SemiVoice

June 30

• LG Electronics Expands Top-Loading Comfort Washer Models and Sales Channels

  ➁ LG Electronics' 25kg top-loading Comfort Washer, launched in January 2025, saw a 70% YoY sales increase, bucking the drum washer-dominated market trend (top-loaders account for ~30% of Korea's washer market);

  ➁ The company expanded its lineup with 23kg and 21kg models and extended sales channels to E-Mart and Hi-Mart, in addition to LG Best Shop and online platforms;

  ➂ Key improvements include a 6.7cm lower front height, enlarged control icons for elderly users, Korea's first auto-dispenser system, and AI DD motor technology. Priced at KRW 1,598,000 (~USD 1,158), it undercuts entry-level drum washers (KRW 1.9M/~USD 1,376) by KRW 300,000 (~USD 217).

• [Photo] Dehumidifier Sales Increase During Rainy Season

  ➀ Dehumidifier sales are rising due to the humid and hot weather during the rainy season;

  ➁ Customers explored smart inverter and smart dehumidification-equipped models at Electro Land's main store in Seoul's Yongsan-gu on June 29th;

  ➂ Photo by Kim Minsu, highlighting increased consumer interest in seasonal appliances.

• Chungnam DX Platform 'Manufacturing Technology Convergence Center' Resolves Bottlenecks Hindering SME Process Innovation

  ➀ The Chungnam Manufacturing Technology Convergence Center, established with a total investment of 44 billion KRW (~$340 million USD) over 55 months, supports SMEs in digital transformation (DX) of manufacturing processes through smart test beds and cloud-based data analysis systems;

  ➁ It provides IoT integration and cost-effective cloud solutions (ERP, MES) to improve production efficiency, quality control, and reduce bottlenecks in industries like automotive and display;

  ➂ Collaborations with research institutes and universities aim to advance AI-driven autonomous manufacturing and expand DX adoption across supply chains, targeting 20+ companies for pilot projects by year-end.

• ET Talk: Ripple Effects from Kum Yang's Battery Material/Parts/Equipment Crisis

  ➀ Kum Yang's financial crisis triggered a chain reaction in South Korea's battery supply chain, with equipment supplier Gabjin filing for court receivership due to unpaid receivables of 57.6 billion KRW (≈$44.3 million);

  ➁ Gabjin set aside 34.6 billion KRW (≈$26.6 million) in bad debt provisions, representing 30% of its 2024 revenue, leading to severe capital erosion;

  ➂ Multiple SMEs across the material-equipment ecosystem face生存threats, prompting major battery makers to reevaluate supply chains, while Kum Yang's 405 billion KRW (≈$311 million) capital increase plan becomes critical for industry stabilization.

• LG Display to Invest KRW 1.3 Trillion in UDC and COE Technologies

  ➀ LG Display plans to invest KRW 1.26 trillion (approx. $970 million) in OLED innovations, focusing on under-display camera (UDC) and color filter-on-encapsulation (COE) technologies for smartphone applications;

  ➁ UDC aims to hide cameras/sensors under screens with 3x performance improvements in transmittance and resolution, while COE replaces polarizers to reduce panel thickness and power consumption;

  ➂ Additional investments in Vietnam target 4-side bending displays for bezel-free smartphones, aligning with global client roadmaps for 2027 implementation.

• [Photo] Increase in Dehumidifier Sales Due to Hot and Humid Weather

  ➀ Hot and humid weather during the rainy season has led to a surge in dehumidifier sales;

  ➁ Customers are exploring advanced models with smart inverter and dehumidification features at Seoul’s Yongsan Electronics Market;

  ➂ The sales trend highlights seasonal demand for humidity-control appliances amid extreme weather conditions.

June 29

• Korea Zinc Collaborates with U.S. Department of Energy Consortium BOTTLE to Develop Waste Plastic Recycling Technology

  ➀ Korea Zinc signed a 2-year research agreement with BOTTLE, a U.S. DOE-led consortium, to develop technology for recycling plastics from electronic waste and industrial byproducts;

  ➁ The project aims to transform waste plastics into reusable resources, expand circular economy initiatives, and address stricter global regulations under the Basel Convention on plastic waste;

  ➂ Korea Zinc also plans to explore recycling plastic from lead-acid batteries and collaborate with BOTTLE’s global partners like Amazon and P&G for commercialization.

