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October 15
- Dongwha Electrolite and U.S.-Based Elementium Commercialize Next-Generation Electrolyte
➀ Dongwha Electrolite signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Elementium Materials to commercialize next-generation electrolytes for urban air mobility (UAM) and medical devices;
➁ The collaboration combines Dongwha's production capabilities with Elementium's molecular design technology to address limitations of conventional electrolytes;
➂ Dongwha aims to enhance operational efficiency at its Tennessee plant and strengthen market leadership in North America.
- Hanwha Heavy Industries Accepts Applications for '2026 Braille Calendar'... “Foundation for a Respected Society”
➀ Hanwha Group is accepting applications for the 2026 Braille Calendar for the visually impaired from October 15 to November 15;
➁ Since its inception in 2000 under Chairman Kim Seung-yeon's initiative, the calendar distribution has grown significantly, with 40,000 copies this year and over 1 million cumulative copies;
➂ The dual-format calendar (Braille and standard text) promotes inclusivity and cultural understanding between visually impaired and non-impaired individuals, embodying Hanwha's CSR philosophy of 'Together, We Go Far.'
- Hanwha Ocean Unveils 'Next-Generation Strategic Surface Ship'... 'A New Platform to Respond to Security Environment'
➀ Hanwha Ocean unveiled a next-generation strategic surface ship at the 3rd Next-Generation Smart Naval Vessel Technology Research Meeting, designed to address evolving security challenges with advanced stealth, AI, and multi-domain warfare capabilities.
➁ The vessel features a compact hull with wave-piercing bow design, enhanced stealth performance, layered defense systems, and automation for rapid decision-making in combat scenarios. It integrates high-strength steel and ergonomic crew accommodations.
➂ Hanwha Ocean aims to develop this platform as a flagship product for the Republic of Korea Navy, ensuring long-term operational resilience against complex threats like ballistic missiles and drones over the next 20-30 years.
- Kemtronics Unveils Next-Generation Semiconductor Materials and Processes at 'SEDEX 2025'
➀ Kemtronics will participate in SEDEX 2025 (Oct 22-24, Seoul COEX), showcasing advanced semiconductor technologies spanning materials, processing, and packaging;
➁ Key innovations include Purisol PMA/PM (ultra-high-purity materials for EUV lithography), TGV (glass substrate etching) technology, and precision wafer processing via subsidiary J-Three;
➂ The company aims to combine wafer and glass carrier technologies for high-performance packaging (e.g., WLP, HBM) to strengthen competitiveness in next-gen semiconductor ecosystems.
October 14
- Dell Technologies Launches Desktop AI System 'Dell Pro Max with GB10'
➀ Dell Technologies unveiled the 'Dell Pro Max with GB10,' an AI system leveraging NVIDIA's GB10 Grace Blackwell superchip, capable of locally processing LLMs with up to 200 billion parameters for prototyping, fine-tuning, and inference;
➁ The system integrates 128GB LPDDR5x memory, up to 4TB NVMe SSD, TPM 2.0 security, and NVIDIA software stacks, enabling seamless AI development across desktop and data center environments;
➂ Targeting industries like research, healthcare, and startups, it supports on-premises AI development with enhanced data security and eliminates reliance on external infrastructure. Launching October 16 with 3-year Dell support.
- Hanwha Group Fully Supports the Success of APEC Summit... Hosts Fireworks Show and Forum
➀ Hanwha Group, as the official sponsor of the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, will host a large-scale fireworks and drone show (50,000 fireworks and 2,000 drones) during the gala dinner, covering safety and environmental costs;
➁ The group organizes the 'Future Tech Forum: Defense Industry' as a sideline event of the APEC CEO Summit, showcasing K-defense competitiveness and discussing AI's role in defense, while Hanwha Qcells collaborates with Microsoft to present energy optimization technologies;
➂ Hanwha launches promotional campaigns featuring APEC partnership logos across digital billboards, KTX screens, and event venues to enhance public awareness of its contributions.
- Avaco Expands Semiconductor Research and Production to Dongtan
➀ Avaco acquired a new 4,000㎡ semiconductor equipment factory in Dongtan, Gyeonggi-do, worth 10 billion KRW (~$7.7 million USD), integrating R&D and production capabilities;
➁ The facility will focus on validating and mass-producing sputtering equipment for advanced packaging technologies like HBM and Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FoWLP);
➂ The company plans to expand R&D personnel and infrastructure by 2030 to enhance technical competitiveness and meet evolving global client demands.
