Journalist

김혜준
Candice Kim, Lim Jaeho
  • Older DDR4 memory chips now outprice newer DDR5s
    Older DDR4 memory chips now outprice newer DDR5s SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - In a rare twist in the global semiconductor market, older-generation DDR4 memory chips are now trading at higher prices than more advanced DDR5s, signaling a short-term disruption in traditional pricing dynamics. According to DRAMeXchange, a market research firm tracking semiconductor prices, 16-gigabit DDR4 chips traded at an average of $7.00 each on Tuesday, surpassing DDR5 chips of the same capacity, which averaged $5.90. The reversal — first observed on June 9 — stands in stark contrast to the pricing structure seen just months earlier, when DDR5 commanded premiums of 56.6 percent in December and 65.4 percent in March. This pricing anomaly is being driven largely by looming supply shortages. Major memory manufacturers including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have informed customers of their intention to halt DDR4 production by the end of the year, shifting focus to DDR5. U.S.-based Micron Technology followed suit last week, and China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies, once expected to remain a holdout, is now accelerating its own transition to DDR5. Compounding the supply pressures are geopolitical concerns. With growing uncertainty over potential export tariffs on semiconductor products, some companies are stockpiling DDR4 chips, further tightening supply and driving prices higher. Over the past six months, the average price of DDR4 16Gb chips has surged 120.2 percent, compared with a 24.2 percent increase for DDR5 chips during the same period. DDR4, first introduced in 2014, is a mature technology gradually being phased out, while DDR5 — launched into mass production in 2020 — offers higher bandwidth and energy efficiency. Analysts say the current market inversion is unlikely to last. 2025-06-19 14:37:06
  • Eco-friendly vehicles outpace gasoline cars in S. Korea for first time
    Eco-friendly vehicles outpace gasoline cars in S. Korea for first time SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - For the first time, sales of eco-friendly vehicles have overtaken those of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in South Korea, signaling a pivotal shift in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced auto markets. According to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, sales of electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles accounted for 52 percent of domestic auto sales in May. A total of 73,511 eco-friendly units were sold, out of 141,865 vehicles overall. The surge was driven largely by hybrid vehicles, which made up nearly 71 percent of all eco-friendly vehicle sales. Hybrid sales rose to 51,974 units — a 32.8 percent increase from a year earlier — reflecting growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles that do not rely on charging infrastructure. In contrast, sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles fell sharply. ICE vehicle sales dropped 22.7 percent year-on-year, to 68,354 units. Electric vehicles also saw a significant rebound. After a period of stagnant demand, EV sales jumped 60.3 percent in May compared to the same month last year, reaching 21,445 units. The ministry attributed the recovery to a wave of new model launches across price points, including affordable domestic offerings such as the Casper EV, Musso EV, and EV4. Among imported brands, Tesla performed strongly, capturing a 4.6 percent share of the overall market and ranking third in sales. South Korea’s auto industry also saw record-breaking growth in exports of eco-friendly vehicles, which climbed 10.2 percent year-on-year to 75,184 units. Hybrid vehicles led the export increase, with 54,118 units shipped overseas — a 22 percent rise over the same period in 2024. A ministry official cited broader consumer choice, thanks to model diversification across vehicle segments, as a key factor in the rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. South Korea's transition reflects a wider global movement away from fossil fuel-powered cars. China surpassed 50 percent eco-friendly market share in July 2024. Germany now reports 54 percent of annual vehicle sales from eco-friendly models, while Norway remains a global leader with approximately 90 percent. 2025-06-18 13:39:57
  • Samsung starts key meetings to chart course through geopolitical, trade turbulence
    Samsung starts key meetings to chart course through geopolitical, trade turbulence SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics on Tuesday convened its biannual global strategy meeting at its headquarters in Seoul, gathering top executives and international subsidiary heads to chart a path forward. The four-day meeting, held each June and December, provides a forum for the South Korean firm's leadership to assess challenges across markets and divisions, and coordinate marketing and production strategies for the months ahead. This week’s meetings are led by Jeon Young-hyun, head of the company’s Device Solutions (DS) division, and Roh Tae-moon, acting chief of the Device Experience (DX) division. This year’s gathering takes place under heightened pressure. The Trump administration’s protectionist trade policies — including new tariffs on steel-derived products — and ongoing military conflict involving Israel and Iran have complicated Samsung’s global operations. The opening session Tuesday spotlighted the Mobile Experience (MX) unit within the DX division, with executives reviewing launch plans and regional sales strategies for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 smartphones, slated for release in July. Other consumer electronics units, including the Video Display and Digital Appliances divisions, are scheduled to hold sessions on Wednesday. The week will culminate in a full-company review of first-half performance and strategic planning for the remainder of the year. The semiconductor division, which will meet Wednesday, faces its own set of challenges. Samsung recently ceded its long-held lead in the global DRAM market to SK hynix, ending a dominance that began in 1992. Weak performance in high-bandwidth memory and foundry services has further pressured the business, prompting internal reviews of its product roadmap, organizational structure, and long-term competitiveness. Several of Samsung’s key affiliates — including Samsung Display, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Samsung SDI — will hold individual strategy meetings beginning Tuesday to outline their plans for the second half of the year. 2025-06-17 13:56:50
