SemiVoice

July 19

• Development of 'Decon Nozzle' Firefighting Equipment for Decontamination and Temperature Control Enhances Safety for Chungnam Firefighters

  ➀ The Chungnam Fire Department developed the 'Decon Nozzle,' a multi-functional firefighting equipment combining decontamination and cooling, deployable via fire trucks or standalone units for rapid use in emergencies;

  ➁ Tests showed it removes 87% of hazardous substances (e.g., soot, heavy metals) from protective gear, improves air quality by 77%, and reduces firefighters' body temperature by up to 70% to prevent heatstroke;

  ➂ The department plans to patent the technology and expand its deployment across local fire stations to safeguard personnel during disaster responses.

July 18

• Kyungdong Navien Declares 'Integrated Air Quality Platform', Aims to Leap into Service/Subscription Business

  ➀ Kyungdong Navien unveiled its 'Air Quality Management Platform' integrating ventilation, air purification, heating/cooling, and dehumidification, targeting a comprehensive indoor air quality market;

  ➁ The new 'Navien Dehumidifier Ventilation Air Purifier' features dual dehumidification (28L/day), 5-stage filtration, and AI-powered automation, with 34% higher energy efficiency than industry standards;

  ➂ Introduced a subscription model (approx. KRW 50,000/month ≈ $36/month) and plans to launch condensing cooling technology in 2025 to complete its four-season solution portfolio.

• PI Advanced Materials Announces High-Performance Polyimide Brand 'Zenimid'

  ➀ PI Advanced Materials (PIAM) launched its new high-performance polyimide product brand 'Zenimid,' combining 'zenith' and 'polyimide' to reinforce technological identity and global messaging.

  ➁ Zenimid offers films, varnishes, powders, and molded products for applications in FPCBs (flexible printed circuit boards), EV motor/battery insulation, battery management systems, 5G infrastructure, and aerospace components.

  ➂ The company aims to elevate its portfolio by emphasizing technological differentiation and brand coherence in the global advanced materials market.

• Dinotica's Vector DB Optimization Paper Accepted at VLDB 2025

  ➀ Dinotica announced that their collaborative research on optimizing vector databases (DB) with Seoul National University was accepted at VLDB 2025, a top-tier database conference with a 15% acceptance rate;

  ➁ The paper proposed SSD optimization strategies for vector search, achieving 8.5x faster query processing, 90% reduced index creation time, and 3x improved cache efficiency by leveraging SSD parallelism and efficient data storage;

  ➂ Dinotica plans to expand RAG optimization and large-scale AI infrastructure development through continued industry-academic collaboration.

• DaolTS and AgileSoDA Unveil 'Enterprise AI Platform Optimization Strategy'

  ➀ DaolTS and AgileSoDA showcased their enterprise AI strategies, emphasizing AI's evolution into autonomous goal-oriented agents and the explosive growth of generative AI (GenAI) in software development;

  ➁ The companies introduced the 'Daol Fusion' AI appliance platform and 'JUST TYPE,' an agent-based AI service that interprets user prompts for problem-solving, with over 200 projects deployed in sectors like finance and manufacturing;

  ➂ Key solutions include ETL with LLM for automated data preprocessing and ChatSAM (RAG + GenAI) for contextual document analysis, highlighting practical AI integration for enterprises.

• OCI Holdings and Tokuyama Commence Construction of Polysilicon JV Plant for Semiconductors in Malaysia

  ➀ OCI Holdings and Japanese chemical giant Tokuyama launched a 50:50 joint venture (OTSM) in Malaysia, investing $435 million (≈600 billion KRW) to build a polysilicon plant for semiconductors, targeting annual production of 8,000 tons by 2029;

  ➁ This marks the first Korea-Japan collaboration in semiconductor materials (excluding process chemicals), with OCI leveraging its existing 4,700-ton/year capacity in Korea to enhance market competitiveness;

  ➂ The plant will utilize eco-friendly hydropower for low-carbon production, achieve 11-Nine purity (99.999999999%), and has secured a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for stable energy supply.

• LG Electronics Helps Employees with Innovative Ideas Start Businesses

  ➀ LG Electronics selected 12 teams for the second season of its startup incubator program 'Studio341,' focusing on AI, clean tech, mobility, and robotics;

  ➁ The company will provide up to $289,000 (4 billion KRW) per team in funding, with five final teams to be chosen in October for commercialization support;

  ➂ The program expanded to external startups, collaborating on webOS digital content and wellness solutions to strengthen ecosystem partnerships.

