SemiVoice

July 29

• Samsung Electronics Secures 22.8 Trillion Won Semiconductor Foundry Order

  ➀ Samsung Electronics announced a long-term foundry contract worth 22.8 trillion KRW (approximately $17.5 billion) with a global company, spanning 8 years until 2033.

  ➁ The client remains undisclosed due to confidentiality, and key contract details, including the specific semiconductor products, were not revealed.

  ➂ Samsung emphasized potential adjustments to the contract terms and indicated full disclosure would follow on the next business day after the reservation period expires.

• SK E&S Publishes First Sustainability Report

  ➀ SK E&S released its inaugural sustainability report post-separation from SK D&D, outlining ESG achievements and future strategies aligned with global standards (GRI) and third-party verification;

  ➁ The report emphasizes green energy solutions, stakeholder well-being, and governance transparency, including ISO 14001 certification, renewable energy projects, and community initiatives;

  ➂ It introduces a "dual materiality assessment" to integrate environmental, social, and financial priorities, reinforcing the vision of "Better Energy for a Better Future."

• Cheonan City Signs 830 Billion KRW Investment Agreements with European Firms Umicore and Air Liquide

  ➀ Cheonan City secured 830 billion KRW (~$638 million USD) in investments from Umicore (battery cathode materials) and Air Liquide (industrial gases), with plans to expand production facilities in foreign investment zones;

  ➁ The delegation visited Paris's Station F (world’s largest AI/DeepTech startup hub) and KOTRA Paris Trade Center to promote Cheonan’s business environment and export support;

  ➂ City officials emphasized ongoing efforts to attract global enterprises and enhance manufacturing infrastructure.

July 28

• LG Electronics to Focus on Defending Profits in the Second Half of the Year

  ➀ LG Electronics' Q2 operating profit fell 46.6% YoY to 639.4 billion KRW (approx $4.6 billion) due to US tariffs and weak demand;

  ➁ B2B sectors (automotive, HVAC, components) drove growth with automotive profits up 52.4%, while the TV business reported a 191.7 billion KRW loss;

  ➂ The company plans to expand B2B operations, adjust production in Mexico for tariff mitigation, and prioritize high-growth sectors in H2.

• Lenovo Launches First 'AI Enterprise Framework' to Target B2B Market

  ➀ Lenovo introduced its AI Advantage framework, a comprehensive AI solution for B2B enterprises, integrating hardware optimized for NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD chips, software, and consulting services;

  ➁ The ThinkSystem SR680a V4 server features Intel Xeon 6 CPUs and NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, delivering up to 11× faster LLM inference speeds compared to previous generations;

  ➂ Industry-specific AI solutions for manufacturing, retail, and workplace safety are offered, with future collaborations planned with Cisco and IBM to simplify hybrid AI deployment.

• Daewon CTS Launches Three New ASUS Cases: AP202 ARGB, A32, A32 Plus

  ➀ Daewon CTS released three new ASUS cases featuring panoramic tempered glass designs, emphasizing cooling performance and aesthetic customization. AP202 ARGB supports Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX with curved glass and triple ARGB fans; A32 Plus targets full ATX builds with quad ARGB fans and 360mm radiator support; A32 omits pre-installed fans for budget-conscious users.

  ➁ The cases cater to diverse needs: AP202 ARGB balances compact size with RTX 5090 GPU compatibility, A32 Plus prioritizes high-end cooling for powerful systems, and A32 offers cost-effective scalability without RGB.

  ➂ All models include a 3-year warranty and post-sales support through Daewon CTS, with design focus on modularity, cable management, and visual appeal for DIY PC builders.

• Samsung Foundry Secures Additional 8nm Clients... Operating Rate Improvement Expected

  ➀ Samsung Foundry has secured new 8nm process clients, including a German company, through its Design Solution Partner (DSP) collaborations, aiming to improve fab utilization rates;

  ➁ Nintendo Switch 2’s core processor adopts Samsung’s 8nm process instead of TSMC, with plans to produce 20 million units by March 2026, highlighting Samsung’s process stability;

  ➂ Samsung focuses on mature nodes (4nm/5nm/8nm) for profitability while advancing 2nm R&D, with DSPs acting as bridges to attract global clients via turnkey projects.

