SemiVoice

March 10

• Dynasty Navien to Supply Boilers for 3000 Apartments in Uzbekistan

  ➀ Dynasty Navien (九州风神) will supply boilers for 3000 apartments in Uzbekistan, marking its second-largest project in the country since establishing a local subsidiary in 2022.

  ➁ The company has secured contracts to supply boilers for apartment projects from major local real estate developers and construction firms, including Murat Building, Gipper Simmetriya, and NRG.

  ➂ The 'Deluxe E' boiler model, known for its stable performance under low gas pressure and unstable infrastructure, will be installed in local apartments. Dynasty Navien has received positive evaluations for its after-sales service and aims to expand its market throughout Central Asia.

• Escalating Management Rights Dispute in Korea Zinc, Key Variables Include Concentrated Voting System and Homeplus Incident

  ➀ The management rights dispute between Chairman Choi Yun-beom and Youngpoong·MBK Partners in Korea Zinc is intensifying ahead of the upcoming annual shareholders' meeting.

  ➁ The concentrated voting system and the Homeplus incident are expected to be key variables in the dispute.

  ➂ Korea Zinc stated that an attempted hostile M&A by MBK would significantly damage the company's competitiveness and value, while Youngpoong emphasized their commitment to strengthen the company's value and protect shareholders' interests.

• OLED Overtakes LCD for the First Time in Smartphone Displays

  ➀ OLED surpasses LCD in smartphone display shipments for the first time, accounting for 51% of the market.

  ➁ OLED shipments reached 784 million units, a 26% increase from 2023, while LCD shipments fell by 8% to 761 million units.

  ➂ Chinese smartphone manufacturers significantly increased their adoption of OLED, raising China's market share to 45%, while South Korean companies focused on high-end panels, maintaining 54.9% of the market share.

• HJ Heavy Industries Appoints Former U.S. Special Forces Commander as External Director

  ➀ HJ Heavy Industries is appointing former U.S. special forces commander Jeon In-beom as external director to strengthen its strategy for U.S. naval maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) projects and shipbuilding market expansion.

  ➁ Jeon In-beom, a graduate of the 37th class of the Korean Military Academy, has held key positions such as Deputy Chief of Staff of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command and Chief Representative of the UN Military Armistice Commission, serving as a bridge between South Korea and the U.S.

  ➂ Hanwha Ocean, part of the same group, is reappointing George P. Bush's partner, Michael Best, as external director, leveraging his network to aid Hanwha's U.S. market entry, having secured two U.S. Navy MRO contracts.

• Avatar Robot that Mimics Human Movements

  ➀ The Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) is developing 'avatar robots' for use in medical institutions, construction sites, and disaster areas.

  ➁ Researchers at the Intelligent Robotics Research Center in KETI are testing avatar robots that can precisely mimic real-time upper body movements and finger motions.

  ➂ The development efforts are concentrated at the KETI's center in Seongnam during weekends.

• KETI Devotes Efforts to Avatar Robot Research

  ➀ The Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) is dedicating efforts to develop 'avatar robots' for use in medical institutions, construction sites, disaster areas, and more.

  ➁ Researchers at KETI's Intelligent Robotics Research Center in Seongnam are testing these robots to precisely mimic real-time upper body movements and finger motions.

  ➂ The institute aims to deploy these avatar robots in various practical scenarios.

March 9

• Spread of Shareholder Activism: Over 90% of Shareholder Engagement Involves Small Shareholders

  ➀ Shareholder activism, involving direct engagement with management such as dialogues, shareholder proposals, and letters, is on the rise, with over 90% of such activities conducted by small shareholders.

  ➁ A survey of 300 listed companies by the Korea Chamber of Commerce revealed that 40% experienced shareholder engagement in the past year, primarily driven by demands for increased dividends and share buybacks.

  ➂ While the expansion of shareholder activism could improve corporate governance, there are concerns about excessive intervention leading to conflicts between directors and shareholders, as well as potential delays in investment and R&D due to short-term profit pursuits.

• Hanwha Aerospace Reveals AI and Unmanned Systems Roadmap, Plans for Full Lineup of Unmanned Vehicles by 2028

  ➀ Hanwha Aerospace unveiled its roadmap for developing advanced AI and unmanned systems, with plans to develop a full lineup of unmanned vehicles by 2028, including the 'ArionSMET' and 'Grunt' vehicles.

