SemiVoice

July 15

• TCK and WMC·Wicom Conclude Patent Dispute

  ➀ TCK settled a 4-year patent dispute with WMC and Wicom over silicon carbide rings (SiC rings), with WMC and Wicom admitting infringement and agreeing to pay damages and future royalties;

  ➁ TCK, the global market leader in SiC ring production since 2013, emphasized its commitment to defending patents and pursuing legal actions against infringement, including ongoing litigation against DS Techno;

  ➂ SiC rings, critical for semiconductor etching processes, remain central to IP protection efforts as TCK monitors potential violations in the aftermarket.

• LG StandbyMe 2 Launches Globally

  ➀ LG Electronics expands the launch of its portable screen 'LG StandbyMe 2' to global markets, including the U.S., Canada, and Europe, following its domestic release in February 2025;

  ➁ The upgraded model features a detachable 27-inch QHD display with a built-in battery (4-hour runtime), AI processor Alpha8 Gen2 for optimized picture/sound, and supports Dolby Vision/Atmos;

  ➂ Praised as an 'essential smart TV' by international media, sales quadrupled compared to its predecessor, with versatility for use as a tablet, wall-mounted decor, and cloud gaming via webOS.

• Fujifilm BI Korea Successfully Holds Seminar on Cloud and AI-Based 'AX Innovation Strategy'

  ➀ Fujifilm BI Korea held a seminar addressing corporate AI transformation (AX), featuring practical strategies for integrating cloud and generative AI, including case studies of Copilot applications;

  ➁ The company introduced its 'AIMAX' strategy, aiming to collaborate with enterprises as a long-term AX partner to maximize AI-driven operational automation and data-driven decision-making;

  ➂ Plans include expanding services leveraging Fujifilm's ReiLI AI platform to strengthen digital transformation initiatives in data management and AI infrastructure.

• Myoungin Inno Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Ablecom, a Specialist in Server Chassis and Cooling Solution Manufacturing

  ➀ Myoungin Inno, a South Korean IT company, has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with Taiwan-based Ablecom, a manufacturer of high-end server chassis and cooling solutions;

  ➁ Ablecom, established in 1997, brings 30 years of R&D expertise and partnerships with global firms like Supermicro, focusing on custom server chassis and liquid cooling solutions for AI-driven market demands;

  ➂ Myoungin Inno, an Intel Titanium Partner in HPC, plans to expand its AI appliance and voice-language solutions, leveraging Ablecom's technologies to strengthen its market position in server systems and cooling solutions.

• Taiyo Yuden Participates in 'Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 NAGOYA'

  ➀ Taiyo Yuden will showcase high-reliability components, multilayer piezoelectric actuators, and the FEREMO™ regenerative assist system for e-bikes at the expo, addressing automotive electrification trends;

  ➁ The company offers AEC-Q200-compliant electronic parts to meet growing demand for reliable, compact components in xEV and ADAS systems;

  ➂ FEREMO™ enables up to 1,000 km range per charge, energy recovery during deceleration, and enhanced downhill safety for electric bicycles.

• [2025 K-ICT Week in Busan] Mobilint Showcases 'MLA100'

  ➀ Mobilint unveiled three AI solutions at 2025 K-ICT Week: the ARIES NPU chip, PCIe-based MLA100 AI accelerator, and REGULUS SoM, targeting on-premises and edge computing;

  ➁ The ARIES NPU delivers high-performance AI inference for vision, voice, and LLMs with under 25W power consumption, optimized for real-time, low-latency applications;

  ➂ MLA100 serves as a GPU alternative for industrial PCs/servers, while REGULUS SoM integrates quad-core CPU and NPU in a compact design, achieving 10 TOPS at 3W for edge AI systems.