- Murata Electronics Korea to Participate in KES 2025 (Korea Electronics Show)
➀ Murata will showcase cutting-edge technologies including pMUT-based ultrasonic sensors for 3D spatial tracking in VR/AR applications, stretchable PCBs for medical wearables, and 60GHz short-range modules enabling 5Gbps wireless communication for industrial automation;
➁ The company also unveils the world’s smallest MLCC (0.16mm x 0.08mm) and inductors, critical for miniaturizing smartphones, IoT devices, and 5G hardware;
➂ Murata emphasizes its global manufacturing prowess, with over 90% of sales from overseas markets, and aims to set new industry standards in smart factories and high-speed data environments.
- Inometri Enters Semiconductor Glass Substrate Market with First Supply of TGV Inspection Equipment
➀ Inometri secured its first contracts to supply Through-Glass Via (TGV) inspection equipment to two companies, marking its entry into the semiconductor glass substrate market;
➁ The TGV process, critical for creating electrical pathways in glass substrates, is a key challenge in manufacturing, and Inometri's non-destructive X-ray and CT-based inspection tools address quality control needs;
➂ With glass substrates gaining traction for AI-driven semiconductor performance, Inometri aims to expand partnerships and expects additional contracts by year-end, positioning itself early in an emerging supply chain involving Intel, AMD, and Samsung.
- GS Caltex Launches Direct Liquid Cooling Fluid for Data Centers
➀ GS Caltex has launched ‘Kixx DLC Fluid PG25’, a direct liquid cooling fluid for data centers, aimed at improving energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact by using propylene glycol and organic acid additives；
➁ The technology directly cools high-heat components like CPUs and GPUs through cooling plates and fluid circulation, enabling targeted thermal management；
➂ GS Caltex is collaborating with GS Engineering & Construction and SDT to advance immersion cooling solutions and reduce energy consumption in data centers.
October 13
- [Toward Semiconductor Unicorns]<17> ArcChips Enters Global Market with TSMC Process IP
➀ ArcChips, a South Korean semiconductor IP startup founded in 2020, specializes in developing TSMC process-validated IP for analog, mixed-signal, and RF applications, securing over 40 silicon-verified IPs for 12nm and 28nm processes;
➁ Expanding globally, the company showcased its IP portfolio at the Silicon Valley IP-SOC conference and plans to develop 7nm and 55nm IPs by 2024, targeting AI and automotive semiconductor markets;
➂ Backed by a team of seasoned engineers, ArcChips aims to become a leading global analog/mixed-signal IP provider by 2030, contributing to South Korea's semiconductor industry growth.
- Fujifilm Korea Participates as Partner in '2025 Unself' Festival for Earth and Animals
➀ Fujifilm Korea partners with the '2025 Unself' festival, a sustainability-focused event organized by Oboy Magazine, promoting coexistence with Earth and animals through fashion, art, and photography.
➁ The company sells discounted mirrorless cameras (e.g., X100VI, X-T5) at 40% off, with donations of 1,000 KRW (~0.74 USD) per entry ticket. Proceeds (~20 million KRW, ~14,800 USD) will fund animal welfare organizations.
➂ President Hoon Lim emphasizes Fujifilm's commitment to connecting with sustainability-minded consumers and expanding CSR initiatives aligned with corporate values.
- LG Energy Solution Reports Q3 Operating Profit of 601.3 Billion Won, Up 34.1% YoY
➀ LG Energy Solution posted Q3 revenue of 5.6999 trillion KRW (approx. $4.38 billion), a 17.1% YoY decline, while operating profit surged 34.1% to 601.3 billion KRW (approx. $462.5 million);
➁ Sequentially, revenue rose 2.4%, and operating profit increased 22.2%. Excluding the 365.5 billion KRW (approx. $281 million) AMPC tax credit under the U.S. IRA, the adjusted operating profit was 235.8 billion KRW (approx. $181 million), marking its second consecutive profitable quarter without subsidies;
➂ The results highlight improved financial resilience and operational efficiency amid market challenges.
October 12
- South Korea Successfully Reappointed as Technical Management Board Member of International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
➀ South Korea secured reappointment to ISO's Technical Management Board (TMB), enabling continued participation in global technical policy decisions until 2028;
➁ Proposed a new ISO committee for GPS-based personal location services and hosted workshops to gain member support, while signing MOUs with Canada and Italy;
➂ Announced plans to co-host the International AI Standards Summit in December, reinforcing leadership in global standardization efforts.
- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Recruits Talent for Special Ship Division
➀ HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is conducting large-scale recruitment for its special ship division, targeting professionals with 3 to 10+ years of experience in design, production management, sales, and planning;
➁ The open recruitment approach aims to attract experts across industries, with a three-stage selection process (document review, practical interview, executive interview);
➂ The move strengthens competitiveness in military vessels, icebreakers, and wind turbine installation ships post-merger with HD Hyundai Mipo, while addressing staffing needs for submarine upgrade projects.