  ➁ The company aims to lead the global UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) market by 2028 using its 20 years of experience in developing defense robots.

  ➂ Hanwha Defense also proposed a 'MUM-T Solution' integrating land, sea, and air unmanned systems, utilizing unmanned surface vessels, low-orbit satellite communication systems, and unmanned power command ships.

• Vice Chairman Jeong Ki-seon of HD Hyundai Visits U.S. Naval Academy, Emphasizes Innovation

  ➀ Vice Chairman Jeong Ki-seon of HD Hyundai visited the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, meeting with Superintendent Rear Admiral Beth M. Daly and other officials.

  ➁ He toured the academy's structural engineering classes and fluid dynamics lab, exchanging views on the future of marine technology and research with faculty and midshipmen.

  ➂ Jeong emphasized South Korea's role as a steadfast ally and innovative partner with the U.S. in shipbuilding and maritime innovation, highlighting HD Hyundai's AI-based autonomous navigation and digital ship technology. Former ROK Navy Chief of Staff Jeong Ho-seop, accompanying Jeong, expressed hope for active cooperation with the U.S. Navy based on world-leading shipbuilding capabilities.

• KETI and TU Wien Sign MOU for Robotics and AI R&D Collaboration

  ➀ The Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) and TU Wien have signed an MOU to strengthen global R&D collaboration in robotics and AI.

  ➁ The collaboration will focus on global R&D cooperation, personnel exchange for joint research, and strengthening networking among researchers through annual meetings.

  ➂ KETI's Intelligent Robotics Research Center has previously collaborated with TU Wien's Autonomous Systems team on AI robots using Visual Language Models (VLM), and plans to involve the AI Research Center for further humanoid robot research.

• LG Whisen AI Air Conditioner sales up 40% from last year

  ➀ LG Electronics' LG Whisen AI air conditioner sales have surged by 40% compared to last year, with AI-equipped models making up over 70% of total stand air conditioner sales.

  ➁ The 2025 models, Tower I and View I Pro, feature the AI agent 'LG Purron' which understands and responds to user intentions beyond simple voice commands.

  ➂ Additional AI features include 'AI Wind' for optimal cooling based on real-time customer location, 'AI Home Monitoring' for movement detection, and 'AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning' for automatic maintenance.

• LG Display Receives Top 1% Certification in EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment

  ➀ LG Display has received the top 'Platinum' rating in the 2025 EcoVadis sustainability assessment, placing it in the top 1% of global companies.

  ➁ EcoVadis, founded in 2007 in Paris, evaluates over 150,000 companies worldwide on environmental, labor and human rights, ethics, and supply chain criteria.

  ➂ LG Display was highly evaluated for concretizing ESG policies and goals, innovating eco-friendly technologies, supporting collaboration partners, and advancing legal management systems, enhancing global market competitiveness.

• Half of Samsung Premium TV Customers Choose 'Subscription' Option

  ➀ Half of the customers purchasing Samsung Premium TVs are opting for the 'subscription' model.

  ➁ The subscription rate for premium TVs has more than doubled from 20% in December to 50% by February this year.

  ➂ The AI Subscription Club, offering benefits like affordable pricing, free repair services for up to 5 years, and AI features such as smart home integration and real-time translation, is driving the increased sales of Samsung's Neo QLED and OLED TVs.

March 8

• Trump Claims Taiwan and South Korea Have Taken Over U.S. Semiconductor Industry

  ➀ Trump claims that the U.S. has gradually lost its semiconductor business to Taiwan and South Korea.

  ➁ He emphasized the importance of semiconductors, stating they are crucial to almost everything we do and touch.

  ➂ Trump mentioned TSMC's large-scale investment in the U.S. and criticized the Semiconductor Act as a waste of money, suggesting that tariffs could be used to pressure foreign companies to invest in the U.S. without subsidies.

• Accessibility of Kiosks for the Elderly and Disabled Remains Poor in Both Public and Private Sectors

  ➀ A recent report revealed that kiosks in public transport facilities, food franchises, and movie theaters have poor accessibility for the elderly and disabled, with an average accessibility score of only 55.4 out of 100.

  ➁ Issues include high screen positions for wheelchair users and unclear user interfaces.

  ➂ The Korea Accessibility Evaluation Research Institute emphasized the need for strengthening accessibility standards and encouraging corporate social responsibility.