• Samsung Electronics Launches 2025 BESPOKE AI Washer and Dryer

  ➀ Samsung announced the 2025 BESPOKE AI Washer (up to 25kg capacity) and Dryer (up to 22kg) featuring a 7-inch AI Home touchscreen, AI Custom Washing+/Drying+ that adapts to fabric type/weight/soil level, and SmartThings integration with 3D MapView;

  ➁ The energy-efficient models (Grade 1 certification) reduce washing energy use by 45% per kg versus standards and offer AI Energy Saving Mode (60% washing/35% drying savings). Prices range from 1.949M KRW (~$1,410) to 2.299M KRW (~$1,661);

  ➂ Samsung aims to reinforce its leadership in AI home appliances with enhanced smart connectivity and fabric-specific AI algorithms.

• Korea Western Power Hosts 'Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Technology Exchange Meeting'

  ➀ Korea Western Power held a two-day technical exchange event with domestic and international gas turbine manufacturers like Doosan Enerbility and Mitsubishi Power to enhance the operational capabilities of combined cycle power plants;

  ➁ Discussions focused on gas turbine technology trends, combustion optimization, high-temperature component repair, and performance improvement projects;

  ➂ The event also explored overseas market cooperation and plans to build intelligent power plants using AI and virtual modeling technology.

• SK On Procures Lithium Hydroxide from EcoPro Innovation

  ➀ SK On signed a contract with EcoPro Innovation to supply up to 6,000 tons of lithium hydroxide, sufficient for 100,000 electric vehicles, with plans for additional agreements this year;

  ➁ The partnership strengthens SK On's North American supply chain by reducing reliance on Chinese lithium hydroxide (over 80% of imports) and shifting to domestic sources to meet U.S. regulatory requirements;

  ➂ EcoPro Innovation expands its client base with SK On, accelerating efforts to diversify customers in North America and Europe.

• Gwichrami Exports Micro CHP System to the U.S.

  ➀ Gwichrami has begun exporting its 200㎾ micro combined heat and power (CHP) system to the U.S., leveraging Hyundai Motor's natural gas (CNG) bus engine to achieve 85% energy efficiency by reusing waste heat for heating and cooling;

  ➁ The system serves as an emergency power source during outages and reduces peak-time electricity costs, with plans to expand UL certifications for additional LPG-based products and develop systems using hydrogen and bioenergy for carbon neutrality;

  ➂ Gwichrami aims to position the CHP system as a key solution for addressing power shortages and strengthen its footprint in the U.S. decentralized energy market through localized strategies.

July 17

• Seah Besteel signs 20-year PPA with Hanwha Q Cells for renewable energy supply

  ➀ Seah Besteel will procure 16,425 MWh/year of solar power through a 20-year direct PPA with Hanwha Q Cells starting H2 2024, expanding total renewable energy use to 43,392 MWh/year;

  ➁ The agreement reduces carbon emissions by 19,800 tonnes annually, equivalent to powering 12,000 households;

  ➂ Strengthens ESG strategies for decarbonization as steel industry faces tightening global environmental regulations.

• LG Innotek to Mass Produce Next-Gen Digital Key in 2028 with 'Child Detection Alarm'

  ➀ LG Innotek has developed a next-generation digital key solution that uses radar technology to detect children left in vehicles and sends real-time alerts to drivers, with plans for mass production in 2028;

  ➁ The 3.0 standard digital key integrates AI-based 3D positioning algorithms, reducing door-opening errors by 30% and enabling autonomous parking alignment with wireless charging spots;

  ➂ The company aims to become the global leader in digital key solutions by 2030, targeting annual revenue of 1.5 trillion KRW (approx. 1.15 billion USD) in automotive communication components.

• Innommetry Supplies Battery Inspection Equipment to China's BAK

  ➀ Innommetry secured a contract with Chinese battery manufacturer BAK Power to supply X-ray inspection equipment for EV battery production line upgrades at BAK's Zhengzhou plant, with additional supplies expected soon;

  ➁ BAK, a top-tier battery supplier for Huawei, TCL, Geely Auto, and others, is constructing a 200,000㎡ facility for cylindrical battery production, where Innommetry's equipment may also be deployed;

  ➂ Innommetry is expanding its footprint in China post-2024 Shanghai subsidiary relocation, finalizing deals with EVE Energy and negotiating with BYD for future contracts.

• Lotte Chemical Supports 6 Promising Social Ventures in Plastic Recycling and Decomposition

  ➀ Lotte Chemical announced the 4th phase of its 'Project Loop Social' initiative on July 16, 2025, selecting six startups focused on plastic recycling and decomposition technologies;

  ➁ The ventures utilize innovative methods like AI-based robotic sorting, microbial decomposition, and ultrasonic pyrolysis to advance circular economy goals;

  ➂ Since 2020, Lotte has supported 19 companies through funding, mentorship, and business development programs to strengthen sustainable resource ecosystems.