- KES 2025 Selects 35 ‘Game Changer’ Innovations
➀ The Korea Electronics Association selected 35 innovative products for KES 2025, spanning AI appliances (Samsung's Bespoke AI Hybrid KitchenFit Max, LG's OLED evo AI), GPU servers (Super Solutions), and semiconductor solutions (Calterah's UWB SoC);
➁ International brands like Jackery won awards for solar generators, while Korean SMEs showcased breakthroughs in autonomous mobility (SDW M), healthcare AI (B-Wave), and robotics (Tesolo);
➂ Award-winning products will be exhibited at COEX from October 21-24, highlighting Korea's leadership in AI, ESG, and next-gen tech.
- SK Group Presents AI Ecosystem Blueprint... Hosts 'SK AI Summit' in November
➀ SK Group will host the 'SK AI Summit 2025' on November 3-4 in Seoul, focusing on AI's current and future trends ('AI Now & Next'), with participation from global tech leaders including NVIDIA, Anthropic, and Kakao.
➁ The event highlights SK's AI infrastructure, HBM semiconductors, and collaborations with global partners like NVIDIA to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness through AI.
➂ Additional activities include a developer hackathon and the pre-APEC 'Future Tech Forum AI,' where SK Group will share its AI ecosystem strategy with global opinion leaders.
- LG Electronics Debuts 'PuroTec' in European Market... Strengthening Global B2B Strategy
➀ LG Electronics introduced its antimicrobial material 'PuroTec' at the K 2025 plastics exhibition in Germany, marking its European debut. The material targets applications in appliances, automotive, textiles, and construction materials.
➁ The company has completed regulatory registrations for the EU and U.S. markets and partnered with SGS Korea to develop international certifications, aiming to enhance credibility through the SGS Global Performance Mark.
➂ LG emphasized expanding its B2B business globally by leveraging PuroTec's technological capabilities and collaborating with LG Chem on antimicrobial plastics.
- LG All-out Support for Successful Hosting of 2025 APEC Summit
➀ LG is promoting the 2025 APEC Summit through bus wrap advertisements in Gyeongju and digital billboards in Seoul, New York, and London;
➁ LG subsidiaries will organize events like the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities, provide 96,000 bottles of 'Ullim Water,' and enhance network infrastructure with free Wi-Fi and mobile base stations;
➂ LG Uplus will deploy additional telecom equipment and dedicated control rooms to ensure seamless connectivity during the event.
October 11
- September Global Ship Orders Drop 44% YoY... South Korea's Market Share at 39%
➀ Global ship orders in September fell 44% year-on-year to 3.5 million CGT (123 vessels), with South Korea securing 39% (1.35 million CGT, 33 vessels) and China 40% (1.42 million CGT, 69 vessels);
➁ Cumulative orders from January to September declined 47% YoY to 32.64 million CGT, with South Korea holding a 22% share (7.34 million CGT) and China dominating at 56% (18.33 million CGT);
➂ Clarksons Newbuilding Price Index dipped slightly to 185.58, with LNG carriers priced at $250 million, VLCCs at $126 million, and ultra-large container ships at $270 million.
- ASML Appoints Vice President Peters as New CTO
➀ ASML appointed senior VP Marco Peters as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Peters joined ASML in 1999 and previously led roles in EUV lithography marketing and application development;
➁ Peters will become an internal director at the 2024 shareholder meeting. CFO Roger Dassen and COO Frédéric Schneider-Maunoury will be reappointed, expanding the board from 5 to 6 members;
➂ CEO Christophe Fouquet pledged full support for Peters to advance ASML's technology roadmap, particularly in EUV and semiconductor innovation.
- Ministry of Industry Launches All-Out Response to EU’s Strengthened Steel Import Regulations
➀ The EU proposed stricter steel TRQ measures, including reduced quotas, higher tariffs (25%→50%), and monitoring for major steel-exporting countries;
➁ South Korea's Ministry of Trade held an emergency meeting with steel industry representatives to address potential export impacts, as the EU is Korea's second-largest steel export market;
➂ The steel industry urged swift government action to counter unfair trade practices and requested expanded inter-ministerial support for low-carbon, high-value-added steel transformation to boost competitiveness.
- S-Oil Conducts 'My S-Oil App Quick Refuel Stamp Run Event'
➀ S-Oil launches "Quick Refuel Stamp Run Event" via its app until December 31, 2025, offering stamps for cumulative payments with rewards including fuel vouchers (200,000 KRW ≈ $153) and gift coupons;
➁ The event follows a 120% YoY growth in Quick Refuel service usage since June 2023, aiming to boost customer loyalty and attract new users;
➂ Participants earn stamps at spending milestones, receiving guaranteed prizes like fuel vouchers, chicken gift cards, and Quick Refuel coupons to enhance engagement.