• DY Dukyang Wins Order for Kia's Large PBV Vehicle Door Trims

  ➀ DY Dukyang secured a contract to supply door trims for Kia's large PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) electric platform, marking its entry into the specialized PBV parts market with production starting in late 2027;

  ➁ The company will use eco-friendly composite materials and modular design to deliver lightweight, durable, and high-performance interior solutions tailored for PBV usage scenarios like repeated boarding and long-term operation;

  ➂ This follows DY Dukyang's involvement in Kia's first PBV model 'PV5', reinforcing its technological capabilities and establishing a supply chain foundation in South Korea's central automotive manufacturing hub.

• Coway Joins 'Top Efficiency Home Appliance Refund Program'

  ➀ Coway announced its participation in a government-led refund program for high-efficiency home appliances aimed at energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction;

  ➁ Consumers purchasing Tier-1 energy-efficient products can receive a 10% refund (up to KRW 300,000/person, ≈USD 230) including leased products;

  ➂ Coway offers seven eligible products, including dehumidifiers and air purifiers, with additional lease discounts available through August.

July 14

• [Personnel] Asia Today

  ➀ Asia Today announced the appointment of Bae Byeong-woo as an editorial board member (department head level);

  ➁ Lim Joong-kwon was listed as a reporter covering the publication.

• [Photo] Customers Looking for Fans in Hot Weather

  ➀ Rising demand for cooling appliances like fans due to the hot weather;

  ➁ Customers explored various fan models, including mini fans and low-noise options, at Seoul's Yongsan Electronics Land;

  ➂ Photo highlights consumer focus on cooling solutions amid summer temperatures.

• [Photo] Customers Seeking Fans Amidst Sweltering Weather

  ➀ Rising temperatures drive increased demand for cooling appliances like fans;

  ➁ On July 13, customers explore mini fans and low-noise models at Yongsan Electronics Land in Seoul;

  ➂ Highlights seasonal consumer trends in personal cooling solutions amid heatwaves.

• SK Innovation Discontinues Development of Gas Station Complex Energy Platform Project

  ➀ SK Innovation and SK REITs halted their first gas station complex energy platform project at SK Siheung Industrial Gas Station in Gyeonggi, originally planned to invest 10 billion KRW (approx. $7.89 million) to build a 3-story indoor facility with logistics and eco-friendly energy systems;

  ➁ The discontinuation of the flagship project is expected to impact follow-up developments, signaling challenges in expanding hybrid energy platforms;

  ➂ Industry analysts attribute the move to SK Group's restructuring efforts to phase out non-core businesses and enhance core competitiveness through operational improvements.

• Customers Seeking Fans Amid Hot Weather

  ➀ Hot weather drives increased consumer interest in cooling appliances like electric fans;

  ➁ Customers explore various fan types including mini and low-noise models at Seoul's Yongsan Electronics Land on July 13;

  ➂ Highlights seasonal demand surge for cooling solutions during summer months

• LG Electronics Doubles the Scale of 'Life Zip' Pop-Up Store

  ➀ LG Electronics expanded its home lifestyle community 'Life Zip' pop-up store to 28 exhibition zones across three buildings in Seoul, featuring spaces for member products, creator studios, and interactive home appliance displays;

  ➁ The event showcases LG's collaboration with Kia on the 'Spielraum' purpose-built vehicle (PBV) integrated with refrigerators, wine cellars, and microwave ovens for camping, alongside popular products like the LG StanbyMe display;

  ➂ Life Zip's membership surpassed 700,000, with offline customer engagement driving growth since its 2022 online launch, reflecting LG's strategy to integrate lifestyle experiences with its products.

• Samsung Electronics Debuts 'RGB Micro LED TV' for the First Time at IFA 2025

  ➀ Samsung Electronics plans to unveil its 115-inch RGB Micro LED TV at IFA 2025, marking its first commercial release of RGB LED TVs, targeting year-end sales;

  ➁ The TV features sub-100µm LED elements, smaller than China's RGB miniLED (100-500µm), enhancing local dimming and color contrast for superior image quality;

  ➂ Competes with Hisense's 116-inch RGB miniLED TV launching in South Korea, as Samsung aims to dominate the premium TV market amid Chinese LCD competition and OLED expansion.

