SemiVoice

August 1

• Samsung Electronics: 'Completion of KRW 10 Trillion Share Buyback Accelerated to October'

  ➀ Samsung Electronics announced the accelerated completion of its KRW 10 trillion (approx. $7.3 billion) share buyback program to October 2025, ahead of the original November deadline;

  ➁ The company has already acquired KRW 6.1 trillion worth of shares in two phases this year, with KRW 3 trillion burned in February and plans to cancel remaining shares for shareholder value;

  ➂ The latest KRW 3.9 trillion repurchase includes KRW 1.1 trillion for employee incentives, with the rest aimed at enhancing shareholder value through timely cancellations.

• KIMS Accelerates Phase 2 of Advanced Materials Research Complex... Now Focusing on 'Extreme Materials'

  ➀ The second phase (2025-2028) of Gyeongsangnam-do's Advanced Materials Research Complex project, with a total investment of 309.65 billion KRW (~$2.38 billion), aims to establish infrastructure for extreme materials, targeting high-value industries like defense, nuclear power, and hydrogen;

  ➁ The project will develop ultra-high/low-temperature material testing centers, cutting-edge equipment, and R&D support to bolster South Korea's position as a global leader in advanced materials;

  ➂ A planned third phase will expand functional materials research, positioning Changwon as a hub for national strategic industries and transforming R&D outcomes into industrial competitiveness.

• Qualcomm Reports Q2 Net Profit of 3.7 Trillion KRW, Discusses AI Chip Supply for Cloud and Data Centers

  ➀ Qualcomm announced Q2 FY24 results with revenue of $10.37B (+10% YoY) and net profit of $2.67B (+25% YoY), aligning with market expectations;

  ➁ The company provided strong Q3 revenue guidance of ~$10.7B, exceeding Wall Street estimates, while revealing shareholder returns including $1B dividends and $2.8B stock buybacks;

  ➂ CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized expansion into AI processing and data center CPUs, confirming early-stage collaborations with major cloud providers despite previous exit from server chip business.

• Kozma Expands Renovation of Compact Massager Product Line

  ➀ Kozma has released upgraded versions of its popular compact massagers, including the neck/shoulder massager 'Runnerble Max' with ergonomic 4D massage, four auto modes, USB-C charging, and a matte finish.

  ➁ The leg-focused 'Leenermax' model features an LED thermal care system, 4000mAh fast-charging battery, and zipper fixation, while the abdominal massager 'Koizcore Max' became the top seller in H1 2025.

  ➂ The company emphasized its strategy to continuously renew best-selling products into 'Max' series, addressing evolving consumer needs and lifestyle trends.

July 31

• ISC Reports Q2 Operating Profit of KRW 13.7 Billion, Up 96% QoQ

  ① ISC achieved Q2 revenue of KRW 51.7 billion (≈USD 43.1 million) and operating profit of KRW 13.7 billion (≈USD 11.4 million), marking 63% and 96% quarterly growth respectively, driven by AI data center test sockets and system semiconductor orders;

  ② High-end test sockets for advanced interfaces and thermal reliability saw increased ASP and shipments;

  ③ The company forecasts further growth in Q3 with AI accelerators, GPU demand, and autonomous/automotive chip testing collaborations with major foundries.

• Samsung Invests in Rebellion to Strengthen Foundry Partnership

  ➀ Samsung Ventures and Samsung Securities confirmed investment in Rebellions' Series C funding round (targeting $50M-$200M), supporting its pre-IPO plans;

  ➁ Rebellions, a 4-year-old AI chip unicorn valued at ₩1.3 trillion ($940M), has raised ₩300B ($216M) cumulatively and plans 4nm chip mass production in 2026;

  ➂ The investment aims to secure advanced foundry clients for Samsung, which is transitioning Rebellions from TSMC's 7nm to its own 5nm/4nm processes.

• Silicon Photonics to Surpass $10 Billion in 10 Years...26% Average Annual Growth

  ➀ The silicon photonics market is projected to grow from $2.15 billion in 2024 to $10.33 billion by 2034, with a 26.32% CAGR, driven by demand for high-speed data transmission and energy efficiency in AI and 6G infrastructure;

  ➁ Key applications include AI chip I/O (reaching terabit-per-second speeds), data centers, and 6G base stations, with adoption by NVIDIA, Google, and Huawei;

  ➂ Regional leaders: North America (36.5%), Asia-Pacific (30.4%), and Europe (24.2%), with data centers/HPC accounting for 39.2% of demand.