  • US tariffs on steel-based appliances rattle key industry players of South Korea
    US tariffs on steel-based appliances rattle key industry players of South Korea SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - South Korean manufacturers are facing mounting trade pressures as the United States escalates its protectionist policies under the Trump administration. In a fresh blow to exporters, the U.S. will impose new 50 percent tariffs on home appliances made from steel derivatives starting June 23, expanding a web of duties that now encompasses everything from industrial metals to consumer goods — and potentially, automobiles. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, two of South Korea’s largest home appliance producers, are scrambling to adjust. Efforts to pivot supply chains toward American steel have proved difficult, executives say, citing both logistical hurdles and cost concerns. The tariff expansion builds on measures first introduced in March, when the White House began steadily broadening levies on steel, aluminum, and related products. Industry officials warn that using U.S.-sourced materials to avoid the new penalties could erode profit margins and expose sensitive information. “Sharing steel and aluminum content data for tariff calculations raises significant trade secret concerns,” one official said. The impact is already visible in trade data. According to the Korea International Trade Association, exports of refrigerators to the United States plummeted 35.3 percent year-over-year in the first four months of 2025, falling to $415.8 million. Shipments of washing machines and similar appliances declined 17 percent to $175.8 million over the same period. The uncertainty has also spread to South Korea’s auto sector. On June 12, President Trump signaled that the existing 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles could be raised further. South Korean car exports to the U.S. fell 32 percent in May from a year earlier to $1.84 billion, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Hyundai Motor Group saw its U.S. sales growth slow sharply to 6.7 percent in May from 16.3 percent in April. Currency fluctuations have added another layer of complexity. The won has strengthened in recent weeks, with the exchange rate falling from the 1,400 range in April to the 1,300s last month — undermining the price competitiveness of Korean exports. To mitigate the fallout, Hyundai is seeking to diversify beyond the U.S. market. The company sold 138,000 vehicles in China between January and April, an 11.8 percent increase over the same period in 2024. 2025-06-16 14:28:11
  • US steel tariffs likely to hit core of Samsung, LGs appliance exports
    US steel tariffs likely to hit core of Samsung, LG's appliance exports SEOUL, June 13 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are bracing for financial and operational turbulence after the Trump administration announced it would impose 50 percent tariffs on steel-derived products used in home appliances. The U.S. Commerce Department published the sweeping list of affected goods in the Federal Register, with implementation set for June 23. The targeted products include refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, freezers, stoves, ranges, and ovens — cornerstones of both companies’ North American appliance businesses. While Samsung and LG both operate manufacturing plants in the United States, the majority of their appliances are produced in South Korea, Vietnam, and Mexico before being shipped to American consumers. The new tariffs, therefore, hit at the heart of their export-heavy operations. Company officials said they are conducting detailed impact assessments and reviewing a range of strategic responses, from price hikes to shifts in production geography. Steel is a critical component in large appliances, meaning the tariffs are likely to increase production costs significantly. LG, in its first-quarter earnings call, disclosed that it had already mapped out contingency plans, including cost-saving measures and potential consumer price increases. Samsung, for its part, signaled during its latest earnings call that it would ramp up its portfolio of premium appliances and explore redistributing production volumes across its global manufacturing bases to cushion the blow of the tariffs. Trump, who has championed tariffs as a tool to bring manufacturing back to American soil, pointed to Samsung’s investment intentions as a victory for his administration’s trade strategy. In April, he claimed the company would not have considered building large-scale U.S. facilities without tariff pressure. LG is moving to expand its domestic footprint, gradually shifting production of washers and dryers to its Tennessee plant, which currently accounts for about 20 percent of its U.S. appliance sales. CEO Cho Joo-wan has described U.S.-based production as a "last resort," noting that the company would first explore other levers — such as shifting manufacturing locations and adjusting pricing. Both companies are expected to continue leveraging their global "swing" production systems — networks that allow them to adapt rapidly to changing trade conditions. 2025-06-13 16:12:37
  • Samsung screens coral reef documentary at UN Ocean Conference
