SemiVoice

October 10

• 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.

• “A Mole Flew to the Sky”: Late Honorary Chairman Lee Yong-tae’s Inside Story of Korea’s Administrative Network

  ➀ The memoir 'A Mole Flew to the Sky' by late Sambo Computer Honorary Chairman Lee Yong-tae details the 1987 launch of South Korea's first national administrative network, a landmark project that pioneered the country's e-government era and IT revolution;

  ➁ Co-authored by key project leaders, the book reveals challenges overcome, including UNIX adoption, domestic mainframe development, and system standardization, which unified IT infrastructure across government agencies;

  ➂ The employment referral system implementation eliminated regional barriers for job seekers, exemplifying Lee's visionary leadership in transforming administrative efficiency through technology.

October 9

• Samsung Electronics Conducts 'Hangul Truck' Project in the US for Hangul Day

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launched the 'Hangul Truck' project at major US universities in celebration of Hangul Day, collaborating with the Korean Cultural Center New York and artist Kang Ik-joong;

  ➁ The initiative aimed to promote the beauty and cultural value of the Korean alphabet through interactive experiences;

  ➂ Students participated using Galaxy Z Fold7 devices, highlighting technology’s role in cultural engagement.

• [Photo] LG Electronics, LG CNS, LG Ensol Participate in Singapore's 'Data Center World Asia 2025'

  ➀ LG Group companies LG Electronics, LG CNS, and LG Energy Solution showcased their integrated 'One LG' solutions at the Data Center World Asia 2025 in Singapore from October 8-9;

  ➁ The companies highlighted cooling technologies, including LG Electronics' Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU), and collaborative efforts to enhance energy efficiency in data centers;

  ➂ The participation underscores LG's strategic push to expand its footprint in the global data center market through unified technological innovations.

• LG Electronics, LG CNS, and LG Energy Solution Unveil 'One LG' Integrated Solution for AI Data Centers

  ➀ LG Group affiliates LG Electronics, LG CNS, and LG Energy Solution introduced their collaborative 'One LG' integrated solution at Data Center World Asia 2025 in Singapore, targeting AI infrastructure demands;

  ➁ LG Electronics showcased advanced cooling solutions like a 1.4MW Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) and DC-based systems, while LG CNS highlighted design-build-operate (DBO) capabilities and containerized AI data centers, and LG Energy Solution presented the high-density UPS product JP5;

  ➂ The solution is already being applied to a ₩100 billion (approximately $83.3 million) hyper-scale AI data center project in Jakarta, emphasizing energy efficiency, scalability, and carbon reduction.

• EcoPro Pursues Improvement in Quality Prediction AI Accuracy for Battery Materials

  ➀ EcoPro announced plans to enhance AI-driven quality prediction accuracy for secondary battery materials, aiming to improve from 87% to 90% through refined modeling;

  ➁ As part of a government-led manufacturing innovation project, the company will implement autonomous equipment controls, real-time data platforms, and AI quality prediction systems by 2026 to boost productivity by 30% by 2027;

  ➂ EcoPro established an AI Innovation Team in July 2025 to strengthen global competitiveness in smart manufacturing and battery material production.

October 8

• LG Energy Solution Donates 109 Electric Two-Wheel Vehicles to Volunteer Organizations

  ➀ LG Energy Solution announced the donation of 109 electric two-wheel vehicles to 56 social welfare organizations, including Community Chest of Korea and ChildFund Korea;

  ➁ The vehicles will support vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with disabilities in their daily activities;

  ➂ The company emphasized that the initiative aims to bridge gaps in daily life and foster hope for beneficiaries.

• Lam Research Wins '2025 SEMI North America Award'

  ➀ Lam Research received the 2025 SEMI North America Award for its cryogenic etching technology, recognized as a breakthrough in 3D NAND flash manufacturing;

  ➁ The technology enables high-aspect-ratio etching, critical for stacking NAND layers to increase storage capacity and productivity;

  ➂ The third-generation "Lam Cryo 3.0" system improves process speed, reduces energy consumption by 40%, and cuts carbon emissions by 90% compared to previous models.

• Qualcomm Acquires Italian Arduino... 'Expanding Ecosystem'

  ➀ Qualcomm announced the acquisition of Arduino, an Italian hardware company known for affordable circuit boards and software used in prototyping, though financial terms were undisclosed;

  ➁ The move aims to integrate Qualcomm’s advanced chips (e.g., Dragon Wing QRB2210) with Arduino’s open-source platform and 33,000+ developer community to accelerate AI and IoT solutions for businesses, students, and educators;

  ➂ Arduino will launch new boards with Qualcomm processors to enhance intelligent vision and sound solutions, aligning with Qualcomm’s strategy to strengthen developer capabilities in industrial and automotive IoT.