• Minix Launches 'The Slim' Ultra-Lightweight, Ultra-Slim, and Ultra-Close Wireless Vacuum Cleaner

  ➀ Minix launched 'The Slim' wireless vacuum cleaner (1.7kg weight, 6.7cm width) designed for narrow spaces like under beds or car interiors with 180° floor-clinging capability;

  ➁ Features include a Dust Vision IR sensor for battery optimization, dual BLDC motors in both device and station, auto-charging/emptying docking station, and a 1.9L one-touch dustbag;

  ➂ Priced at 599,000 KRW (approximately $431), it includes a 4-layer micro-filtering system blocking 99.97% of fine dust and allergens.

• LG Electronics Launches Usage Certification Event for Tumbler Cleaner 'LG MyCup'

  ➀ LG Electronics is hosting an event until August 27, encouraging users to share their MyCup tumbler cleaner experience on social media with specific hashtags (#TumblerCleaner, #LGMyCup) for a chance to win prizes like the LG StanbyME 2, LG tiiun Mini, and Starbucks gift cards;

  ➁ The company developed MyCup with ESG goals in mind, expanding installations to 2,000 Starbucks Korea stores by year-end and offering a subscription service with professional maintenance every 3 months;

  ➂ MyCup features LG's dishwasher technology, certified to eliminate 99.999% of harmful bacteria, utilizes eco-friendly materials, and provides three cleaning modes (Quick, Standard, Dry) adaptable to user needs.

• Samsung Electronics Sees Surge in AI Appliance Sales in July

  ➀ Samsung Electronics reported significant sales growth for AI-powered appliances in July 2025, with air conditioner sales rising over 40% YoY, Bespoke 4-door refrigerators up 20%, and KitchenFit refrigerators surging 90% YoY;

  ➁ The Bespoke AI Combo washer-dryer also saw a 40% increase in sales, driven by high demand during summer;

  ➂ Samsung is offering government-backed rebates (10% refund) and additional discounts (up to 10% off or 100,000/30,000 reward points) to boost consumer purchases of energy-efficient AI appliances.

• Daol TS Signs Partnership Agreement with LG AI Research Institute

  ➀ Daol TS partners with LG AI Research Institute to develop integrated AI appliance packages combining EXAONE 4.0 generative AI model with Dell's high-performance AI servers and ISV solutions;

  ➁ The collaboration aims to simplify AI adoption for enterprises through one-stop solutions, leveraging Daol's AI infrastructure expertise and partner ecosystem;

  ➂ Targets industries like manufacturing, public sector, and finance to expand Korea's AI ecosystem, with both parties highlighting synergy between LG's technology and Daol's market experience.

• Nakwol Blueheart Refutes Claims of Chinese Capital Dependency and Security Risks in Offshore Wind Project

  ➀ Nakwol BlueHeart, the developer of the Nakwol Offshore Wind Project (2.3 trillion KRW, approximately $1.77 billion USD), denied allegations of Chinese capital influence and security threats, stating they are distortions of facts and may pursue legal action against baseless claims;

  ➁ The project, currently 53% complete, is South Korea's largest operational offshore wind initiative (364.8MW), with 72% ownership held by Korean company Myungwoon Industrial Development and 28% by Thailand's B.Grimm Power (a German-founded firm), emphasizing domestic industry dominance;

  ➂ Defense and safety concerns were dismissed, citing approvals from military authorities, local construction oversight by Korean firms like Samhae E&C, and a 70% domestic investment return through supplier partnerships, while addressing limited Chinese advisory roles in procurement.

• Musk Holds Video Call with Lee Jae-yong: 'An Honor to Work with Samsung'

  ➀ Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed a $16.5 billion (~22.8 trillion KRW) foundry partnership with Samsung Electronics to produce next-gen AI6 chips at its Texas plant, emphasizing its strategic importance for autonomous vehicles and robots;

  ➁ Musk defended Samsung's capabilities, stating both Samsung and TSMC are 'excellent,' following discussions with Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong about leveraging mutual strengths;

  ➂ Lee Jae-yong departed for the U.S. to discuss business collaborations and potential support for tariff negotiations under the Trump administration ahead of the contract finalization.

• LG Energy Solutions Secures Massive LFP Battery Order... 3-Year 6 Trillion KRW Supply to Tesla

  ➀ LG Energy Solution secured a 3-year LFP battery supply contract worth 5.94 trillion KRW (approximately $4.55 billion USD), with Tesla as the likely customer for energy storage systems (ESS);

  ➁ The deal enables LG to diversify from NCM batteries, utilizing US manufacturing bases to circumvent tariffs amid US-China trade tensions;

  ➂ The contract includes provisions for extension up to 7 years with additional supply, following LG's recent commencement of LFP battery production in Michigan.