• Young Poong Acquitted of Heavy Metal Discharge into Nakdong River… “Continuous Efforts for Environmental Protection”

  ➀ Young Poong’s former executives were acquitted in two trials over accusations of discharging cadmium and other heavy metals into the Nakdong River from 2015 to 2021;

  ➁ Courts ruled insufficient evidence to prove cracks in the factory’s structures caused groundwater contamination or intentional negligence;

  ➂ The company pledged to continue environmental protection efforts and maintain transparent corporate operations.

• Phil Energy Develops Full-Electrode Laser Notching Technology... 'Pursuing Customer Diversification'

  ➀ Phil Energy launched an integrated "Laser Notching & Stacking (L&S)" system for battery electrodes, achieving laser notching on both anode and cathode coatings—a previously unmet challenge.

  ➁ The technology enhances production precision by 20%, reduces operational costs by over 90%, and eliminates residual materials to mitigate fire risks.

  ➂ The company aims to diversify its customer base (currently 95% reliant on Samsung SDI) by supplying this innovative equipment to new battery manufacturers.

• Miele Korea Launches First Integrated Care Program Since Founding

  ➀ Miele Korea introduces a paid care program, offering extended warranties (up to 10 years), professional inspections, and maintenance services for premium appliances to strengthen customer loyalty;

  ➀ Customers can choose from three service tiers, ranging from 100,000 KRW (~$77) to 1.4 million KRW (~$1,080), with options for software updates and cleaning services;

  ➂ The program aims to solidify Miele's premium brand identity in South Korea, with a 20% discount available until December 31st to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

July 27

• S-Oil Sees Surge in Customers for Electronic Receipt-Linked Carbon Neutrality Points

  ➀ S-OIL, in collaboration with the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI), launched a carbon-neutral point system in March 2023, offering 100 KRW (~$0.08 USD) per electronic receipt to incentivize eco-friendly practices, reducing 1.7g of CO2 and 0.7g of waste per receipt;

  ➁ Service adoption grew significantly: e-receipt transactions surged from 190,000 in 2023 to 1.53 million by 2025, app users doubled from 440,000 to 870,000, and participating gas stations expanded from 351 to 1,700;

  ➂ Users can accumulate up to 70,000 KRW (~$54 USD) annually via the 'MY S-OIL' app, redeemable as cash. S-OIL pledges to expand this ESG initiative and enhance customer engagement.

• EcoPro Distributes Heatwave Prevention Supplies to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

  ➀ EcoPro distributed heatwave emergency kits, cooling vests, ice packs, and electrolyte drinks across its facilities (including Ochang and Pohang sites) to combat heat-related illnesses during extreme temperatures;

  ➁ Implemented strict work-hour policies: prohibited work exceeding 2 hours at temperatures above 31°C and mandated 20-minute breaks every 2 hours when exceeding 33°C;

  ➂ Executives, including CEO Song Ho-jun, personally delivered snacks and ice cream to employees, extending support to night-shift workers.

• 57% of Foreign-Invested Companies Rate Korean Labor Relations as 'Confrontational'… Call for Increased Labor Flexibility

  ➀ Over half (57%) of foreign-invested companies in South Korea view labor-management relations as confrontational, with 81% considering labor market conditions critical for long-term planning;

  ➁ 13% of these companies have contemplated withdrawing or downsizing operations due to stringent labor regulations, including working-hour restrictions and the Serious Accident Punishment Act;

  ➂ Key reform demands include easing rigid employment practices, addressing politically motivated strikes, and enhancing labor flexibility to improve foreign investment confidence.

• LG Electronics Conducts 'Pygmy Owl' Protection Campaign for Endangered Species in Times Square, USA

  ➀ LG Electronics unveiled its 7th 'Endangered Species Protection Campaign with LG' video featuring the pygmy owl on Times Square billboards, highlighting biodiversity threats from climate change;

  ➁ The 3D visuals aim to raise awareness about habitat loss for the pygmy owl, native to U.S. western and Mexican deserts, and emphasize environmental crisis urgency;

  ➂ Partnering with NBC's documentary series 'The Americas,' LG continues to expand its advocacy, having previously showcased monarch butterflies, West Indian manatees, and other endangered species since 2023.

• [Obituary] Mother of Kim Bong-man (Head of International Headquarters, Korea Economic Association) Passes Away

  ➀ The mother of Kim Bong-man, Head of the International Headquarters at the Korea Economic Association, passed away on July 27, 2025;

  ➁ The funeral is held at Youngrak Hospital Funeral Hall in Goseong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, with the burial scheduled for July 29;

  ➂ Contact information for condolences is provided: (055) 672-4444.

