Journalist

Jo Seung-jun
  • Samsung and Government Urge Return to Negotiations Amid Ongoing Strike
    Samsung and Government Urge Return to Negotiations Amid Ongoing Strike The Central Labor Relations Commission has urged Samsung Electronics to return to the negotiating table, but the union is maintaining its stance by insisting on the institutionalization of performance bonuses as a precondition. Analysts suggest that if the union chooses to strike despite the potential for a significant special compensation package, it may find itself at a disadvantage in the public relations battle. On May 14, Samsung Electronics sent a formal letter titled "Proposal for Additional Dialogue Between Labor and Management" to the National Samsung Electronics Labor Union and the inter-company labor union. On the same day, the Central Labor Relations Commission also officially requested the resumption of post-adjustment meetings on May 16. Both the government and the company are calling for a return to negotiations. However, Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the inter-company labor union, stated, "There is no reason to engage in dialogue unless the institutionalization and transparency of performance bonuses are achieved," indicating that the union expects its demands to be met before negotiations can proceed. The union is demanding that 15% of the operating profit be permanently allocated as a performance bonus for the Device Solutions (DS) division and that the current cap on the Operating Profit Incentive (OPI) be eliminated, formalizing these changes into the system. The Central Labor Relations Commission's proposal includes a provision that if the DS division achieves the highest operating profit in the country, 12% of the operating profit would be used for special bonuses in addition to the existing OPI, potentially amounting to around 40 trillion won in total compensation. Nevertheless, the union's rejection of this proposal is largely interpreted as a focus on securing a permanent profit-sharing structure rather than a one-time compensation this year. Industry experts argue that the union's demands extend beyond simple wage negotiations and challenge the very principles of profit distribution within the company. Given that Samsung Electronics operates across various sectors, including semiconductors, foundries, mobile, home appliances, and automotive electronics, fixing the profit distribution structure during a boom in one division could lead to fairness issues among divisions. Concerns have also been raised that repeated demands for fixed distributions during downturns or periods requiring significant preemptive investments could subordinate management decisions to labor negotiations. Samsung Electronics has reportedly entered an emergency management mode in anticipation of a potential strike. Since continuity is crucial in semiconductor processes, any actual production disruptions due to a strike could lead to issues with yield, delivery, and customer trust. Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, emphasized the urgent need for dialogue, stating, "We must engage in discussions, even if it means staying up all night." As long as the union maintains its preconditions, the likelihood of resuming negotiations remains limited, with less than a week remaining until a general strike is scheduled for May 21.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 03:02:15
  • Samsung Workers Express Concerns Over Upcoming Strike
    Samsung Workers Express Concerns Over Upcoming Strike As a general strike at Samsung Electronics approaches, internal members are expressing growing fatigue regarding the union's demand for the institutionalization of performance-based bonuses. Critics argue that the request to fix a certain percentage of operating profit as a bonus fund and to eliminate the cap on excess profit bonuses (OPI) is excessive, separate from existing grievances about the company's compensation system. On May 13, an employee from a manufacturing company affiliated with the metalworkers' union described the upcoming strike as "quite bizarre." He noted, "We have also made demands during wage negotiations for basic salary increases of around 150,000 won, hundreds of percent in bonuses, retirement extensions, and job security. However, the starting point for negotiations was to determine how to share based on actual results, inflation, and employment instability." He added, "The demand from the Samsung Electronics union to fix a certain percentage of yet-to-be-determined future operating profits as a bonus fund each year is fundamentally different. It sounds like they want to dictate the profit-sharing formula itself, rather than just asking for more bonuses." Colleagues in the same industry are also critical. An employee in the electronics sector remarked, "I often discuss the Samsung Electronics strike with my peers, and many find it ironic that while some are discussing bonuses in the millions of won, they are resorting to a strike again." Another employee recalled, "I remember choosing not to join Samsung Electronics due to workplace preferences, even though we were both hired at the same time. I don't believe the current results solely belong to Samsung Electronics workers." The atmosphere within Samsung Electronics is also divided. A staff member from the Device Experience (DX) division said, "Employees with around 15 years of service feel resentment towards newer employees who seem to demand credit for the company's achievements as if they built it themselves." Another employee raised concerns about whether it is fair for a 20-year veteran in memory to share performance outcomes in the same way as a one-year employee. Criticism of the union's demands is strong among Samsung Electronics employees. One employee questioned, "Will we get paid for going on strike? If we keep incurring losses from strikes and then demand compensation, how can the company