SemiVoice

August 5

• GS Caltex Wins Two Main Prizes at Red Dot Design Award, First for an Oil Refiner

  ➀ GS Caltex won two main awards in the 'Brand & Communication Design' category at the 2025 Red Dot Design Award for its Energy Plus app, marking the first such achievement by an oil refiner;

  ➁ The Energy Plus app offers features like instant fueling service, allowing users to pre-register fuel preferences and payment methods for seamless transactions;

  ➂ GS Caltex aims to enhance user satisfaction through continuous improvements in app design and technology integration.

• Chungnam Ranks First in Trade Balance in First Half Despite Global Economic Uncertainty... Confirms Status as Production and Export Hub

  ➀ Chungnam Province recorded South Korea's highest trade surplus of $23.9 billion in H1 2025, with exports at $42.7 billion and imports at $18.8 billion, despite a 2.6% dip in exports and 9.4% import decline amid global economic challenges;

  ➁ Recovery in memory semiconductor demand and strong performance of K-Food and K-Beauty boosted exports, while falling oil prices impacted petrochemical exports;

  ➂ The EU market showed growth in semiconductors and automotive sectors, with plans to diversify export markets and strengthen competitiveness under ongoing global uncertainties.

• S-Oil Conducts Natural Monument Protection Activity by Releasing Endangered Yellow Catfish Fry

  ➀ S-Oil organized a volunteer activity releasing 5,000 yellow catfish fry in Gapyeong’s Cheongpyeong Lake, collaborating with the Korea Freshwater Fish Conservation Association and Environmental Foundation to protect the endangered species;

  ➁ Since 2008, the company has supported natural monument conservation for 18 years, successfully restoring the 'eoreumchi' fish population and now shifting focus to yellow catfish, which has seen a 50% population decline over the past decade;

  ➂ Designated as a natural monument, yellow catfish requires urgent protection, and S-Oil pledged to continue its corporate social responsibility in preserving endangered species.

August 4

• EcoVacs China Collects Feedback from South Korean Robot Vacuum Users

  ➀ EcoVacs China conducted an offline session with South Korean users to gather feedback on their robot vacuum experiences, aiming to refine product features;

  ➁ Chinese developers and marketing teams directly engaged with local consumers, a rare move among foreign tech companies in South Korea;

  ➂ The company plans to showcase its technological advancements and vision at IFA 2025 in Berlin this September.

• Samsung SDI Begins Mass Production of 46-Series Cylindrical Batteries for BMW in Hungary

  ➀ Samsung SDI has initiated mass production of next-gen 46-series cylindrical batteries (46mm diameter) at its Hungary plant, targeting full-scale production by 2028 to supply BMW's premium EVs;

  ➁ The batteries offer 5x higher energy capacity and output compared to the 2170 model, with flexible height configurations (80/95/100/120mm);

  ➂ Production speed on the new Hungary line is expected to increase by 7-8x, significantly boosting output for BMW's future electric models.

• LG Electronic Whiteboards Target B2B Customization... Dual Strategy with OS Installation

  ➀ LG adopts a dual strategy for electronic whiteboards: in the U.S., it offers customizable models (TR3BQ series) without pre-installed OS for B2B sectors like education and finance, while in South Korea, it provides an Android 14-based subscription model (55TR3DQ-BW) for convenience;

  ➁ U.S. models support 4K resolution and user-selected OS/software, while the Korean subscription model includes remote management tools and costs KRW 56,600/month (approx. $43) with a 3-year contract;

  ➂ The global interactive display market (including whiteboards) is projected to grow from $41.95 billion (KRW 58.7 trillion) in 2022 to $86.4 billion (KRW 121 trillion) by 2030, driven by demand in education and corporate sectors.

• Samsung Electro-Mechanics Hires Semiconductor Packaging Expert from Intel

  ➀ Samsung Electro-Mechanics accelerates its glass substrate business by hiring Dr. Duane Kang, a former Intel senior engineer with 17 years of experience, as Vice President;

  ➁ Kang, recognized as a pioneer in advanced packaging and Intel's 'Inventor of the Year' (2023), will lead technical marketing and application engineering at Samsung's U.S. subsidiary, focusing on glass substrate R&D and market strategies;

  ➂ Glass substrates, offering superior thermal resistance and smoother surfaces for circuit integration, are seen as key for AI semiconductor development, with Samsung targeting mass production by 2027 after pilot line testing and sample deliveries to U.S. tech companies.