• 2025 RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer League Match

  ➀ The 2025 RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer League was held on June 28 at the Beijing Smart e-Sports Competition Center;

  ➀ Robot soccer teams competed in the event, showcasing advancements in robotics and AI technology;

  ➂ The competition highlights China's efforts to promote cutting-edge technology integration in sports and entertainment.

• Q3 Manufacturing Outlook Limited by Triple Pressures of Tariffs, Middle East, and Domestic Demand

  ➀ South Korea's Q3 2025 manufacturing BSI (Business Survey Index) rose only 2 points to 81, remaining below the 100 baseline for the 16th consecutive quarter due to U.S. tariffs, Middle East tensions, and weak domestic demand;

  ➁ Semiconductor (BSI 109, +22P QoQ) and pharmaceutical sectors showed strength driven by AI demand and tariff exemptions, while steel (BSI 67), automotive (76), and oil refining sectors struggled due to tariffs and global uncertainties;

  ➂ 54.1% of manufacturers expect to miss H1 2025 sales targets, citing domestic demand weakness (64.7%) and rising raw material costs (30.9%) as top risks.

• [Photo] 2025 RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer Tournament

  ➀ The 2025 RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer Tournament was held on June 28 at the Beijing Smart e-Sports Competition Center;

  ➁ Robot athletes competed in the event, showcasing advanced robotics technology;

  ➂ The tournament is part of RoBoLeague's global initiative to promote robotics and AI in sports.

• Samsung Electronics Holds 'AI Home Appliances' Lifestyle Exhibition in Busan to Beat the Summer Heat

  ➀ Samsung Electronics participated in the '2025 Happy Partnership Busan' lifestyle exhibition from June 26-28 at ECKE, a cultural complex in Haeundae, Busan, showcasing Bespoke AI home appliances designed to enhance comfort during summer and monsoon seasons;

  ➁ Highlighted products included the Bespoke AI Combo washer-dryer, AI Windless Combo Gallery for air quality control, AI Hybrid KitchenFit Max with Peltier cooling tech, and AI Family Hub refrigerator, all integrated with vintage-inspired interiors;

  ➂ The company also joined the Busan Design Festival (BDF) from June 26-29, reinforcing its focus on AI appliances that harmonize lifestyle and interior design.

• LG Smart Cottage Proposes 'Energy Efficiency and Safety' Standards for Modular Housing

  ➀ LG Smart Cottage became the first modular housing in Korea to achieve the highest 'ZEB Plus' certification, surpassing 100% energy self-sufficiency through renewable energy;

  ➁ It integrates AI appliances, HVAC technology, and solar panels for complete energy independence;

  ➂ Collaborated with Korea Electric Safety Corporation to establish safety standards and expand quality certification systems for modular housing.

• S-Oil Strengthens Digital Services of 'MY S-OIL' App for Enhanced Convenience

  ➀ S-OIL has upgraded its 'MY S-OIL' app with digital features like **cardless payments** using pre-registered cards, bonus points, and coupons, streamlining fuel purchases;

  ➁ The app allows users to preset fuel types and payment amounts for faster transactions, while offering **real-time price checks**, mobile gift card integration, and **e-receipts** to promote sustainability;

  ➂ The company aims to further enhance digital payment solutions and customer satisfaction through expanded rewards and eco-conscious services.

• HD Hyundai Electric Supplies Power Equipment for Data Centers in Norway... Accelerates European Market Expansion

  ➀ HD Hyundai Electric signed an MOU with Norway's Bulk Infrastructure to supply power transformers and high-voltage circuit breakers for data center projects, expanding its presence in Europe's growing data center market;

  ➁ The company previously secured contracts in Scotland and Denmark, including a 40 billion KRW (approx. $30.77 million) deal with Energinet to support renewable energy infrastructure;

  ➂ IEA forecasts a 15% annual increase in global data center electricity consumption (2024-2030), with Europe already accounting for 70TWh in 2024, driving demand for specialized power equipment.

June 28

• Samsung Electronics Hosts '2025 South Asia Tech Seminar' in India

  ➀ Samsung Electronics showcased its Bespoke AI home appliances, including a 9-inch touchscreen fridge and AI Combo washer-dryer, at the 2025 South Asia Tech Seminar in Gurgaon, India;

  ➁ The event highlighted AI-driven features like SmartThings integration for energy efficiency, automated sleep optimization via Galaxy wearables, and 3D 'Map View' for device management;

  ➂ The seminar is part of Samsung's global expansion strategy, following similar events in North America, Europe, and other regions.