October 10
- Hanwha Group Celebrates 73rd Anniversary: Chairman Kim Seung-yeon Declares 'Aim for Global Leadership'
➀ Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon emphasized the goal of becoming a global leader on its 73rd anniversary, urging subsidiaries to leverage expertise from shipbuilding and defense sectors to expand globally;
➁ He stressed securing core technologies in defense (e.g., AI-based unmanned sensors), renewable energy, and aerospace to ensure future competitiveness, highlighting the need for bold innovation and risk-taking;
➂ Hanwha’s market cap surged to 127.07 trillion KRW (~$103.3 billion USD) as of September 2025, tripling from early 2025, with Kim underscoring operational safety and long-term vision for the group’s centennial.
- Cultivating Future Semiconductor Talent: 5 Universities Gather at Korea University of Technology
➀ Five South Korean universities, including Seoul National University of Science and Technology and Korea University of Technology, held the 5th Semiconductor Materials·Parts·Equipment Innovation Convergence College Project committee meeting to enhance semiconductor education and industry collaboration;
➁ Key discussions included curriculum development (e.g., new micro-degree programs), budget adjustments, and multimedia content reviews to improve educational quality and operational efficiency;
➂ The project, supported by the Ministry of Education and National Research Foundation, aims to foster convergent talent for the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry and establish a demand-driven educational ecosystem.
- Choi Chang-gol, Honorary Chairman of Korea Zinc, Passes Away… Led Growth of Non-ferrous Metals Industry with Entrepreneurial Spirit
➀ Choi Chang-gol, honorary chairman of Korea Zinc, passed away at 84, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in revitalizing the non-ferrous metals industry and transforming Korea Zinc into a global leader in integrated smelting;
➀ In the 1970s, he spearheaded the construction of the Onsan Smelter, securing critical funding from domestic and international institutions like the IFC, which laid the foundation for the company’s expansion;
➂ He championed innovative smelting technologies, such as the DRS process, establishing Korea Zinc’s unique competitiveness and driving its rise as a cornerstone of Korea’s industrial and global supply chain.
- Surge in Digital Trade: South Korea Urged to Lead International Standardization of Norms
➀ Global digital trade has tripled from $539.1 billion in 2010 to $1.62 trillion in 2024, driven by AI and cloud services, despite stark regulatory divides among major economies;
➁ South Korea's regulatory stance positions it between open economies (US, Japan) and restrictive ones (EU, China), as shown by OECD's DSTRI index;
➂ Experts recommend South Korea lead international standardization efforts, balance openness with technological sovereignty, and establish itself as a trusted digital trade partner.
- KEA to Hold Overseas Technology Regulation Briefing on Electronics and Information on the 22nd
➀ KEA will host the '2025 2nd Overseas Technology Regulation Briefing' on October 22 in Seoul, focusing on adapting to global regulatory shifts in the electronics industry driven by digital acceleration;
➁ The event includes five sessions: AI policy changes, cybersecurity integration trends, data sovereignty implications, legal liabilities for software-related product incidents, and Digital Product Passport (DPP) regulations;
➂ KEA emphasizes proactive regulatory strategies as essential for navigating the evolving digital landscape.
- Lenovo to Launch 'Blackwell AI Workstation' by Year-End
➀ Lenovo will release its first AI workstation "ThinkStation PGX" in Q4 2025, equipped with NVIDIA's Grace Blackwell Superchip, targeting AI developers and researchers;
➁ The workstation delivers 1 petaflop AI performance with 128GB unified memory, capable of handling up to 200B-parameter AI models (405B with dual units), rivaling clusters of high-end gaming PCs;
➂ Enables on-premise AI development without cloud dependency, reducing training time from weeks to hours while cutting infrastructure costs and enhancing data security.
- After US, EU Imposes 50% Steel Tariffs... Bipartisan 'K-Steel Act' Remains Stalled
➀ The EU announced plans to reduce steel import quotas by 47% (from 30.53 million tons to 18.3 million tons) and raise tariffs from 25% to 50% for excess volumes, mirroring U.S. trade barriers, threatening South Korea’s steel exports; Korea’s 2023 exports to the EU totaled $4.48 billion (≈6.28 trillion KRW), surpassing U.S.-bound exports ($4.35 billion).
➁ The bipartisan "K-Steel Act," aimed at supporting carbon-neutral green steel and countering unfair trade practices, remains stalled in parliamentary committees due to political conflicts, delaying critical industry support.
➂ The South Korean government plans to unveil measures this month, including a new export guarantee scheme worth 400 billion KRW (~$285 million at 1,400 KRW/USD), to bolster the steel sector amid mounting global protectionism.