survive?" Another added, "While the company’s previous handling of issues was excessive, the current stance of the union also seems unreasonable." The internal sentiment regarding the strike is complex. One union member stated, "I understand the intent behind the union's demands, but the psychological burden of a general strike is significant. I worry that we might be seen as hindering progress at a time when the semiconductor industry is recovering." While there is agreement on the need for performance-based bonuses, many internal voices draw the line at the strike as a means to achieve those demands. Concerns have also been raised that this situation could exacerbate the controversy surrounding the 'elite union' status of the Samsung Electronics union. A business insider commented, "The issues of demanding higher compensation and fixing the profit-sharing structure are entirely different. If the strike proceeds, it is likely to be perceived as an unreasonable demand for profit distribution rather than a legitimate request for fair compensation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 03:00:12
  • KOTRA Expands Market for K-Robots and AI in Vietnam
    KOTRA Expands Market for K-Robots and AI in Vietnam KOTRA is supporting the entry of domestic robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) companies into Vietnam, which is emerging as a hub for advanced manufacturing. As Vietnam expands its investments in smart manufacturing and automation, the demand for K-robots and manufacturing AI solutions is also increasing. KOTRA announced that it will operate a "K-Robot Pavilion" at the Vietnam International Machinery Industry Expo (VINAMAC EXPO 2026) from May 14 to 16 at the I.C.E International Exhibition Center in Hanoi, in collaboration with the Korea Robotics Industry Promotion Agency. VINAMAC is Vietnam's leading manufacturing exhibition, now in its 23rd year. It attracts over 300 companies from around 20 countries and more than 10,000 industry professionals annually, covering a wide range of advanced manufacturing fields, including industrial machinery, robotics technology, automation, transportation, and control. Five innovative Korean robotics companies are participating in the Korean Pavilion, showcasing automation equipment, sensors, and components for smart processes. They are also conducting over 50 export consultations with 17 local buyers, including Vietnam's automation company, ITEK Automation Solutions. Vietnam has recently accelerated its manufacturing modernization efforts. The Vietnamese government is promoting the development of automation, robotics, AI, and smart factory industries through its "Smart Manufacturing Development Strategy." According to market research firm TechSci Research, Vietnam's robotics market is projected to reach approximately $400 million by 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of around 4% until 2030. Exports of Korean-made robots to Vietnam are also on the rise. According to customs statistics, exports of industrial robots to Vietnam surged by 67% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching $15.29 million in 2025, a 12.4% increase. In the past three years, exports of transport and loading robots have increased thirteenfold, and exports of automation solutions have risen by 40%. Industry experts anticipate that rising labor costs and a shortage of skilled workers in Vietnam will drive demand for solutions that combine process automation packages with maintenance, rather than simple equipment. Interest from local manufacturing, robotics, and system integration (SI) companies has been strong since the first day of the expo. A representative from a Vietnamese SI company visiting the Korean Pavilion remarked, "The K-Robot Pavilion is impressive as it is structured like a complete smart factory package. We focused on consulting with companies that possess applicable technologies for our clients, and we plan to continue discussions on actual project applications with several of them." Following the Hanoi robotics exhibition, KOTRA will hold a "Korea-Vietnam AI Innovation Day" in Ho Chi Minh City on May 20. This event aims to uncover overseas demand for AI transformation in manufacturing through consultations and pitches from domestic AI innovation companies. KOTRA's Southeast Asia and Oceania Regional Headquarters Director, Koo Bon-kyung, stated, "Collaboration in advanced industries between our two manufacturing powerhouses can provide opportunities for both Korean and Vietnamese companies in exports and technology development. As Vietnam transitions from a production base to a hub for advanced manufacturing, we will do our utmost to help our robotics and AI industries seize new opportunities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:31:21
  • Samsung Union Declares No Reason to Negotiate with Government or Company, Moves Toward Strike
    Samsung Union Declares No Reason to Negotiate with Government or Company, Moves Toward Strike As Samsung Electronics and the Central Labor Relations Commission proposed additional talks to avert a total strike, the union has effectively rejected the offer, signaling an escalation in tensions. On May 14, Samsung Electronics sent a formal letter to the National Samsung Electronics Union and the Samsung Group's inter-company union, stating, "We propose additional discussions between labor and management." The company noted that while both sides had shared their views during recent mediation by the labor commission, they had not reached an agreement. The labor commission also officially requested the resumption of mediation talks on May 16, marking a simultaneous call from both the government and the company for negotiations just a week before the planned strike. However, the union insists that the establishment and transparency of a performance bonus system must be prioritized. Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the inter-company union, stated, "There is no reason to negotiate if the establishment and transparency of the performance bonus system are not achieved." Choi added that there could be room for dialogue if there are plans for the establishment and transparency of a cap removal system. However, the company has shown reluctance to agree to the establishment of such a system, which is interpreted as a rejection of the proposal. From May 11 to the early hours of May 13, the labor and management attempted mediation under the labor commission but ultimately failed to find common ground. The union demands that 15% of operating profit be allocated for performance bonuses and the removal of the 50% salary cap. In contrast, the company has proposed maintaining the existing performance bonus system based on economic value while adding special rewards for the DS division. During the mediation process, the labor commission also suggested maintaining the current OPI system and implementing special management performance bonuses for the DS division, but the union rejected these proposals. The union plans to proceed with a total strike from May 21 to June 7, as previously announced.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 14:21:35
  • Samsung Electronics Proposes Additional Talks with Union Amid Strike Threat
    Samsung Electronics Proposes Additional Talks with Union Amid Strike Threat Samsung Electronics has officially proposed additional talks with its union following a breakdown in negotiations, raising the possibility of a general strike. With both the government and the company urging a resumption of dialogue, the union's response could be pivotal in determining the strike's trajectory. According to industry sources on May 14, the Central Labor Commission (CLC) requested that Samsung and the union resume mediation talks on May 16. The CLC emphasized the need for sincere dialogue and substantial negotiations to peacefully resolve the differences between the two parties. Mediation is a process where the labor commission intervenes to help resolve disputes even after labor conflict negotiations have concluded. It can be initiated if both parties request it, if one party requests it and the other agrees, or if the commission chair recognizes the need for mediation and suggests it to the parties, who then consent. On the same day, Samsung sent an official document titled "Proposal for Additional Talks Between Labor and Management" to the National Samsung Electronics Labor Union and the Samsung Group's inter-company labor union. In the document, Samsung stated, "We hope for a mutually beneficial labor-management relationship," noting that while both sides communicated their positions during the recent CLC mediation, they did not reach an agreement. The company continued, "Therefore, we propose that labor and management engage in direct discussions," and requested a positive review and response from the union. The document was dated May 14, 2026, and was issued under the name of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. This proposal comes shortly after the union announced its intention to proceed with a strike following the breakdown of mediation. With the CLC urging a return to the negotiation table and the company proposing direct talks, the door for dialogue has reopened before a potential strike. However, the actual resumption of negotiations depends on the union's decision. If the union accepts the CLC's request for mediation and the company's proposal for direct talks, there may be an opportunity for additional negotiations before a general strike. Conversely, if the union rejects these offers, the likelihood of the first general strike in Samsung's history could increase significantly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 13:27:39
  • LX Pantos Wins Grand Prize at Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards
    LX Pantos Wins Grand Prize at Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards Comprehensive logistics company LX Pantos has been recognized for its achievement in establishing a collaborative labor-management culture by winning the Grand Prize in the large enterprise category at the Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards. LX Pantos announced on May 14 that it received the award during the 38th Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul. The event was attended by key figures including Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor; Kim Ji-hyung, Chair of the Economic and Social Labor Council; Son Kyung-sik, President of the Korea Employers Federation; and Kim Dong-myung, President of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. LX Pantos was represented by CEO Lee Yong-ho, employee representative Park Cha-jun, and CHO Kim Sung-wook. The Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards, organized by the Korea Employers Federation, recognize companies that have contributed to national economic development by fostering a desirable labor-management culture based on mutual cooperation. Since 1989, the federation has annually honored companies that exemplify collaborative labor-management practices. LX Pantos has been commended for maintaining stable labor-management relations without disputes or strikes for nearly 50 years since its founding in 1977. The company has implemented regular labor-management councils, a junior board focused on younger generations, and an industrial safety and health committee to systematically gather employee feedback. This proactive approach has established a cooperative labor-management culture that focuses on identifying and resolving issues before conflicts arise, rather than responding reactively. As labor disputes have emerged as a significant management risk across various industries, LX Pantos' 50-year record of no disputes is highlighted as a model of collaborative labor-management relations. The company also conducts regular town hall meetings, management forums, and family invitation events to enhance trust and connections among employees and promote a communication-centered organizational culture. Sustainable management activities, including maternal protection programs, promotion of employment for individuals with disabilities, and social contribution initiatives, have also received positive recognition. Lee Yong-ho, CEO of LX Pantos, expressed, "We are deeply honored to have our efforts in building a collaborative labor-management culture recognized through this award. We will continue to foster a healthy organizational culture based on mutual trust and communication, and achieve sustainable growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:16:51
