ➂ The company also plans to add features like AI-summarized emails and advanced data processing capabilities in the first half of the year, and a document creation assistant for drafting report presentations in the second half.

April 21

• LG Innotek's '4-No Factory' Cultivates FC-BGA at the Unit Level

  ➀ LG Innotek's Gumi 4th factory, also known as the '4-No Factory', is a smart factory that produces Flip-Chip Ball Grid Array (FC-BGA) using AI, deep learning, robotics, and digital twin technologies. The factory is fully automated and operates without workers, utilizing autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for material transport and other tasks.

  ➁ The factory implements an automated optical inspection (AOI) process using AI vision inspection to ensure product quality, which has reduced lead time by up to 90%. Real-time monitoring systems and RFID devices track production history, ensuring transparency and problem resolution.

  ➂ LG Innotek plans to enter the high-value server FC-BGA market next year, having already secured additional global big tech customers. The company aims to achieve profitability in the FC-BGA business in the next two years and scale it to a division level by 2030, focusing on yield improvements and next-gen substrate technologies.

• Yongpoong Smelter to Resume Operations Contributing to Stable Supply Chain

  ➀ Yongpoong Smelter, a major zinc producer, is set to resume operations after a 58-day shutdown due to environmental violations. The company has focused on maintenance, equipment replacement, and safety system improvements during the stoppage.

  ➁ The resumption is expected to stabilize the zinc supply chain, which affects industries such as steel, automotive, and construction.

  ➂ Yongpoong has also invested in environmental safety measures, including a non-discharge wastewater system and underground water barrier facilities, with ongoing annual investments planned.

• Western Digital Launches HDD Rare Earth Recycling Initiative

  ➀ Western Digital has initiated a pilot program for recycling rare earth elements from hard disk drives (HDD).

  ➁ The company has collaborated with Microsoft, Critical Materials Recycling, and PedalPoint Recycling to establish a HDD recycling partnership.

  ➂ The initiative aims to recover approximately 22,700 kg of rare earth elements like Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr), and Dysprosium (Dy), which will be repurposed for use in electric vehicles and wind turbines.

• LG Channel hits 4000 global channels, accelerates investment

  ➀ LG Channel, a free ad-supported streaming service (FAST) available on LG Electronics' webOS smart TV platform, has surpassed 4000 global channels, a 34-fold increase in 10 years since its 2015 launch.

  ➁ The number of LG Channel users and their viewing time have significantly increased, with viewing time growing by over 40% year-over-year as of March.

  ➂ LG Electronics plans to invest 1 trillion KRW (approximately 770 million USD) over the next 5 years to secure and produce localized content for different regions, aiming to expand its platform revenue to 5 times the current amount by 2030.

• LG Electronics Unveils 'Smart Monitor Swing' with Portable Screen Lineup

  ➀ LG Electronics introduces the 'Smart Monitor Swing,' its first portable screen product, featuring adjustable height and angle with swivel, tilt, and pivot functions.

  ➁ The new product supports 4K UHD resolution on a 32-inch large screen and is suitable for multi-tasking with touch control.

  ➂ Equipped with LG's webOS smart TV platform, the monitor allows various tasks without external devices and offers cloud-based office services, free streaming services, and cloud gaming options.

• Samsung Electronics and ASML Revise Joint R&D Plan, Search for New Location

  ➀ Samsung Electronics and ASML have revised their joint R&D plan, canceling the construction of an R&D center in Hwaseong and searching for a new location to maximize synergy.

  ➁ ASML had purchased land in Hwaseong but has since sold part of it and is in the process of selling the rest, indicating a change in their collaboration plan.

  ➂ Despite the change, both companies have reaffirmed the necessity of their joint R&D and are exploring new locations and cooperation methods, with considerations including building the R&D center within Samsung's existing facilities.

• The Management Philosophy of the Predecessors and the Practice of the Successors

  ➀ As South Korea's economy and industry have grown, many companies are now led by second or third-generation successors, including major conglomerates like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG, all guiding global innovation and growth.

  ➁ These companies uphold the management principles and wisdom of their founders as a guiding mirror for today's operations. However, recent management disputes, particularly in Korea Zinc, raise questions about whether the founders' spirit of challenge and crisis resolution is being properly honored.

  ➂ The ongoing conflict over management rights in Korea Zinc, involving issues like shareholder voting rights and the potential siphoning of core technologies abroad, highlights the challenges in maintaining the founding philosophies and the need for introspection among current leadership.

• Hankyung Association to Send Economic Delegation to Indonesia, Led by Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin

  ➀ The Korean Economic Association (Hankyung) will send an economic delegation to Indonesia on April 28-29, led by Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin.

  ➁ Major Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG will participate in discussions on economic cooperation and investment expansion with Indonesia.

  ➂ The delegation plans to hold a 'Korea-Indonesia Business Roundtable' with Indonesian business association APINDO, followed by meetings with key Indonesian government officials to explore cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and digital industries.

April 20

• Tesla delays release of affordable Model Y by more than 3 months

  ➀ Tesla has delayed the release of its affordable Model Y by more than 3 months, with the launch originally planned for the first half of the year now expected to be postponed to the second half of 2025 or early 2026. The exact reasons for the delay remain undisclosed.