• As Economic Downturn Prolongs Consumer Contraction?...Home Appliance Rental Periods Increase During Recession

  ➀ South Korean home appliance rental companies are extending contract periods up to 9 years to retain customers amid prolonged economic downturn and reduced consumer spending;

  ➁ Firms like Coway, SK Magic, and Kyowon Wells offer longer rental terms (6-9 years) to lower monthly costs and strengthen brand loyalty, with over 66% of Coway's new contracts in Q1 2025 opting for 5+ years;

  ➂ Extended rental periods align with ESG goals by reducing electronic waste and reflect consumer preference for manageable long-term commitments in hygiene-focused appliances.

July 13

• [Photo] LG Electronics Life Zip Pop-up Store Opens in Seongsu-dong

  ➀ LG Electronics operates its Life Zip pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, until July 20th;

  ➁ Life Zip is a home lifestyle community sharing activities like cooking, interior design, pet care, and home training under the slogan 'We can do anything at home';

  ➂ The store features AI mobility space solution 'Spylum,' showcasing innovative home-centric technologies.

• [Photo] What Are the Camera Features of the New Galaxy Z Series?

  ➀ Samsung operates a 'Galaxy Studio' experience space at The Hyundai Seoul to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, offering hands-on access to the new devices;

  ➀ Visitors participate in 'Camera-Focused AI Classes' to explore the devices' enhanced camera capabilities powered by AI technology;

  ➂ The event highlights promotional activities for the latest foldable smartphone models, emphasizing imaging innovations and user engagement.

• LG Electronics Operates 'Lifejip' Pop-Up Store

  ➀ LG Electronics is operating a 'Lifejip' pop-up store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong until July 20, promoting home-centric lifestyle activities;

  ➁ The 'Lifejip' community focuses on shared experiences in cooking, interior design, pet care, home camping, and fitness to cultivate new home culture;

  ➂ Visitors explore themed spaces like home cafes and interior displays at the event.

• [Photo] What are the AI Features of the New Galaxy Products?

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launched the 'Galaxy Studio' at The Hyundai Seoul to showcase its new foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7;

  ➀ The event featured a 'Docent AI Class' where visitors experienced AI-powered demonstrations of the devices;

  ➂ This interactive space was designed to highlight the AI capabilities integrated into Samsung's latest products ahead of their official release.

• Samsung Electronics Opens 'Galaxy Studio' at The Hyundai Seoul

  ➀ Samsung opened a 'Galaxy Studio' experience space at The Hyundai Seoul department store in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul;

  ➁ The event celebrates the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 smartphones;

  ➂ Customers can directly experience the new foldable devices at the studio.

• [Photo] Galaxy Studio Where You Can Experience New Galaxy Products

  ➀ Samsung Electronics operates 'Galaxy Studio' at The Hyundai Seoul to showcase new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7;

  ➁ Visitors can interact with devices like shooting photos with Galaxy Z Flip7;

  ➂ The event highlights experiential marketing for Samsung's latest foldable smartphones

• [Photo] LG Electronics Opens Life Zip Pop-up Store in Seongsu-dong

  ➀ LG Electronics is operating its Life Zip pop-up store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong until July 20, promoting home-centric lifestyle activities;

  ➁ The community focuses on diverse themes like cooking, interior design, and pet care, under the slogan 'We can do anything at home';

  ➂ Visitors can experience products such as the portable LG StanbyME Go monitor at the pop-up space.

• POSCO Supplies HIC-Certified Energy Steel to Saudi Aramco

  ➀ POSCO supplies HIC-certified energy steel to Saudi Aramco's Fadhili Gas Plant expansion project, marking its breakthrough in high-value energy steel market;

  ➁ This marks the first time POSCO's hydrogen-induced cracking resistant steel is used in plant construction, breaking European manufacturers' monopoly;

  ➂ The supply chain shift enabled South Korean manufacturers like Hyundai Steel Pipe and Bumhan Mechatronics to participate, enhancing domestic industrial competitiveness.