October 7

• 'Apple's Aesthetic?' Balmuuda Launches Sailing Lantern in Collaboration with Jony Ive

  ➀ Balmuuda partnered with LoveFrom, a design firm led by Apple's former Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, to release the limited-edition 'Sailing Lantern' portable LED light;

  ➁ The modern reinterpretation of classic sailing lanterns features stainless steel, glass materials, adjustable brightness/color temperature via dial, and a rechargeable battery;

  ➂ Priced at ₩5.29 million KRW (~$4,070 USD), it's limited to 1,000 units globally with sales starting in South Korea.

• Electronics Industry: First Decline in Electricity-Using Manufacturing Companies in 16 Years

  ➀ South Korea's manufacturing companies using electricity declined by 0.3% in 2023, the first drop in 16 years, with a further 0.5% decrease by July 2024;

  ➁ The downturn reflects business closures and reduced production amid economic challenges and U.S. tariff risks under Trump’s policies, impacting sectors like batteries, automotive, and semiconductors;

  ➂ Despite the decline, South Korea’s manufacturing sector remains robust, contributing 27.6% to GDP in 2023, the second-highest among OECD countries.

• Tesla Teases New Vehicle in Video, Sparking Anticipation for Upcoming Release

  ➀ Tesla released a teaser video on X, hinting at a new vehicle (possibly an affordable Model Y variant) with a "10/7" date, suggesting an October 7th launch;

  ➁ Bloomberg reports the new model aims to offset the $7,500 U.S. federal EV tax credit phase-out by reducing features and materials, while maintaining eligibility for incentives;

  ➂ The announcement boosted Tesla's stock by 5.45% as investors anticipate the first major new vehicle launch since the Cybertruck in late 2023.

• Amkor Breaks Ground on Advanced Packaging Plant in Arizona, Quadruples Investment to $7 Billion

  ➀ Amkor Technology commenced construction of a $7 billion advanced semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Arizona, increasing its initial investment by 4x from $1.7 billion, with phased implementation;

  ➁ Phase 1 is set for completion by mid-2027, starting mass production in early 2028, and the full project will create 69,700㎡ of cleanroom space and 3,000 jobs;

  ➂ The expansion targets demand from Apple, NVIDIA, and other major clients, leveraging TSMC’s Arizona plant for packaging and testing U.S.-made chips.

October 6

• [Photo] Yutnori Played During Chuseok Holidays

  ➀ On Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, October 6, 2025), citizens played the traditional Korean board game 'yutnori' at Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul;

  ➁ The photo captures the cultural festivities of the holiday, showcasing a popular folk activity;

  ➂ The image was provided by Yonhap News, highlighting Korea's autumn traditions.

• Choi Chang-gul, Honorary Chairman of Korea Zinc and 'Titan of the Non-Ferrous Metals Industry', Passes Away

  ➀ Choi Chang-gul, Honorary Chairman of Korea Zinc, passed away at 84 after leading the company to become a global leader in non-ferrous metals;

  ➁ He transformed Korea Zinc from a startup in 1974 into the world's top integrated non-ferrous company, elevating South Korea's refining industry;

  ➂ His funeral will be held from October 7 to 10, with Vice Chairman Lee Jae-joong overseeing arrangements.

• Crowded Scene at Chuseok Playground [Photo]

  ➀ Seoul's Namsangol Hanok Village was bustling with visitors during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) on October 6, 2025;

  ➀ The photo captures the festive atmosphere as citizens gather to celebrate the traditional holiday;

  ➂ The scene was documented by Yonhap News, showcasing cultural activities at the historic site.

• China Accounts for Over Half of Global Semiconductor Startup Investments

  ➀ From 2015 to 2025, China secured $30.25 billion (42 trillion KRW) in semiconductor startup investments, representing 52.9% of the global total ($51.79 billion / 73 trillion KRW), while South Korea accounted for $1.01 billion (1.4 trillion KRW);

  ➁ China’s dominance stems from its strategy to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, backed by massive government funding since 2014, and established 640 out of 1,342 global semiconductor startups;

  ➂ South Korea, though lagging in startup numbers, is seeing firms like Rebellian and Semifive expand into AI chips, with analysts urging stronger collaboration between conglomerates like Samsung and SK Hynix and startups to boost competitiveness.

• LG Electronics Targets '10 Million Seniors' Market with Tailored Consulting and Home Appliances

  ➀ LG Electronics collaborates with the National Information Society Agency (NIA) to conduct AI home appliance training for seniors at 22 Best Shop locations, focusing on smart device connectivity and usage;

  ➁ LG launched the 'LG Easy TV' tailored for seniors, with plans to expand its senior-friendly appliance lineup, targeting both seniors and their子女（children）as key customers;

  ➂ Improved service accessibility for seniors includes slower speech speed (80% of normal) and enlarged text for customer service consultations, increasing senior customer engagement from 10% to 34% post-implementation.