• Microchip Enters 'Pulse Heater' Market, Accelerating New Business

  ➀ Microchip has entered the global market with its semiconductor back-end equipment parts business, successfully supplying memory pulse heaters to overseas semiconductor back-end equipment companies.

  ➁ The company's pulse heaters have been adopted by major OSAT companies in Taiwan and China, and have been evaluated for their competitive performance, high reliability, and efficiency.

  ➂ This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Microchip, as it not only involves product supply but also potential long-term partnerships, with plans to expand technical development and customer acquisition both domestically and internationally.

• Gyeongnam and Korea Ceramic Technology Institute to Support Commercialization of Aerospace Ceramic Fiber Composite Materials

  ➀ Gyeongnam and the Korea Ceramic Technology Institute are promoting a project to support aerospace companies in strengthening their manufacturing capabilities and market development using ceramic fiber composite materials.

  ➁ Last year, the project's first year saw achievements including 2 patent applications, 15 new hires, and 69.43 billion KRW (approximately 53.4 million USD) in direct and indirect sales from supporting 10 companies.

  ➂ Selected companies will have access to the institute's ceramic fiber composite equipment, receive support for new product development, prototyping, reliability evaluation, and certification, through a dedicated researcher matching program.

• SK Hynix Acquires SK Powertech to Strengthen SiC Power Semiconductor Capabilities

  ➀ SK Hynix's foundry subsidiary, SK Kipoundry, has acquired a majority stake in SK Powertech from SK Corporation to strengthen its silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor capabilities.

  ➁ The acquisition, approved at a board meeting on the 7th, involves purchasing a 98.59% stake in SK Powertech for 24.977 billion KRW.

  ➂ Despite facing difficulties due to decreased demand for power semiconductors and recording an annual sales of 2 billion KRW in 2023, SK Powertech's Busan-based production facility is expected to improve operational efficiency under SK Kipoundry.

• HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Discusses 'AI Shipyard' Project with Palantir CEO

  ➀ HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Jung Ki-seon met with Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp in Washington, D.C. to discuss the 'AI Shipyard' project.

  ➁ The meeting focused on sharing the progress of the AI Shipyard project and exploring potential defense industry collaborations.

  ➂ HD Hyundai has been working on the FOS project with Palantir since 2021, aiming to complete the 'intelligent autonomous operating shipyard' by 2030, which is expected to increase shipbuilding productivity by 30% and shorten construction time by 30%.

• Court Upholds Concentrated Voting System for Kohap; Yoon-beom Choi Expected to Defend Management Rights

  ➀ The court has ruled that the limitation of voting rights for Youngpung at Kohap's temporary shareholders meeting was incorrect, nullifying most resolutions except the concentrated voting system.

  ➁ The concentrated voting system, which allows minority shareholders to concentrate their votes on specific candidates, has been upheld, potentially enabling Chairman Yoon-beom Choi to defend his management rights at the upcoming regular shareholders meeting.

  ➂ The cyclical investment loop involving Kohap, its subsidiaries, and Youngpung has led to the restriction of voting rights based on mutual shareholdings exceeding 10%, as per Korean commercial law.

• System One and Fanaktos Sign Investment Agreement to Enter Digital Therapeutics Distribution Market

  ➀ System One (System Maintenance and Access Control Systems) and Fanaktos, a leading brain science company, have signed an agreement for public project distribution and equity investment, expanding System One's business into brain digital healthcare, education, and medical device distribution.

  ➁ The collaboration aims to build a specialized brain platform by combining Fanaktos's 200,000+ cases of clinical data with System One's technical expertise.

  ➂ The partnership is expected to accelerate entry into the active public market for brain science, with collaborative marketing efforts to lead the advanced digital therapeutics market.

• Chungnam Designates Cheonsu Bay Area B for Future Aerospace Mobility Cluster

  ➀ Chungnam Province has designated Cheonsu Bay Area B as a key zone for the future aerospace mobility industry, investing KRW 550 million in research.

  ➁ The project aims to establish a master plan for developing the area into a premier aerospace cluster by 2035.

  ➂ Key tasks include analyzing global aerospace clusters, predicting regional facility needs, and proposing business attraction and regional cooperation plans.

• Korea Disaster Safety Management Association to Launch 'AI Utilized Safety Manager' Certification Course

  ➀ The Korea Disaster Safety Management Association is set to launch a tailored 'AI Utilized Safety Manager Certification Course' on March 21, aiming to enhance safety managers' capabilities and promote proactive safety management using AI technologies.