• S-Oil Strengthens Tiered Customer Benefits for Bonus Card Membership

  ➀ S-Oil's tiered Bonus Card membership (Silver, Gold, VIP, VIP+) offers increased benefits like fuel purchase-based points (up to 4 points/liter for VIP tiers) and exclusive discounts;

  ➁ Gold tier+ members can enter a lottery via the 'My S-Oil' app (July-Sept 2025) with prizes including hotel stays and gift cards, triggered by cumulative fuel spending over ₩50,000 (~$38);

  ➂ The company plans to expand app-driven customer engagement and practical benefits.

• Hanyang University ERICA Hosts 'ICEAS 2025' in Tanzania, Discusses International Cooperation in Sustainable Technology

  ➀ Hanyang University ERICA co-hosted the international conference ICEAS 2025 in Tanzania with 15 institutions, focusing on sustainable technologies such as renewable energy, smart solutions, and climate resilience;

  ➁ The event featured academic programs, site visits to solar power plants, and the S.M.A.R.T. Sustainable Technology Competition, involving 15 teams from Korea and Tanzania proposing localized solutions;

  ➂ Discussions emphasized SDG-oriented technological collaboration, with plans to expand global networks through ICEAS 2026 in South Korea.

July 12

• Osan City Operates 'Osannarae AI Shared School' Summer Semester... Accelerating Future Talent Development

  ➀ Osan City launched the 'Osannarae AI Shared School' summer semester (through early September) to cultivate future talent in AI, autonomous driving, robotics, and data science, targeting students from 3rd grade to high school and out-of-school youth;

  ➁ The program offers 16 customized courses across 15 public and private educational facilities, integrating basic to advanced levels, with pre-training for instructors to enhance teaching quality;

  ➂ This initiative aligns with Osan's AI/digital education city strategy, expanding infrastructure like AI Coding Edu Lab to foster youth digital literacy and innovation capabilities.

• Alseimi Advances to SEMI's 'Sustainable Semiconductor Startup' Semifinals

  ➀ Alseimi, a South Korean startup incubated by SK Hynix, became the sole Korean company to reach the semifinals of SEMI's global 'Sustainable Semiconductor Startup (S3)' program, which evaluates innovations in energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials for the semiconductor industry;

  ➁ The company developed AI-powered software to streamline semiconductor design and introduced a simulation solution for process optimization, reducing manufacturing time and costs;

  ➂ The competitive program, supported by Applied Materials, will announce 10-12 finalists at SEMICON West 2025, offering mentorship and investment opportunities for sustainable semiconductor technologies.

July 11

• SK Magic Changes Company Name to 'SK Intellix'... Rebranding Vision with AI Wellness Business

  ➀ SK Magic rebrands to 'SK Intellix', emphasizing AI-driven wellness platform innovation;

  ➁ The new name combines 'Intelligent' and 'X', reflecting commitments to AI-powered open ecosystems and personalized wellness experiences;

  ➂ Core brands like SK Magic (health appliances) and NAMUX (wellness robotics) will focus on category expansion and ecological integration under the restructured vision.

• HD Hyundai Construction Machinery Collaborates with Vietnamese University to Accelerate Technical Talent Training

  ➀ HD Hyundai Construction Machinery signed an MOU with Vietnam’s CCT1 college to cultivate professionals in eco-friendly and smart construction machinery, including donating a 22-ton excavator for training;

  ➁ The 5-year partnership, under KOICA’s IBS-ESG Initiative, will support curriculum development, international skills competitions, job fairs, and community education, aiming to train over 500 individuals;

  ➂ With Vietnam’s construction machinery market projected to reach 7,900 units by 2029, HD Hyundai plans to expand similar projects in India, Brazil, and Indonesia to strengthen global competitiveness.