  • Daehan Electric Wire Acquires 10,000-Ton Cable Laying Vessel to Enhance Undersea Cable Operations
    Daehan Electric Wire Acquires 10,000-Ton Cable Laying Vessel to Enhance Undersea Cable Operations Daehan Electric Wire has strengthened its competitiveness in the undersea cable sector by acquiring a 10,000-ton dedicated cable laying vessel (CLV). As investments in offshore wind and international power grids expand, securing vessels has become crucial for winning contracts. The company aims to accelerate its entry into the global undersea cable market with a fleet of large CLVs. On May 14, Daehan Electric Wire announced that it has signed a purchase agreement for the Skandi Connector, a 10,000-ton CLV, with its current owner, DOF. The vessel is expected to be delivered to South Korea in August. The Skandi Connector can carry up to 7,000 tons of undersea cable at once, making it a significant addition to Daehan Electric Wire's fleet, which already includes the Palos, the only offshore wind CLV in South Korea. This marks the second offshore wind CLV introduced in the country. Equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System (DP2), the vessel can maintain precise positioning even in changing weather conditions. It also features specialized installation equipment, including a large carousel and tensioner, enabling it to undertake both long-distance and short-distance HVDC undersea cable installations. In the global undersea cable market, securing cable laying vessels has emerged as a critical bottleneck, as their availability can determine the success of contracts. Large vessels have long construction times and limited operational availability, making timely acquisition essential for meeting project schedules. Daehan Electric Wire's decision to acquire an existing high-spec CLV instead of building a new one is seen as a proactive measure to address this construction bottleneck. With this vessel acquisition, Daehan Electric Wire has further advanced its vertical integration system, allowing it to manage the entire process from design and production to transport and installation. The company plans to enhance its turnkey competitiveness and project responsiveness in collaboration with its specialized subsidiary, Daehan Oceanworks. Daehan Electric Wire stated, "With the additional CLV, we now have a construction system capable of simultaneously executing offshore wind projects and long-distance grid connections. We will reliably carry out various undersea cable projects both domestically and internationally, continuously strengthening our competitiveness in the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 11:22:47
  • LG Electronics Supplies Large LED Signage to Frankfurt Airport
    LG Electronics Supplies Large LED Signage to Frankfurt Airport LG Electronics has supplied large LED signage to Germany's Frankfurt Airport, a key hub for European air traffic. This installation goes beyond simple display delivery, showcasing the company's technology in an airport infrastructure market where 24/7 reliability and safety are critical. On May 14, LG Electronics announced the completion of its supply of large LED signage and other commercial display products to Terminal 3 of Frankfurt Airport, which opened at the end of April. The supplied LED signage covers a total area of 115 square meters and is installed in the 'Marketplace' at the center of Terminal 3, providing travelers with flight information, advertisements, and cultural content. Frankfurt Airport is the busiest airport in Germany and a major transportation hub in Europe. Given the continuous flow of passengers, the signage is evaluated for its sharp image quality, long-term operational stability, and rapid maintenance capabilities. LG Electronics applied components typically used in industrial settings where safety is paramount. The signage is designed to slow the spread of fire, ensuring a high level of safety without the need for additional construction. The signage meets European fire safety standards, specifically 'VdS 6024', and safety and electromagnetic compatibility regulations, 'CE-LVD/EMC'. By adhering to the safety standards required in the European public infrastructure market, LG Electronics has laid the groundwork for expanding contracts in airports, railways, and large complex facilities. The company also emphasized its competitive edge in image quality. LG's LED signage offers a wide viewing angle, allowing travelers to see the screen clearly from various positions. It can deliver high-quality information, including flight guidance, advertisements, and local cultural content, enhancing digital communication within the airport. LG Electronics has previously supplied commercial displays to major airports across Europe, including Germany, the UK, Italy, Hungary, as well as in South Korea, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. As airports and commercial complexes increase their investments in digital guidance and advertising infrastructure, the demand for commercial displays that combine stability, security, and maintenance capabilities is expected to grow. LG Electronics is expanding its commercial display product lineup, including the ultra-high-definition signage 'LG Magnit'. The company plans to accelerate its efforts in the airport and large commercial facility markets by enhancing its capabilities for tailored solutions that encompass installation, operation, and maintenance. The company is also strengthening its security capabilities. Last year, LG applied its proprietary security system 'LG Shield' to its standard signage products, UH5Q and UH7Q. LG Shield integrates product security capabilities to support data protection and stable operation of commercial displays. Min Dong-seon, head of LG Electronics' MS Business Division ID Business Unit, stated, "We will solidify our leadership in the global commercial display market with customized solutions specialized for spaces where stable operation and maintenance are crucial, including airports."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 11:00:17