• ASML Completes New Hwaseong Campus... 'Korean Forward Base to Launch in September'

  ➀ ASML completed a new 240 billion KRW (~$184.6 million) campus in Hwaseong, South Korea, to enhance cooperation with Samsung and SK Hynix, housing over 1,000 employees by September;

  ➁ The campus includes a Local Repair Center for equipment maintenance and parts localization (targeting 50% domestic components) and a Global Training Center with EUV/DUV equipment for technical education;

  ➂ A previously planned joint $769 million (1 trillion KRW) R&D center with Samsung is temporarily postponed, with alternative collaboration plans under discussion.

• Shipments Increase, Profits Improve: The Secret Behind LGD OLED's Advancement

  ➀ LGD established an integrated Quality Management Center, utilizing real-time data monitoring and AI to enhance OLED panel quality, reducing defects and production waste;

  ➁ Innovations like the QVIS system improved preemptive defect detection from 33% to 63%, saving over KRW 200 billion (approx. $160 million) annually;

  ➂ In H1 2025, LGD cut operating losses to KRW 80 billion (approx. $64 million), a KRW 500 billion (approx. $400 million) improvement YoY, aiming for a turnaround with continued AI-driven quality advancements.

• GH Appoints Kim Sang-cheol and Oh Wan-seok as New Directors... Strategic and Balanced Development in Full Swing

  ➀ GH appointed Kim Sang-cheol as Head of the Strategic Business Division, leveraging his policy planning experience from previous government roles to drive industrial complex development and new projects;

  ➁ Oh Wan-seok, with legislative expertise in regional development, was named Head of the Balanced Development Division to enhance infrastructure in northern Gyeonggi Province;

  ➂ GH emphasized that these appointments aim to stabilize management and strengthen strategic growth and regional equity.

• Samsung Electronics Issues First Executive Incentives in Company Stock ... 51.3 Billion KRW

  ➀ Samsung Electronics distributed 51.3 billion KRW (≈$395 million) in long-term incentives (LTI) to 622 executives through company stock for the first time, aiming to align interests with shareholders;

  ➀ The performance-based LTI covers three years of service, offering 0–300% of annual salary, with higher-ranking executives receiving larger stock portions (up to 100% for board members);

  ➂ Key recipients included DX Division Head Rho Tae-moon (15.9 billion KRW in stock) and DS Division executives, while subsidiaries like Samsung SDI plan to adopt similar incentives from 2024.

August 3

• [Photo] Active Research on Perovskite Solar Cell Technology

  ➀ South Korea's renewable energy policies are driving active research on perovskite solar cells;

  ➁ Researchers at Busan National University's spin-off company, KR Advanced Electronic Materials, are using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze cell structure, grain boundaries, and uniformity;

  ➂ The study aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of next-generation solar technology through detailed material analysis.

• [Photo] Active Research on Perovskite Solar Cell Technology

  ➀ Active R&D on perovskite solar cells is advancing in line with South Korea's renewable energy policies;

  ➁ Researchers at Busan National University's spin-off company, KR Advanced Electronic Materials, are utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze crystal grain size, boundaries, and uniformity in perovskite solar cells;

  ➂ The studies aim to improve cell efficiency and reliability through detailed material analysis.

• [Photo] Active Research on Perovskite Solar Cell Technology

  ➀ South Korea's renewable energy policies are driving active research on perovskite solar cells, a next-generation energy technology;

  ➀ Researchers from KR Advanced Electronic Materials, a spin-off of Pusan National University, are analyzing perovskite solar cell structures (grain size, boundaries, uniformity) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM);

  ➂ The study highlights academic-industrial collaboration to advance solar cell commercialization.

• Perovskite Solar Cell Technology Research Active

  ➀ Perovskite solar cell research is advancing under government renewable energy policies;

  ➁ A Busan National University spin-off, KR Advanced Electronic Materials, uses SEM to analyze cell grain structure and uniformity;

  ➂ Focus on improving solar cell efficiency and stability for broader renewable energy adoption.

• S-Oil Achieves Highest Grade in Gasoline and Diesel Environmental Quality Evaluation

  ➀ S-OIL received the highest rating in the 2025 Automotive Fuel Environmental Quality Assessment conducted by South Korea's environmental authorities, evaluating gasoline and diesel;

  ➁ The government-led evaluation system assigns grades to fuel suppliers to drive environmental improvements and guide consumers toward eco-friendly products;

  ➂ S-OIL emphasized its commitment to ESG management, rigorous quality control (including ISO 9001 certification and real-time monitoring), and sustainable practices to meet tightening environmental regulations.