• Samsung Electronics Obtains 'EU RED' Security Certification for TVs and Monitors Exported to Europe

  ➀ Samsung Electronics received the EU RED cybersecurity certification for its 2025 TV and monitor models exported to Europe, complying with enhanced EU wireless device regulations;

  ➁ The EU RED directive, updated in 2022 with requirements for network security, privacy protection, and anti-fraud measures, becomes mandatory for wireless-enabled products in August 2024;

  ➂ Samsung has strengthened its global security capabilities, including obtaining FIPS 140-3 certification for its proprietary 'CryptoCore' encryption module in 2024.

• Coway Life Solutions Introduces Pet Funeral Partnership Service

  ➀ Coway Life Solutions partners with Petdoc's pet funeral brand 'Popoze' to provide end-to-end services including cremation and memorials;

  ➁ Discounts of up to 15% are offered at six nationwide locations for Coway customers, with select regions eligible for tiered discounts;

  ➂ The collaboration aims to expand practical lifestyle benefits for pet-owning customers and enhance tailored care services.

• Canon Korea and Holt Children's Welfare Association Sign 2025 'Mom-Friendly Family Album' Social Contribution Agreement

  ➀ Canon Korea and Holt Children's Welfare Association renewed their social contribution program 'Mom-Friendly Family Album,' now in its 7th year, expanding support to all single-parent families across Incheon, Daejeon, and Daegu;

  ➁ The program provides professional family photo shoots, albums, printers, and customized gift boxes to 50 families in 2025, alongside a new online photo contest to amplify participants' voices;

  ➂ Both organizations emphasized strengthening family bonds through shared memories and pledged to continue supporting single-parent communities with Canon's technical expertise.

July 26

• STMicroelectronics Acquires NXP's MEMS Sensor Business for KRW 1.3 Trillion

  ➀ STMicroelectronics signed a $950 million (KRW 1.3 trillion) agreement to acquire NXP's MEMS sensor division, specializing in converting physical changes like pressure and vibration into electrical signals;

  ➁ NXP, a leader in automotive MEMS-based motion and pressure sensors, reported $300 million in annual revenue for 2024;

  ➂ The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, aims to enhance ST's automotive safety and monitoring technologies, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.

• LG Energy Solution's Q2 Operating Profit Reaches 492.2 Billion KRW... 152% YoY Increase

  ➀ LG Energy Solution reported Q2 revenue of 5.5654 trillion KRW (~$3.57 billion) and operating profit of 492.2 billion KRW (~$379 million), marking a 152% year-on-year (YoY) growth in profit;

  ➁ Operating profit included 490.8 billion KRW (~$377 million) from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits (Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, AMPC). Excluding this, Q2 operating profit was only 1.4 billion KRW (~$1.08 million);

  ➂ Revenue decreased by 9.7% YoY and 11.2% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), while operating profit rose 31.4% QoQ despite declining sales.

• Yumicoa and Chungcheongnam-do Sign Investment Agreement to Expand Secondary Battery Cathode Material Production Line in Cheonan

  ➀ South Korea's Chungcheongnam-do Province and Yumicoa signed an MOU to expand production capacity for high-capacity nickel cathode materials for EVs at the Cheonan plant, supported by provincial incentives;

  ➁ Yumicoa, founded in 1999 in Cheonan, operates the region's largest battery material R&D center and three production facilities, with additional plants in Europe and China;

  ➂ The company reported 2023 revenue of €3.9 billion (excluding metals) and emphasized its commitment to global material supply and regional economic growth through recycling and eco-friendly mobility R&D.

• South Chungcheong Governor Kim Tae-heum discusses investment collaboration with German automotive parts company Pretl and Korean firms

  ➀ Governor Kim Tae-heum met with Pretl Group CEO Billi Pretl in Frankfurt to discuss partnerships between the German automotive supplier and South Korean startup G&Tech, including a 460 billion KRW (≈$338 million USD) converter component contract;

  ➁ Pretl Group, a key Bosch supplier, plans to invest in Chungnam Province, while G&Tech's compact, high-efficiency EV converters are set for mass production at Hoseo Venture Valley;

  ➂ The governor emphasized Chungnam's strategic role in the Asian automotive market and urged Pretl to establish local production lines.