• LS Cable completes 5th building at Donghae factory… “HVDC production capacity quadrupled”

  ➀ LS Cable completed the 5th building at its Donghae submarine cable factory in Gangwon-do, expanding HVDC cable production capacity by over 4x through the addition of vertical continuous vulcanization (VCV) systems, crucial for long-distance high-voltage cables;

  ➁ The company aims to strengthen turnkey project capabilities by collaborating with subsidiary LS Marine Solutions on HVDC-specific cable-laying vessels, positioning itself as one of the few global players in the HVDC cable market;

  ➂ The global HVDC cable market is projected to reach ~40 trillion KRW (≈30.8 billion USD) by 2030, driven by offshore wind power and long-distance transmission demands, with LS targeting participation in South Korea's 'West Coast HVDC Energy Highway' project.

• Korea Zinc Invested 558 Billion Won in Environmental Facilities Last Year... Total 1.5 Trillion Won Over Five Years

  ➀ Korea Zinc invested 558 billion KRW (≈$485 million) in environmental projects in 2024, a 40.9% increase from 2023, with cumulative investments over five years reaching 1.5 trillion KRW (≈$1.3 billion);

  ➁ Investments prioritized water quality (68.3%), air pollution control, and chemical waste management, deploying technologies like reverse osmosis filtration and dust reduction systems;

  ➂ The company reduced waste by 14% in 2024 and has completed 48% of its 85 environmental compliance tasks, aiming to become a leader in eco-friendly smelting.

• LG Electronics Wins Most Energy Winner Awards for 9th Consecutive Year

  ➀ LG Electronics secured 16 awards at the 28th Energy Winner Awards, including 3 grand prizes, marking its ninth consecutive year as the most awarded company;

  ➁ Key products like the 'LG DIOs AI Objet Collection Fit & Max' fridge and 'LG Tromm AI Objet Collection Washtower' won top honors for AI-driven energy efficiency improvements and 1st-grade energy ratings;

  ➂ The B2B division reduced packaging material use by 10% and cut carbon emissions by 5,840 tons (tCO₂eq) in 2024 through data analytics and virtual validation.

• Schneider Electric Presents 'Dream Wings' Scholarship to Engineering High School Students

  ➀ Schneider Electric Korea awarded scholarships to 13 engineering high school students at its 25th annual 'Dream Wings' ceremony;

  ➁ CEO Kwon Ji-woong emphasized supporting future generations and technology's role in society;

  ➂ The company plans to expand CSR initiatives, including environmental cleanups and energy education programs with local communities.

• Kyowon Wells Launches Summer Promotion: Up to 7 Months Free Rental Fees

  ➀ Kyowon Wells is running a summer promotion until July 24, 2025, offering up to 7 months of free rental fees for new or renewed contracts on appliances like the SlimOne (ultra-slim water purifier) and IceOne (ice water purifier);

  ➁ Featured products include energy-efficient models with UV sterilization, compact designs, and ice storage capabilities;

  ➂ Additional discounts and gift certificates are available for air purifiers, bidets, mattresses, and home beauty devices, aiming to make hygiene appliances more accessible.

• Samsung's Sustainability Perception Value Reaches 11 Trillion Won, Ranked 12th Globally

  ➀ Samsung's 2025 Sustainability Perception Value (SPV) hit $78.87 billion (11 trillion KRW), securing 12th place globally and 1st among Korean brands, per Brand Finance's report;

  ➁ The SPV increased by 17.7% YoY, driven by ESG efforts, environmental innovation, and governance improvements;

  ➂ Hyundai Motor Group (57.85B USD, 18th), SK Group (1.925B USD, 72nd), and LG Group (1.603B USD, 86th) also ranked, while Apple led globally with $389.84 billion SPV.

July 16

• LG WashTower Selected as Best Product by U.S. and U.K. Media…Proving Global Technological Leadership

  ➀ LG Electronics' WashTower, an integrated washer-dryer, received top accolades from Forbes, Good Housekeeping, and Trusted Reviews for its AI-driven performance and space-efficient design.

  ➁ The product features AI-powered fabric detection, energy efficiency, and user-friendly controls, with 2024 upgrades including AI Time Sensing and AI My Course for personalized laundry management.

  ➂ Launched in 2020, the compact WashTower combines washing and drying units vertically, reducing height by 9cm compared to traditional setups, and strengthens LG's reputation in global home appliances.