July 30

• Dongkuk Steel Group Holds 'Ice Day' Event to Prepare for Heatwave

  ➀ Dongkuk Steel Group held an 'Ice Day' event at its Incheon, Pohang, and Dangjin plants, providing summer snacks like red bean shaved ice and beverages to over 2,050 workers, alongside a 'lucky lottery' for ice cream and drinks;

  ➁ Subsidiary Dongkuk CM also distributed shaved ice and 4kg rice prizes to 1,200 workers at its Busan plant, while cooling treats were provided to employees at other regional offices;

  ➂ The group implemented heatwave safety measures, including shaded rest areas, ice water, glucose supplements, and cooling equipment to prevent heat-related injuries during extreme temperatures.

• Schneider Electric Unveils Digital Platform 'Zeigo Hub' for Supply Chain Decarbonization

  ➀ Schneider Electric launched Zeigo™ Hub, a digital platform designed to help companies reduce Scope 3 emissions and accelerate global net-zero transitions by enabling collaborative supply chain decarbonization.

  ➁ The platform features AI-native tools like automated data collection and onboarding, lowering barriers for suppliers of all sizes while providing real-time analytics and compliance reporting for sponsor organizations.

  ➂ Integrated with Schneider's existing global decarbonization programs involving 2,700+ suppliers across 40+ brands, Zeigo Hub strengthens sustainability strategies through education, benchmarking, and expert consulting services.

• Samsung Electronics Launches 'Click to Search' Experience Event for AI TV

  ➀ Samsung Electronics holds a consumer experience event for its 2025 AI TV's 'Click to Search' feature until August 31, enabling instant access to content-related information via remote control;

  ➁ Participants filming their experience with the voice-activated Vixby assistant on social media can win prizes like a 77-inch Samsung OLED TV;

  ➂ The company emphasizes AI's role in transforming TVs into personalized lifestyle tools beyond content consumption.

• U.S. Fines Cadence $140 Million for Illegal EDA Sales to China

  ➀ Cadence Design Systems was fined $140 million (approximately 200 billion KRW) by the U.S. government for illegally selling semiconductor design tools to China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), which is on the U.S. restricted entity list;

  ➁ From 2015 to 2020, Cadence exported EDA tools at least 56 times to NUDT-affiliated entities, including the disguised Central South CAD Center (CSCC), and transferred products to the semiconductor company Phytium without authorization;

  ➂ A four-year investigation by U.S. authorities led to Cadence admitting to the violations, highlighting escalated enforcement of export controls on sensitive technologies.

• Economic Groups Express Dismay Over Rapid Passage of Corporate and Labor Law Revisions

  ➀ Eight major Korean economic organizations issued a joint statement opposing the rushed revisions to the Commercial Law and Labor Union Act (Yellow Envelope Law), stating the changes could severely restrict corporate activities and destabilize the economy;

  ➁ They warned that accelerated legislation amid stalled U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations risks blocking exports to the U.S. market, threatening Korea’s economic strategy;

  ➂ The groups urged the National Assembly to reconsider the revisions, emphasizing the need to prioritize national interests and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.

• LG Display President Chung Chul-dong: 'Abandon Seasonal Weakness, Achieve Monthly Profits'

  ➀ LG Display President Chung Chul-dong urges employees to abandon the company's historical pattern of weak first-half performance followed by second-half recovery, emphasizing the need for monthly profitability;

  ➁ The company turned a profit in Q1 2024 for the first time in three years and reduced H1 2024 losses by 500 billion KRW (approx. $385 million USD) year-over-year through cost innovation and quality improvements;

  ➂ Chung highlighted plans to accelerate cost-cutting, strengthen business competitiveness amid external challenges, and foster a respectful workplace culture, including introducing a 'Praise Day' initiative.

• LG Electronics Collects 108 Tons of Waste Batteries Through 'Battery Return' Resource Circulation Campaign

  ➀ LG Electronics announced the collection of 108 tons of waste batteries through its 'Battery Return' campaign, which recovers rare metals like nickel and lithium from discarded vacuum cleaner batteries;

  ➁ The campaign, conducted twice annually since 2022 with government and environmental agencies, has recycled over 240,000 batteries and attracted 140,000 cumulative participants by 2025;

  ➂ The initiative expanded outreach through service centers, online channels, and city bus ads, with the first 2025 campaign collecting 18 tons of batteries, and a second phase planned for October.

• Shinil Electronics Successfully Holds 'Connect 66' 66th Anniversary Celebration

  ➀ Shinil Electronics celebrated its 66th anniversary with the 'Connect 66' event, attended by 150 employees, executives, and partners to strengthen collaboration and unity;

  ➁ Chairman Kim Young emphasized overcoming challenges to grow into a global top-tier enterprise, while CEO Jung Yoon-seok highlighted teamwork, innovation, and execution for sustained growth;

  ➂ The company aims to expand its brand as a 'Total Life Brand', leveraging its 66-year legacy in quality and technology to offer lifestyle-focused products like smart home appliances.