• Court Rules New Share Issuance Invalid... Korea Zinc Claims 'Management Necessity' vs. Young Poong Demands 'Responsibility for Restoring Damages'

  ➀ Seoul Central District Court ruled Korea Zinc's third-party share issuance to HMG Global (a Hyundai Motor joint venture) invalid, citing violations of corporate articles;

  ➁ Korea Zinc defended the issuance as necessary for eco-friendly ventures and announced plans to appeal, while Young Poong and MBK Partners welcomed the ruling, demanding accountability for damages;

  ➂ The court partially acknowledged the operational rationale but upheld technical breaches, emphasizing the legal obligation to protect shareholder rights.

• LG Display Begins Mass Production of 4th Generation OLED Monitor Panels

  ➀ LG Display has initiated mass production of its 4th-gen OLED monitor panels featuring primary RGB tandem technology, achieving 1,500 nits brightness and 99.5% color accuracy with a 280Hz refresh rate;

  ➁ The company developed a 540Hz QHD OLED gaming panel using proprietary algorithms to maintain image quality at ultra-high refresh rates, addressing common trade-offs;

  ➂ Plans to mass-produce 540Hz gaming panels in H2 2025 aim to expand OLED monitor market share and strengthen competitiveness against rival display manufacturers.

• SK Magic Launches Ultra-Compact 'PSG Collaboration' Direct Water Purifier

  ① SK Magic released a limited-edition ultra-compact water purifier in collaboration with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), featuring a 164mm x 395mm x 345mm design for small spaces and PSG’s signature navy/white colors.

  ② The purifier offers cold/purified water, four temperature settings (up to 100°C), 10ml precision dispensing, UV sterilization, and IoT connectivity for remote filter management via a mobile app.

  ③ Customers can choose self-service filter replacement or professional maintenance, with promotional discounts available through major card partnerships.

• Komico Establishes New Factory in Kumamoto, Japan... Construction Begins in November

  ➀ Komico invests 30 billion yen (approx. 281 billion KRW/$216 million USD) to build a new factory in Kumamoto, Japan, supporting TSMC's foundry business with semiconductor equipment cleaning and coating services;

  ➁ The factory, spanning 8,558㎡ in the Tamana Mitsukawa Industrial Park, will start construction in November 2025 and operational by December 2026, creating 30 jobs;

  ➂ Focuses on reusable semiconductor equipment components to enhance TSMC's supply chain efficiency.

• Coway Life Solutions Signs Business Agreement with 'CareDoc'... Partnership for Senior Customized Healthcare Services

  ➀ Coway Life Solutions partners with CareDoc to provide tailored senior healthcare services, including caregiver matching and nursing home discounts;

  ➁ The collaboration offers benefits such as fixed-price personal care services, up to 50% discounts on premium hearing aids, and reduced rates at memorial parks;

  ➂ The partnership aims to enhance accessibility and affordability of reliable care services for seniors.

• LG's 'SKS' Makes Debut at U.S. Food & Wine Classic, Showcasing Premium Kitchen Experience

  ➀ LG's ultra-premium built-in appliance brand 'SKS' participated as the sole official appliance sponsor at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, attracting over 4,000 visitors;

  ➁ Highlighted products included the Pro Range (gas, induction, sous vide), French Door Refrigerator with temperature control, and AI-powered oven with personalized recipe recommendations;

  ➂ Collaborated with James Beard Award-winning chefs and hosted seminars, including a session with food columnist Mark Bittman on cooking technology evolution.

• Chungnam and Gwangju Join Hands to Develop Hyper-Regional Cooperation Model for Future Vehicle Custom Parts Industry

  ➀ Chungnam and Gwangju held a strategic forum to establish a hyper-regional collaboration model for advancing future mobility parts industries;

  ➀ Discussions focused on integrating regional industrial ecosystems, R&D innovation, and talent cultivation for autonomous vehicles;

  ➂ The initiative aims to strengthen economic growth and secure future competitiveness through joint policy proposals and technology development.