• Daoul TS Sells Dell Gaming Laptop G15 Exclusively at Coupang at a Special Price

  ➀ Daoul TS, Dell's distributor, launches a limited-time promotion for the G15 DG5530-WH01KR gaming laptop on Coupang, featuring Intel Core i5-13450HX, NVIDIA RTX 3050 (6GB GDDR6), 8GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 120Hz FHD display;

  ➁ Designed for budget gamers, it includes Windows 11 Home pre-installed, dual cooling fans, and Game Shift technology for optimized performance;

  ➂ The limited-stock promotion offers substantial discounts and may end early due to high demand.

• Fooyu Digital Lists High-Performance Laptops and Tablets on Government Procurement Portal... Full-scale Public Market Offensive

  ➀ Fooyu Digital officially listed its high-performance '16MT2 Series' laptops and 'W261 Series' Android tablets on South Korea's Government Procurement Portal (Narajangteo), targeting public institutions and educational sectors;

  ➁ The products are optimized for digital transformation and AI-based environments, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, lightweight designs, and EMR stylus support for e-textbooks and collaboration tools;

  ➂ The move aligns with ESG trends, promotes paperless workflows, and enhances digital innovation in public services, backed by expanded technical support and nationwide service centers.

• HD Hyundai Oil Bank Supports 100 Million KRW in Scholarships for Teenage Children of Truck Drivers

  ➀ HD Hyundai Oil Bank partnered with the Truck Welfare Foundation to award scholarships totaling 1 billion KRW (~75,000 USD) to 115 children of truck drivers from underprivileged families;

  ➁ Since 2012, the company has supported 1,640 students with cumulative scholarships of 14 billion KRW (~1.05 million USD) to foster educational opportunities;

  ➂ Additional initiatives include a Seoul National University mentoring program and admissions seminars for high school students in Seosan, ongoing for 13 years.

• SK Key Foundry and LB Semicon Jointly Develop Direct RDL Technology for Power Semiconductors

  ➀ SK Key Foundry and LB Semicon announced the joint development of an 8-inch direct redistribution layer (RDL) packaging technology for semiconductors, completing reliability testing to enhance chip-to-substrate connectivity and minimize signal interference.

  ➁ The technology achieves a 15-micrometer wiring thickness and 70% chip-area wiring density, tailored for high-current power semiconductors, and meets automotive-grade standards (-40℃ to +125℃).

  ➂ Custom design guides and development kits will be provided to clients, aiming to strengthen their position in the high-performance power semiconductor market.

• Lotte Chemical Donates 'Companion Rice' to Support Vulnerable Groups

  ➀ Lotte Chemical donated 1,217 bags (10kg each) of rice to the Songpa District Office on July 14 as part of its 'Companion Rice' initiative targeting underprivileged communities;

  ➁ This annual program, established in 2021, purchases local agricultural products to promote regional development and provide aid to vulnerable groups;

  ➂ The company plans to donate a total of 17,000 rice bags in 2025, including contributions made in June to organizations like the Korea Single-Parent Family Welfare Association.

• LG Energy Solution and GM Convert Tennessee NCM Line to LFP

  ➀ Ultium Cells (LG-GM JV) will convert its Tennessee plant from nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production by 2027, while maintaining NCM output at its Ohio plant;

  ➁ LFP batteries, chosen for cost competitiveness, will support GM’s affordable EV models, including electric pickup trucks, expanding U.S. LFP supply chains;

  ➂ LG Energy Solution, already producing LFP batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) in the U.S., plans to launch EV-grade LFP production in Europe and collaborate with GM for U.S. manufacturing.

July 15

• LS Cable Launches 'Million-Bend Resistant' USB Cable

  ➀ LS Cable and Kangwon Electronics co-developed a highly durable industrial USB cable capable of enduring over 1 million bends without wire breakage or performance degradation, tripling the lifespan of previous imported products (300,000–400,000 bends);

  ➁ The product obtained TTA international certification, meeting over 10 standards for durability, connectivity, and reliability;

  ➂ Aimed at semiconductor, display, and IoT automation equipment, it aligns with growing demand for robust data transmission solutions in smart factories.

• Schneider Electric Launches Next-Generation Distributed I/O Solution 'Modicon Edge I/O NTS'

  ➀ Schneider Electric unveiled its Modicon Edge I/O NTS, a distributed I/O solution designed to support evolving Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 environments, enabling flexible adaptation to digital integration and data collection needs;

  ➁ The solution features Ethernet-based open protocols, OPC UA communication for interoperability and security, and a modular design that reduces downtime and accelerates deployment for industries like manufacturing, energy, and data centers;

  ➂ It enhances cybersecurity, space efficiency, and system availability with tools for transparent data management, streamlined wiring, and hot-swappable modules, preparing industries for future digital transformation.