• Samsung's 'Bespoke AI Jet 400W' Tops U.S. Consumer Reports' Stick Vacuum Rankings

  ➀ Samsung's Bespoke AI Jet 400W stick vacuum claimed first place in Consumer Reports' evaluation of over 50 models, excelling in performance, noise control, pet hair cleaning, and battery efficiency;

  ➁ It earned perfect scores in multiple categories and was praised for its AI-driven suction adjustment and lightweight design with a proprietary Chain Core motor;

  ➂ Priced at 1.3 million KRW (approx. $1,000), it also received top ratings from international media like Tom's Guide and Les Numeriques.

• LG Smart Cottage Open House Tour Sold Out in One Week

  ➀ LG Smart Cottage's open house tour in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, sold out all 200 slots within a week of reservation opening, with continued inquiries for additional schedules;

  ➁ Visitors praised the integrated IoT devices (e.g., smart door locks, motorized blinds), AI appliances, and energy-efficient systems like the heat pump HVAC;

  ➂ LG plans to officially open the Gimje Smart Cottage next month, allowing customers to stay overnight and experience appliances such as the WashTower Compact and air purifiers.

• SK On Launches 'Future Technology Institute'…Aims to Build Dry Electrode Pilot Plant Within the Year

  ➀ SK On has rebranded its Daejeon-based Battery Research Institute to the 'Future Technology Institute,' focusing on next-generation battery technologies such as all-solid-state batteries and LFP batteries;

  ➁ Key short-term goals include commercializing cost-effective 'Cell-to-Pack (CtP)' technology and establishing a dry electrode pilot plant by year-end, aiming to reduce production costs by eliminating module assembly steps and solvent-free processes;

  ➂ Safety-focused initiatives include developing semi-solid batteries with gel-based electrolytes and thermal runaway prevention solutions using immersion cooling, targeting prototype production by late 2026.

• Yoon Bong-su, Chairman of Namsung, Passes Away... Founding Pillar of South Korea's Electronics Industry

  ➀ Yoon Bong-su, founding chairman of Namsung and a pioneer in South Korea's electronics industry, passed away at the age of 89 due to old age;

  ➁ He established Namsung in 1965, achieving milestones such as developing Korea's first silicon transistor-based AM/FM radio (1965), exporting 14-inch color TVs (1974), and winning four CES Innovation Awards;

  ➂ Recognized with the $100 million Export Tower Award (1988) and the National Order of Merit (2009), he also held leadership roles in the Korea Trade Association and Korea Electronics & IT Industry Association.

August 2

• Samsung Electronics Launches 'Moving Style Edge' and Expands Lineup

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launched the 'Moving Style Edge' monitor, featuring a 32-inch 4K display with uniform 'Even Bezel' design and support for OTT platforms;

  ➁ The lineup includes 'Standard' (87.9 million KRW ≈ $640) and 'Light' models (83.9 million KRW ≈ $610), offering flexible placement with L-shaped and I-shaped stands;

  ➂ The 'Moving Style 202' campaign allows 202 customization combinations and recruits 70 creators to showcase personalized setups via SNS missions.

• Chungnam Content Agency Launches '2025 World Robo Festa' as a Stage for Future Innovation with Physical AI

  ➀ The Chungnam Content Agency (Chungnam COIX) will host the '2025 World Robo Festa' from May 5-6 at Sangmyung University in Cheonan, focusing on Physical AI to nurture talent and startups;

  ➁ Key events include international robotics competitions, startup pitch contests, exhibitions, investor meetings, and public engagement programs, with participation from domestic investors and tech institutions;

  ➂ The festival aims to foster innovation in robotics and mobility technologies, supported by regional governments and universities like KOREATECH and Hoseo University.

• Coway Opens 'Coway Gallery Jeju Direct Store'

  ➀ Coway opened its first brand experience and sales store in Jeju, South Korea, located in Norihyeong-dong, targeting both local residents and tourists;

  ➁ The store showcases flagship products such as water purifiers, air mattresses, and air purifiers, allowing visitors to test and purchase them;

  ➂ No prior reservation is required for entry, but consultation services can be booked in advance through Coway's official website.