  • LS Eco Energy Supplies Power Network for Vietnams AI Data Center
    LS Eco Energy Supplies Power Network for Vietnam's AI Data Center LS Eco Energy is accelerating its entry into the Southeast Asian AI infrastructure market by participating in a major power supply project for an AI data center in Vietnam. On May 14, LS Eco Energy announced that its Haiphong-based subsidiary, LS-VINA, will supply power cables for the construction of a large-scale AI data center by Viettel Group, Vietnam's largest telecommunications company. This project is one of the largest AI infrastructure initiatives in northern Vietnam, being developed in a new city near Hanoi with a capacity of 60MW, sufficient to power 40,000 to 50,000 households simultaneously. It aims to meet the growing demand for generative AI and cloud services through a substantial data center infrastructure. The products supplied by LS Eco Energy will be used in the power network connecting the data center to substations. As competition in generative AI extends beyond servers and semiconductors to include power and communication networks, the role of power infrastructure companies is becoming increasingly significant. Recently, LS Eco Energy has also supplied bus ducts and transmission cables for hyper-scale AI data centers being built by global tech giants in Indonesia and Malaysia. The Southeast Asian data center market is seeing a shift in investment demand from Singapore, where power and land constraints exist, to Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. With the rise of generative AI, power demand is surging, prompting Vietnam to actively compete to become an AI data center hub. As the leading wire company in ASEAN, LS Eco Energy plans to strengthen its market dominance by leveraging its local production capabilities and supply experience. The company anticipates additional business opportunities in line with Viettel's expanding investments in AI and communication infrastructure in Southeast Asia. In response to the increasing demand for AI data centers, the company aims to enhance its production capabilities not only for existing power solutions but also for fiber optic cables. Lee Sang-ho, CEO of LS Eco Energy, stated, "The AI data center market is expanding beyond server competition to include power and communication infrastructure competition. We will strengthen our efforts in the global AI infrastructure market, focusing on high-voltage cables and power and optical communication solutions for data centers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 09:20:40
  • LS Cable Expands Eco-Friendly Copper Material Business with New Factory in Gunsan
    LS Cable Expands Eco-Friendly Copper Material Business with New Factory in Gunsan LS Cable is making a significant move into the eco-friendly copper material sector by establishing a resource recycling supply chain. With the demand for copper surging due to the expansion of AI data centers and power grids, the company aims to secure competitiveness from the material stage onward. On May 12, LS Cable announced that its subsidiary, Korea Future Materials, has inaugurated a factory in Gunsan, South Korea, and commenced mass production of eco-friendly advanced materials, including recycled copper and CuFlake. This investment marks the first establishment of a resource recycling supply chain in the domestic wire industry, from the production of eco-friendly materials to wire manufacturing. Korea Future Materials, established by LS Cable in 2023, will produce recycled copper, new materials for copper foil (CuFlake), high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC), and copper alloys at the Gunsan facility. Notably, the recycled copper is produced by reusing copper retrieved from waste wires, which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional mining methods. CuFlake is a new material for copper foil that replaces copper wire with copper flakes, simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing the stability of raw material supply. LS Cable believes this technology will strengthen its competitiveness in the wire and battery material sectors. LS Cable plans to expand its market presence in North America by collaborating with its affiliates, including LS Green Link, Gaon Cable, LS Eco Energy, and LS Eco Advanced Materials. Korea Future Materials is also pursuing the construction of a factory near LS Green Link in Virginia, USA, aiming to establish a local production system to enhance its global supply chain responsiveness. Jeon Ik-soo, CEO of Korea Future Materials, stated, "We will expand our eco-friendly resource recycling business and strengthen our capacity to supply high-value materials needed in the electrification era." Industry experts are noting that as the demand for copper structurally increases due to the expansion of AI data centers and power grids, LS Cable's expansion into the material stage is significant. The increase in recycled copper supply is expected to mitigate raw material price volatility risks and improve compliance with global eco-friendly regulations. 2026-05-12 08:51:22