• LG Energy Solution Turns to Profit in Q2...Bets on ESS for the Second Half

  ➀ LG Energy Solution reported an operating profit of 49.22 billion KRW (≈$37.86 million) in Q2 2025, marking its first profit in six quarters after excluding IRA tax credits (AMPC) of 490.8 billion KRW (≈$377.5 million);

  ➁ The company plans to expand its Energy Storage System (ESS) business in North America to offset sluggish EV demand, leveraging IRA incentives and local LFP battery production in Michigan, aiming to reach 17GWh capacity by end-2025 and further expand by 2026;

  ➂ U.S. policy clarity on AMPC (extended to 2032) and ESS tax credits (ITC) through 2035 supports growth, while geopolitical restrictions on Chinese competitors could strengthen LG's market position.

• Hanmi Semiconductor Reports Q2 Operating Profit of 86.3 Billion Won… Announces 100 Billion Won Investment in Hybrid Bonder Development

  ➀ Hanmi Semiconductor posted Q2 revenue of 180 billion KRW (≈1.38 billion USD) and operating profit of 86.3 billion KRW (≈66.38 million USD), up 45.8% and 55.7% YoY respectively, driven by robust sales of its TC Bonder, a critical equipment for HBM production supplied to SK Hynix and Micron;

  ➁ The company plans to invest 100 billion KRW (≈76.92 million USD) to develop next-gen hybrid bonders, targeting a launch by late 2027, and will build a 4,415-pyeong (14,589 m²) factory in Incheon to produce hybrid bonders and high-performance HBM TC Bonders;

  ➂ Hybrid bonders offer advantages such as reduced HBM thickness and improved heat dissipation, positioning Hanmi to strengthen leadership in next-gen HBM equipment for global memory makers.

• Display Association Holds Transparent OLED Exhibition at Daejeon National Science Museum

  ➀ The Korea Display Industry Association launched a transparent OLED exhibition at Daejeon National Science Museum, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's innovation project;

  ➁ The initiative aims to explore new markets for transparent OLEDs, which enable immersive information delivery in architecture, mobility, and interior design;

  ➂ The global transparent display market is projected to grow from 3 trillion KRW (~$2.4 billion) in 2025 to 12 trillion KRW (~$9.6 billion) by 2030.

• SK Magic Implements Free Emergency Services for Flood-Damaged Area Customers

  ➀ SK Magic offers free after-sale services (AS) and product replacements for flood-damaged appliances;

  ➁ Unrepairable products due to complete submersion or loss will be exchanged for new ones, with rental fee reductions during unusable periods;

  ➂ Customers can submit claims via SK Magic’s integrated customer center, followed by on-site emergency assistance from service managers.

• Umicore Expands Cheonan High-Nickel Cathode Material Plant

  ➀ Umicore signed an MOU with Chungcheongnam-do Province to expand its high-nickel cathode material production capacity in Cheonan;

  ➁ Total investment amounts to $62 million (approximately 85 billion KRW), with participation from Air Liquide;

  ➂ The expansion aims to strengthen supply of premium battery materials for global electric vehicle manufacturers.

• South Chungcheong Province Attracts $60 Million Investment from Two Global Material Companies: Air Liquide and Umicore

  ➀ Chungcheongnam-do secures $60 million investment from global material companies Air Liquide and Umicore to expand production facilities in Cheonan;

  ➁ Air Liquide enhances industrial/medical gas production, while Umicore boosts nickel-based EV battery materials;

  ➂ The province’s cumulative foreign investment under the current administration reaches $3.98 billion, strengthening supply chains in semiconductors, batteries, and aerospace.

July 25

• Chosun University and Watson & Company Collaborate to Vitalize Well-Aging Industry with Precision Medical Big Data

  ➀ Chosun University and Watson & Company signed an MOU to strengthen cooperation in the well-aging industry, leveraging precision medical big data;

  ➁ Key collaboration areas include joint R&D on wellness technologies, industry-academia talent programs, and fostering a localized healthcare ecosystem;

  ➂ Watson & Company focuses on digital health solutions for sleep disorders and dementia treatment, while Chosun University aims to expand globally, targeting markets like Vietnam and Thailand.

• [Click! Home Appliances] Cuchen '123 Rice Cooker'

  ➀ Cuchen launched the '123 Rice Cooker', featuring Korea's first 2.2 high-pressure system and 123°C cooking temperature, reducing mixed grain cooking time from 27 to 19 minutes and white rice to 10 minutes.

  ➁ Enhanced safety with Power Lock technology, 15 rice taste algorithms for varied grains, and a spiral steam filter that reduces noise by 16%.

  ➂ Available in 6/10-person capacities and 4 colors; pre-sales from July 28 include a free premium stainless steel inner pot.