    Samsung screens coral reef documentary at UN Ocean Conference SEOUL, June 13 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics premiered its self-produced documentary, Coral in Focus, at the United Nations Ocean Conference, marking World Oceans Day with a spotlight on marine conservation efforts. The screening, held in the coastal city of Nice, drew an audience of roughly 70 attendees, including representatives from international organizations, marine scientists, and environmental advocates. The film explores the escalating crisis facing coral reef ecosystems and highlights how Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone camera technology is being used in efforts to restore marine environments. Through a partnership with the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the U.S.-based nonprofit Seatrees, Samsung launched the Coral in Focus initiative last year to aid reef restoration in regions suffering from severe degradation. The restoration project focuses on vulnerable reef systems in Florida, Bali, and Fiji’s Viti Levu Island. In each location, local conservation groups are equipped with Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones outfitted with a specialized “Ocean Mode” camera feature — developed exclusively for the project — to capture underwater imagery critical to monitoring coral health and restoration progress. Samsung Electronics' "Coral in Focus" documentary screening at the UN Ocean Conference/ Courtesy of Samsung Electronics 2025-06-13 14:33:48
  • Kakao charts new course with AI push, global ambitions
    Kakao charts new course with AI push, global ambitions Editor's Note: This article is the 22nd installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Kakao Corporation, once a scrappy start-up with a single messaging app, has grown into one of South Korea’s most powerful tech conglomerates — a digital behemoth whose services permeate nearly every aspect of daily life for millions of Koreans. Founded in 2006 by Kim Beom-su, also known as Brian Kim, the company built its vast empire on the back of KakaoTalk, the free messaging service that launched in 2010 just as smartphones became ubiquitous in South Korea. Today, the app boasts a 93 percent penetration rate among the country’s 52 million people, with some 48 million monthly active users. The company’s rapid ascent mirrored the nation’s mobile revolution. Within six months of launch, KakaoTalk surpassed one million users; by 2015, it controlled more than 90 percent of South Korea’s messaging market. That dominance laid the groundwork for a strategy of aggressive expansion into new sectors — one that transformed Kakao from a chat app into a sprawling digital ecosystem. Kakao’s growth accelerated in 2014 with its merger with the web portal Daum, a deal valued at 1.06 trillion won (about $960 million at the time), bringing media and content into its fold. In the decade since, the company has ballooned in size, growing from 26 affiliated firms in 2014 to 124 as of 2024. According to the Fair Trade Commission, Kakao’s combined assets now total 86 trillion won. Its operations span financial services via KakaoPay and KakaoBank, transportation through Kakao T — which holds a commanding 90 percent share of the country’s ride-hailing market — entertainment via Kakao Entertainment, online gaming through Kakao Games, and music streaming through Melon. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of 1.86 trillion won and an operating profit of 105.4 billion won, reflecting the strength of its diversified business model and the seamless integration of services across its ecosystem. But Kakao’s runaway growth has not been without controversy. The company has come under increasing scrutiny from regulators and the public over allegations of monopolistic behavior, particularly in sectors traditionally served by small and midsize businesses. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2023 labeled Kakao’s ride-hailing operation “monopolistic,” a statement that signaled intensifying government pressure. The scrutiny deepened in 2024 when founder Kim was arrested and indicted on charges of stock market manipulation related to Kakao’s high-profile acquisition of SM Entertainment, a leading K-pop agency. In March, Kim stepped down from his operational roles, citing a diagnosis of bladder cancer and the ongoing legal proceedings. The company is now led by CEO Shina Chung, who has vowed to usher in a new era of “governance innovation” and corporate restructuring. Kakao is also grappling with internal tensions. In June, its labor union staged the first strike in company history, citing grievances over compensation and working conditions. The labor unrest stands in stark contrast to the company’s robust financials, and suggests deeper dissatisfaction within its ranks. Globally, Kakao has seen more modest success. Its international efforts have focused primarily on Asia, with its webtoon platform Piccoma gaining popularity in Japan, where it has maintained the top spot in the lucrative digital manga market. The company has also expanded content offerings in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, while KakaoPay now operates in about 50 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Kakao’s future ambitions are increasingly tied to artificial intelligence. In 2025, the company announced a strategic alliance with OpenAI, integrating ChatGPT into its services. Among its newest offerings is Kanana, a “hyper-personalized” AI companion service now in beta testing. During its recent earnings call, Kakao previewed upcoming AI integrations, including “AI Mate Shopping” and “AI Mate Local,” which will tie into its e-commerce and mapping platforms. While the company teased further collaborations with OpenAI, it said it was “too early" to discuss business models. Kakao now faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining its dominant position at home while pursuing growth abroad, all under the watchful eye of regulators and amid internal and legal upheaval. How it navigates this moment — particularly its transition beyond Kim’s leadership, resolution of labor disputes, and execution of its AI vision — may well determine whether it remains South Korea’s leading tech champion or becomes a cautionary tale of unchecked expansion.​​​​​​​ 2025-06-12 15:55:56
  • Samsung Electronics sees surge in AI appliance sales