June 27

• DeepX Wins World Economic Forum's 'Minds 2025' Award

  ➀ DeepX was selected as a winner of the World Economic Forum's 'Minds 2025' award at the Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin, recognized for its edge AI chip-based robot solution developed with Hyundai Motor Group's Robotics Lab, which delivers AI computing performance at under 5W power consumption, outperforming high-performance GPUs;

  ➁ The award honors companies driving technological innovation through AI, with other winners including CATL, Foxconn, and Siemens;

  ➂ CEO Kim Nok-won emphasized DeepX's commitment to providing sustainable, practical AI solutions for humanity.

• Denotisia Participates in Startup Fair 'NextRise'

  ➀ Denotisia announced its participation in Asia's largest startup event 'NextRise 2025,' held at COEX in Seoul for two days from June 26, organized by KDB Industrial Bank and KITA;

  ➁ The company showcased its core products: the high-performance vector database 'C-Holes' and personal LLM device 'Nimos';

  ➂ CEO Jung Moo-kyung delivered a keynote speech titled 'Beyond the Era of Models: Data-Driven AI Revolution' on the opening day.

• Electronic Whiteboards Also Enter the AI Era

  ➀ LG Electronics will launch a new AI-powered electronic whiteboard in July 2025;

  ➁ The product features real-time translation and wireless screen-sharing capabilities to enhance learning experiences;

  ➂ The video content in the article was produced using Dongwha Bizion's 'OneStudio'.

• Thai Navy Delegation Visits Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard, Pledges Collaboration on Frigate Project

  ➀ A delegation from the Royal Thai Navy, led by Rear Admiral Chaksawat Saiwong, visited Hanwha Ocean's Geoje Shipyard to explore cooperation on Thailand's frigate acquisition project and inspect naval shipbuilding capabilities;

  ➁ The delegation expressed strong interest in Hanwha's frigate-building expertise, referencing their successful 2018 delivery of the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej frigate, Thailand's current flagship named after the revered late king;

  ➂ Hanwha Ocean outlined plans to offer upgraded frigates with advanced sensors, stealth capabilities, and localized production partnerships while emphasizing long-term technology transfer and workforce development collaborations.

• Hanwha Robotics Participates in Europe's Robot Exhibition 'Automatika' for the First Time

  ➀ Hanwha Robotics debuted at the European robotics and automation exhibition 'Automatika 2025' in Munich, showcasing collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to strengthen its presence in the European market;

  ➁ The company unveiled its HCR-32 collaborative robot, capable of lifting up to 32kg, alongside welding-optimized robots and AMRs tailored for manufacturing environments;

  ➂ Hanwha emphasized its strategy to expand market share by offering industry-specific solutions beyond hardware.

June 26

• Rapidus Collaborates with Siemens on 2nm Semiconductor Design

  ➀ Rapidus partners with Siemens to develop 2nm semiconductor design kits using Calibre EDA platform, aiming to accelerate tape-out time for GAA process;

  ➁ Targets mass production of 2nm chips by 2027, expanding collaborations with Synopsys and Cadence to enhance design-manufacturing ecosystem;

  ➂ Plans to integrate Siemens' solutions to optimize physical verification and reliability from design to fabrication stages.

• Envision Unveils SWIR High-Speed Throughput Inspection Solution Capable of Detecting Internal Micro-Cracks in HBM

  ➀ Envision introduced a SWIR-based inspection solution that detects micro-cracks within HBM stacked structures, overcoming limitations of traditional methods for hidden defects;

  ➁ The Adimec 1.3M camera, equipped with the Cardinal 1280 sensor, delivers high sensitivity and resolution at 150fps for inline semiconductor defect inspection;

  ➂ Envision's SWIR portfolio, with multi-resolution cameras and specialized imaging expertise, addresses growing demands for precision in HBM and semiconductor inspection processes.

• LG Innotek Releases Sustainability Report Focusing on Shareholder Value and Transparency

  ➀ LG Innotek published its 2024-2025 Sustainability Report, detailing ESG initiatives such as increased shareholder dividends and enhanced governance;

  ➁ The company raised its cash dividend payout ratio to 11% in 2023 (KRW 2,090 per share) with plans to expand it to 20% by 2030;

  ➂ Governance reforms include appointing an external director as board chairman, and it achieved CDP's top-tier 'Leadership A' rating for climate action.