• KEA States 'Expansion of Eco-Design Regulations Should Be Recognized as a Global Mega Trend'

  ➀ KEA released a report urging recognition of the EU's expanded Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) as a global mega trend, emphasizing its impact on South Korea's electronics industry;

  ➁ The EU plans to apply ESPR to 16 electronic products by 2030, including displays and smartphones, while pushing for repairability and recycled material usage;

  ➂ Major companies like Samsung and Apple are adapting with supply chain adjustments and ESG strategies, as KEA highlights the need for proactive global supply chain alignment with EU's de facto environmental standards.

• Korea Electrical Contractors Association Reports Record Revenue Despite Fewer Projects in 2024

  ➀ The Korea Electrical Contractors Association announced a 7.3% YoY revenue increase to KRW 39.2846 trillion (~$30.2 billion) in 2024, the highest since 1994;

  ➁ Project numbers fell by ~10,000 to 618,000 due to construction industry slowdown, while rising labor/material costs drove revenue growth;

  ➂ Large firms (443 companies over KRW 10 billion/~$7.7 million) accounted for 48.52% of total performance, highlighting significant market concentration.

• GoodPeople International and Together Smiling Foundation Recruit Participants for the 1st Developmental Disabilities Workplace Festival 'HERE WE GO!'

  ➀ GoodPeople International and Together Smiling Foundation will host the 'HERE WE GO!' festival on October 23 in Suwon, aiming to boost confidence and employment sustainability for workers with developmental disabilities through performances, exhibitions, and team activities;

  ➁ The event features creative zones for art displays, sports missions, and workshops focused on workplace skills, health, and peer collaboration, alongside awards and prize events;

  ➂ Designed with accessibility in mind, the festival includes sensory-friendly spaces and visual guides to ensure inclusive participation, supported by sponsors like Maeil Dairy and Shinhan Bank.

August 1

• Samsung Electro-Mechanics Reports Q2 Operating Profit of 213 Billion KRW... Up 1% Year-on-Year

  ➀ Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced Q2 revenue of 2.7846 trillion KRW ($2.14 billion USD) and operating profit of 213 billion KRW ($163.8 million USD), marking year-on-year increases of 8.2% and 0.7% respectively;

  ➁ Growth was driven by increased demand for MLCCs (high-value automotive/industrial components) and FCBGA packages for AI accelerators, despite unfavorable exchange rates;

  ➂ The company forecasts sustained demand in Q3 for IT components, AI servers, and ADAS products, leveraging smartphone launches and automotive/SmartFactory trends.

• WMB Wins Data Center Domestic Equipment/SW Development & Verification Project… 'Core to Data Center Tech Localization in AI Era'

  ➀ WMB, alongside Inogrid and NIPA, will lead a government-backed project to advance domestic data center equipment/software, focusing on AI-driven predictive analytics and automation;

  ➁ Key technologies include 3D digital twin-based DCIM, AI performance prediction, cloud management platform integration, and unified operational systems to enhance energy efficiency and stability;

  ➂ The project aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology, strengthen Korea's data center industry competitiveness, and serve as a foundation for WMB's global market expansion.

• FuriosaAI Secures 170 Billion Won in Series C Funding

  ➀ FuriosaAI raised 170 billion KRW (approximately $123 million) in Series C funding from over 40 institutions, including Industrial Bank of Korea and IBK Securities, achieving a valuation exceeding 1 trillion KRW and unicorn status;

  ➁ The funds will fuel mass production of its second-gen 'Renegade' AI chip and development of third-gen products;

  ➂ CEO Baek Joon-ho emphasized plans to expand sales to global enterprise clients.

• Samsung Electronics Q2 Operating Profit at KRW 4.7 Trillion...Down 55% YoY

  ➀ Samsung reported Q2 revenue of KRW 74.6 trillion (≈$55.5 billion), up 0.67% YoY, but operating profit plunged 55.23% to KRW 4.7 trillion (≈$3.5 billion). Semiconductor division profits fell significantly due to inventory valuation costs and U.S. sanctions on advanced chips;

  ➁ Memory sales grew with HBM3E and DDR5 products for servers, but profits were dragged down by one-time expenses. Foundry revenue improved but faced inventory provisions and low utilization of mature processes;

  ➂ Despite challenges, Samsung plans to focus on AI-driven products like HBM, high-capacity SSDs, and 2nm GAA process chips to recover, while targeting premium smartphones and AI appliances for growth.