  ➁ The course, conducted in partnership with Seoul Venture Graduate University, will cover real-time data analysis, risk prediction systems, and automated safety monitoring, with lectures by AI and safety management experts.

  ➂ In addition to the basic course starting in March, an advanced course is planned from June, aiming to contribute to strengthening safety management capabilities and industrial safety.

March 7

• Fanstarline.com and BNK Fighters Enter Marketing Partnership

  ➀ Fanstarline.com has entered a marketing partnership with BNK Fighters, a Busan-based e-sports team, to sponsor cruise tickets for the team and its fans.

  ➁ The partnership aims to create added value through online and offline marketing content collaboration and to promote tourism in Busan.

  ➂ Fanstarline.com is set to launch its luxury cruise ferry 'Fanstar Miracle' in April, offering various themed cruises including Busan-Osaka Setonaikai cruises and Busan overnight cruises.

• i Parking, a subsidiary of SK Inno E&S, wins appreciation award for contribution to EV charging infrastructure

  ➀ i Parking, a subsidiary of SK Inno E&S, won an appreciation award at the 2025 Korea Electric Vehicle Association's regular general meeting for its contribution to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure.

  ➁ The company operates a network of around 8,800 parking spaces and launched its EV charging brand 'i PARKING EV' in 2023, focusing on destination charging as a differentiated strategy.

  ➂ The Korea Electric Vehicle Association appreciated i Parking's efforts in leading the expansion of destination charging infrastructure, addressing the shortage of public charging facilities.

• At MWC 2025, Mobility Lab demonstrates low-power, high-performance AI semiconductor solutions

  ➀ Mobility Lab participated in MWC 2025 and demonstrated its AI semiconductor technologies.

  ➁ The company showcased its on-premise AI chip 'Aries' and on-device AI SoC 'Regulus', including demos of complex language models and speech-to-text (STT) processing using the 'MLA100' PCIe card.

  ➂ The company received interest and sample requests from several European companies during the event, and aims to strengthen its position as a leader in the AI semiconductor market.

• LX Hausys Hosts Experiential Pop-up Exhibition in Seoul's Bukchon Area

  ➀ LX Hausys is hosting an experiential pop-up design exhibition in Seoul's Bukchon area until the 30th of this month.

  ➁ The exhibition is held at 'Wickedly' and features a collaboration with fashion brand 'Our' to showcase the meeting of interior products and fashion.

  ➂ Visitors can use artificial intelligence (AI) to decorate miniature spaces, create their own T-shirts, and experience themed spaces through virtual reality (VR).

• S-OIL Raises Funds from Salary Deductions to Support Medical Expenses for Low-Income Patients

  ➀ S-OIL has committed to supporting medical expenses for low-income patients by collecting deductions from employee salaries.

  ➁ The funds, collected from about 1,700 employees, will be donated to the Social Welfare Fund and used to support patients in need across the country.

  ➂ Since 2008, S-OIL has provided approximately 2.2 billion KRW for the treatment of children with biliary atresia, and starting 2025, the company plans to expand its support to low-income families with medical needs, with a maximum grant of 5 million KRW per person.

• Ina Group Participates in 'AW2025' with Customized Automation Solutions

  ➀ Ina Group, along with three affiliates, participates in 'AW2025', a smart factory and automation industry exhibition.

  ➁ Ina Oriental Motor sets up the 'OVR Zone' showcasing the OVR robot with the MRC01 controller and other motion solutions.

  ➂ InaTech & Corp focuses on convenience and automation needs, while InaMCIT presents Bosch Rexroth's ctrlX series and smart factory applications.

March 6

• Apro Semiconductor Starts GaN Wafer Production at Gumi New Fab

  ➀ Apro Semiconductor has begun mass production of 8-inch gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxial wafers at its new Gumi fabrication plant, targeting the next-gen power semiconductor market.

  ➁ The company is the first in the industry to start producing 'GaN-on-Silicon' epitaxial wafers for 650V-class power semiconductors, with the fab capable of producing 20,000 wafers annually.

  ➂ Apro Semiconductor is also collaborating with DB HiTek for power semiconductor production using GaN epitaxial wafers and plans to strengthen its GaN development efforts with a dedicated team at its Pangyo System Semiconductor Design Support Center.