• Kolon Industries Embarks on Recycling Military Materials Including Discarded Fibers

  ➀ Kolon Industries partnered with the South Korean Army Logistics Command to recycle military waste (e.g., discarded textiles) via its cr-PET chemical recycling technology;

  ➁ The initiative focuses on building a circular economy model for standardized military materials, which are easier to sort and reprocess;

  ➂ Both parties emphasized ESG-driven collaboration, with plans to expand recycling to medical waste and PET bottles, reinforcing sustainable defense logistics.

July 29

• Lotte Chemical Expands LCA Management System to Support Clients' Carbon Neutrality

  ➀ Lotte Chemical expands Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) management across all production processes, covering domestic and overseas facilities, to assist clients in achieving carbon neutrality and complying with global environmental regulations;

  ➁ The EU has implemented stricter environmental policies, including the 2024 Eco-Design Regulation and the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2026, increasing demand for LCA-based product data;

  ➂ Lotte Chemical plans to provide product-specific LCA declarations and sustainable development services to support clients' low-carbon transitions.

• Hanwha Fosters Space Talent... 4th Cohort of 'Pebble in the Universe' Launched

  ➀ Hanwha Group and KAIST launched the 4th cohort of the space talent program 'Pebble in the Universe,' focusing on space humanities and exploration beyond the solar system;

  ➁ The program saw record-breaking competition, with 1,455 applicants (48.5:1 ratio) and selected 30 middle school students nationwide;

  ➂ Participants engage in conferences, team projects with KAIST mentors, and will receive opportunities like NASA visits and ongoing networking to nurture future space careers.

• [Notice] '2025 Next-Generation Semiconductor Packaging Industry Exhibition' to be Held

  ➀ The '2025 Advanced Semiconductor Packaging & Chiplet Show' will be held from August 27 to 29 at Suwon Convention Center, co-hosted by Gyeonggi Province, Suwon City, and industry stakeholders;

  ➁ 183 companies and institutions will exhibit semiconductor packaging technologies, including inspection, assembly, bonding equipment, EDA software, and glass substrate solutions, with expanded coverage of cutting-edge trends;

  ➂ Concurrent events include the 'Semiconductor Packaging Trend Forum,' a semiconductor job fair, and the high-profile 'I.S.E.S. Korea 2025' summit featuring executives from NVIDIA and global semiconductor value chain leaders.

• LG Electronics CEO Cho Ju-wan: 'AX Speed Will Determine Business Success or Failure'…Aims to Become 'Chief Diffusion Officer'

  ➀ LG Electronics CEO Cho Ju-wan emphasized that the speed of AI Transformation (AX) will determine business competitiveness, pledging to act as the 'Chief Diffusion Officer' to drive structural innovation;

  ➁ LG aims to boost productivity by 30% within 2-3 years through AI integration, focusing on streamlining workflows and enabling employees to prioritize high-value tasks;

  ➂ Key AI initiatives include the 'Chajda' system, which reduced data search time from 3-5 days to 30 minutes, and 'LGini,' an AI agent platform expanding into sales, marketing, and supply chain management.

• Inometri to Supply Batch Inspection Equipment to Korean Battery Plant in Europe

  ➀ Inometri secured a batch order for non-destructive inspection equipment (CT and X-ray) for prismatic batteries from a major Korean battery manufacturer's European plant;

  ➁ The company plans to supply additional equipment for future production lines and highlights its pioneering gap/foreign object detection technologies;

  ➂ Expects orders to expand with domestic and Chinese clients in H2 2025, while pursuing new ventures in glass substrates and smartphones to boost performance.

• Roborock Launches Cordless Vacuum 'H60 Hub Ultra' Featuring All-in-One Automatic Dust Emptying Function

  ➀ Roborock introduced the H60 Hub Ultra, a premium cordless vacuum with an all-in-one auto-dust-emptying dock;

  ➁ Key features include TUV Rheinland-certified 210W suction power, 90-minute battery life, 3L dust bag (100-day capacity), 5-stage HEPA filtration, and LED light for particle detection;

  ➂ The product emphasizes user convenience and marks Roborock's expansion in wireless vacuum innovation.

• Epson Korea and Seoul Museum of Art Sign MOU for Sustainable Cultural Development

  ① Epson Korea and Seoul Museum of Art signed an MOU to promote sustainable cultural development through technology-driven art exhibitions.

  ② Epson will supply high-brightness 3LCD projectors, including the EB-L1755U NL, for key programs like the SMB13 × Frieze Film Seoul 2025 and the SeMA Performance 'Breath' at the new Seosomun Museum of Art.

  ③ The collaboration aims to enhance immersive media art experiences and expand public access to innovative cultural content using Epson's visual solutions.