    Samsung Electronics sees surge in AI appliance sales SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics reported a sharp rise in sales of its flagship artificial intelligence-powered home appliances in the first five months of 2025. The company said sales of its AI-enhanced air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines grew significantly year-over-year between January and May, underscoring growing consumer appetite for connected, adaptive home devices. Sales of Samsung’s AI air conditioners — including both stand-alone and wall-mounted models — rose approximately 30 percent compared to the same period in 2024. In May alone, daily sales averaged 10,000 units, hitting that milestone a full month earlier than last year. The company’s Bespoke 4-door KitchenFit refrigerator also posted robust performance, with cumulative sales climbing about 40 percent year-over-year for the January-to-May period. Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI Combo washer-dryer, which integrates washing and drying in a single unit, recorded more than 10 percent sales growth over the same five-month span. For the first time since its launch, monthly sales of the model exceeded 10,000 units in May — a sign, Samsung said, of surging consumer interest in multifunctional, intelligent appliances. The 2025 AI lineup features upgrades that enable devices to learn from user behavior and adjust operations accordingly. The air conditioners are equipped with “AI Comfort,” which analyzes patterns of use, weather conditions, and humidity levels to automatically calibrate cooling modes. The system’s “AI Saving Mode” can reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent, according to the company. To promote the new range, Samsung launched a high-profile “Troika Campaign” featuring celebrities Kim Yuna, Han Ga-in, and Jun Ji-hyun, all former brand ambassadors. A campaign video highlighting how the actors incorporate AI appliances into their daily lives has garnered more than 40 million views, a testament to strong public interest in AI-driven home technologies. 2025-06-10 16:51:33
  • Musinsa aims to be gateway for Korean fashion abroad
    Musinsa aims to be gateway for Korean fashion abroad SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - South Korean fashion platform Musinsa on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious international expansion strategy, aiming to position itself as the leading conduit for domestic fashion brands seeking global markets. At a press briefing held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, CEO Park Jun-mo said the time is ripe for Korean fashion to capitalize on the global popularity of Korean culture. He noted that despite the international success of K-pop, television dramas, and beauty products, Korean fashion has yet to achieve comparable recognition. “Now is the moment for Korean fashion to make its mark globally,” Park said. “We intend to be the platform that bridges that gap.” Musinsa’s global store, launched in 2022, is now active in 13 countries and is expected to expand to 14 by the end of the year. The company reported an average annual growth rate of 260 percent in its overseas business, with over 2,000 brands listed and 3 million monthly active users as of April. The company’s Japan subsidiary, established in 2021, has been a standout performer. Musinsa said brand sales there grew 17-fold between 2021 and 2024, signaling robust regional demand for Korean fashion. Building on that momentum, Musinsa plans to open physical stores in Japan and China in late 2025 and early 2026, respectively. To accelerate its expansion, the company is forging partnerships with established regional players, including Zozo in Japan, Anta in China, Central Group in Thailand, and Sharaf Retail in the United Arab Emirates. “We want to work with the best partners in each region — those who understand their markets better than anyone,” Park said. To support Korean brands entering foreign markets, Musinsa will roll out a Fulfillment Service in August. The platform will offer end-to-end international logistics, including customs and last-mile delivery, allowing brands to sell globally with minimal friction. In key markets like Japan, the service will deploy inventory in advance, cutting shipping times from one week to as little as one to two days. “Brands should focus on what they do best — creating great products and stories — while we handle everything else,” Park said. Musinsa has set a target of reaching 3 trillion won (approximately $2.2 billion) in global transaction volume by 2030, underscoring its long-term commitment to becoming a central player in the international fashion landscape. 2025-06-10 14:39:55
  • President Lee to meet corporate leaders this week
    President Lee to meet corporate leaders this week SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung is set to hold his first meeting with the heads of largest conglomerates this week. The meetings are expected to take place Thursday or Friday at the presidential office in Yongsan, ahead of Lee’s departure for the Group of Seven summit in Canada, scheduled for June 15 to 17. The agenda is expected to focus on current economic challenges and the administration’s policy priorities. According to business people briefed on the plans, the president will sit down with leaders of South Korea’s five largest conglomerates — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG and Lotte — as well as the heads of six major economic organizations, including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korea Employers Federation. Among the expected attendees are Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin. President Lee, who campaigned on pro-growth economic policies, has made no secret of his intention to court the business community. “Companies are at the center of reviving the economy,” he said during his campaign, adding, “The era when the government leads economic and industrial issues has already passed.” Since taking office, Lee has moved quickly to set his economic agenda. His first administrative act was to launch an emergency economic review task force. He is also preparing for bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, expected on the sidelines of the G7 summit, with tariffs and trade relations on the table. The upcoming meeting with South Korea’s top corporate leaders signal Lee’s determination to align his administration closely with the private sector and to take a pragmatic approach to economic governance in a challenging global environment. 2025-06-10 14:34:01