October 5

• Rep. Bok Ki-wang Exposes Illegal Gas Stations in Chungnam: Nonsan (24) and SK Energy (52) Most Frequently Caught

  ➀ Over 143 illegal gas stations were caught in Chungnam from 2020 to July 2025, with Nonsan (24) and SK Energy-affiliated stations (52) being the most frequent violators;

  ➁ Inadequate inspections due to only 8 enforcement officers led to major incidents, such as the 2020 fake diesel scandal where 100+ vehicles were damaged despite 16 annual inspections;

  ➂ Lawmaker Bok Ki-wang urged expanded enforcement and joint oversight to prevent further consumer harm and ensure fuel safety.

• Korea University of Technology Launches 'Real-World Mode' for Semiconductor Talent Training: From Classroom to Fab

  ➀ Korea University of Technology has established a 'Semiconductor Comprehensive Education Center' featuring advanced facilities like a fab and measurement labs to enhance practical training for students;

  ➁ The center, spanning 1,090㎡, offers integrated education covering design, fabrication, and packaging processes through industry-academia projects;

  ➂ Partnering with Kongju National University and industry stakeholders, the university plans to expand demand-driven semiconductor education programs by 2028 to strengthen national competitiveness in the field.

• U.S. Semiconductor Materials & Equipment Exhibition to be Held in Arizona from October 7-9

  ➀ Semicon West 2025, organized by SEMI, will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, from October 7-9, with a record participation of 875 companies from 30 countries;

  ➁ The event, historically held in San Francisco, will now alternate annually between Arizona and San Francisco, featuring leading semiconductor equipment firms like Applied Materials, ASM, and BE Semiconductor Industries;

  ➂ South Korean companies set a new record with 64 participants, including 22 firms in a unified pavilion supported by the Ministry of Trade and KOTRA, such as Hansol I-Ons and Nanotech.

October 4

• Pusan National University and LG Electronics Hold 30th Anniversary Event for Industry-Academic Cooperation

  ➀ Pusan National University and LG Electronics celebrated 30 years of industry-academic collaboration by signing an MOU to establish a global technology innovation cluster for R&D, talent development, and joint ventures in emerging industries;

  ➁ The agreement includes creating a recruitment-linked academic department, joint training programs, and a next-generation research institute to cultivate interdisciplinary professionals;

  ➂ LG CEO Joo-wan Cho delivered a keynote speech emphasizing 'growth over success' and shared leadership insights during the event, which also aimed to launch a new 30-year partnership phase.

• SIA Reports Global Semiconductor Market Grew 21.7% YoY in August

  ➀ Global semiconductor sales reached $64.9 billion (roughly 91.3 trillion KRW) in August 2023, marking a 21.7% year-on-year increase and 4.4% month-on-month growth;

  ➀ Regional YoY growth was led by Asia Pacific/Others (43.1%) and the Americas (25.5%), while Japan declined 6.9%. All regions showed MoM growth, including Asia Pacific/Others (6.9%) and the Americas (4.3%);

  ➂ SIA CEO John Neuffer highlighted sustained momentum, driven by strong demand in memory and logic chips, with Asia Pacific and the Americas as primary growth engines.

• LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan Delivers Special Lecture at Pusan National University: Emphasizes 'Growth Over Success'

  ➀ LG Electronics and Pusan National University renewed their 30-year industry-academia partnership, agreeing to jointly advance R&D, talent development, and new business creation;

  ➁ CEO Cho Joo-wan, an alumnus, emphasized prioritizing continuous growth over traditional success metrics during his lecture to 300 students, sharing insights from his 37-year career journey;

  ➂ The company highlighted customer experience-driven innovations like the PuriCare 360° air purifier and autonomous vehicle concept 'LG Alpha-able', stressing observation of user behavior as key to technological breakthroughs.

• Samsung and SK Go All Out to Secure Semiconductor Talent... Preparing for the Super Cycle

  ➀ Samsung and SK Hynix are intensifying recruitment efforts to secure talent for next-generation semiconductor technologies amid the anticipated AI-driven semiconductor 'super cycle';

  ➁ SK Hynix is hiring experienced professionals in HBM circuit design and R&D, while simultaneously recruiting hundreds of new engineers for design and production roles;

  ➂ Analysts predict the semiconductor market will grow for 2–3 years, with Morgan Stanley projecting a peak in 2027 due to surging demand for AI servers and HBM solutions.

• NVIDIA's Semiconductor Exports to UAE Stalled for 5 Months... Jenson Huang Frustrated

  ➀ NVIDIA's export of advanced AI semiconductors to the UAE, part of a multi-billion-dollar deal announced in May 2025 under the Trump administration, has been delayed for five months due to unresolved U.S. export approvals;

  ➁ U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insists the UAE must first fulfill its commitments, including data center investments, with a proposed 1:1 ratio (e.g., $1 billion in exports for $1 billion in U.S. investments);

  ➂ Delays are exacerbated by U.S. security concerns over the UAE's close ties with China, casting uncertainty on the future of AI chip exports.