  ➁ Reuters reported that Tesla aims to produce 250,000 units of the affordable Model Y in the U.S. by 2026 and eventually manufacture the model in China and Europe.

  ➂ Bloomberg noted that Tesla's delayed release of a cheaper model comes as the company faces its lowest sales performance since 2022, with Q1 2025 vehicle deliveries dropping by 13% year-over-year to 336,681 units.

• Samsung Expands 'Bespoke AI Combo' Sales to 1,000 Stores Nationwide

  ➀ Samsung is expanding the sales of its 2025 model 'Bespoke AI Combo' washing machine and dryer to approximately 1,000 stores nationwide.

  ➁ The sales outlets include Samsung.com, Samsung Store, Hi-Mart, as well as 130 Emart stores and 78 Electronic Land stores.

  ➂ The 2025 Bespoke AI Combo features an upgraded heat exchanger for improved drying efficiency, reduced drying time, and AI-powered functionalities such as AI Home Screen, Auto Open Door+, and AI Detergent Auto Dispensing.

• Humanoid Robot, 'Marathon Preparation Complete'

  ➀ A humanoid robot is prepared for a marathon in Beijing.

  ➁ The event, 'E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half Marathon,' took place on the 19th in Beijing.

  ➂ An engineer, as reported by EPA, is getting the robot ready for the marathon.

• Obituary Notice: Funeral Services for Several Individuals

  ➀ Funeral services will be held for multiple individuals, including Kim Hong-su, Shin Gyeong-ja's husband, Kim Jun-young (Samsung Electronics Korea General Pro), son of Kim Su-jeong (Samsung Electro-Mechanics Communication Team Pro), and Kim Bo-gyeong and Na Yeon, great-grandfather of the deceased, at Anyang Sam Hospital Funeral Hall Room 6 on the 19th, with the departure on the morning of the 21st.

  ➁ The notice includes details of the deceased and their relations to various Samsung professionals.

  ➂ Contact number for the funeral services: (031)467-9700.

• Robot Marathon Competition, Who is the 'Champion Bot'?

  ➀ TianGong Ultra secured the 1st place at the world's first humanoid half marathon competition held in Beijing, China.

  ➁ The event, named 'E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon', took place on April 19th, local time.

  ➂ The competition marks a significant milestone in robotic sports and technology development.

• TianGong Ultra wins first place in world's first humanoid half marathon

  ➀ TianGong Ultra won first place in the world's first humanoid half marathon held in Beijing on April 19th.

  ➁ The event, known as the 'E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon,' saw multiple robots competing.

  ➂ TianGong Ultra crossed the finish line ahead of other participants, marking a significant milestone in robotics and AI technology.

• Preparing for a Robot Marathon in Beijing

  ➀ On April 19th, an engineer in Beijing was preparing for a robot marathon at the 'E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half Marathon'.

  ➁ The event took place in Beijing's E-Town.

  ➂ An engineer, identified as Kim Min-su, is involved in the preparation of the marathon featuring humanoid robots.

• Robot Marathon Begins, 'Stumble'

  ➀ On April 19th (local time), the world's first humanoid robot half marathon competition took place in Beijing, China.

  ➁ At the start of the race, one of the robots fell down.

  ➂ The event marks a significant moment in robotics competitions globally.

April 19

• AI Demand Surge Expected to Increase DCI Bandwidth More Than 6-Fold in the Next 5 Years

  ➀ The demand for inter-data center interconnect (DCI) bandwidth is projected to increase more than 6-fold in the next 5 years due to the rapid expansion of AI.

  ➁ Nearly 53% of data center experts believe AI workloads will create the largest DCI demand, surpassing cloud computing and big data analytics within 2-3 years.

  ➂ High-capacity optical cables of 800Gb/s or more per wavelength will be necessary for DCI infrastructure, and plug-in optics are expected to play a key role in enhancing energy efficiency and installation flexibility.

• Chungcheongnam-do Exceeds Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target by 137 Million Tons

  ➀ Chungcheongnam-do has exceeded its annual greenhouse gas reduction target by 137 million tons, achieving 105.8% of its goal. This is part of a broader effort since the declaration of the 'Chungnam Carbon Neutral Special Zone' in October 2022, aiming for RE100 by 2045.

  ➁ The reduction includes contributions from various sectors such as buildings, transportation, agriculture, and waste management. The cumulative reduction over six years since 2018 is 2.14 million tons, representing a 103.6% achievement rate.

  ➂ The province is advancing 114 detailed projects across eight sectors, including energy transformation and industrial restructuring, with the aim to achieve reductions of 2 million tons by this year, 7.6 million tons by 2030, and 17.8 million tons by 2045.

• Advantech Proposes Security Strategy Centered on IEC-62443 at Cybersecurity Seminar

  ➀ Advantech, a global industrial edge solutions company, successfully held a 'Cybersecurity Seminar for Business Protection', focusing on strategies to address the rising cyber threats in industrial automation and IoT environments.

  ➁ The seminar highlighted the importance and application strategies of the international industrial security standard IEC-62443, covering practical security technologies, cases, supply chain security, embedded security, and edge computing security.

  ➂ Speakers from Microsoft, Kontek, STMicroelectronics, IAR Systems, and Advantech shared the latest security trends and solutions, emphasizing the enhancement of security strategies across the industry.