Journalist

KIM NA YOON
  • LG Launches Platform to Develop University Startup Teams, Aiming for ‘Baby Unicorns’
    LG Launches Platform to Develop University Startup Teams, Aiming for ‘Baby Unicorns’ LG has introduced a new platform to identify and develop university startup teams, aiming to broaden South Korea’s youth startup ecosystem. LG said it held its startup scouting event, 'Superstart Day 2026,' on Wednesday at LG Sciencepark in Seoul’s Magok district, where it unveiled its new 'Rookie Program' for university-founded teams. The program is designed to find promising campus-born ideas early and connect them to commercialization. Launched in 2018, Superstart Day has become a venue where startups seek collaboration with LG affiliates as well as investors and institutions. LG said the event has drawn a cumulative 30,000 visitors from 30 countries. This year’s event was attended by Kwon Bong-seok, COO of LG Corp., and about 30 technology executives, including chief technology officers from major affiliates. Venture capital firms, accelerators, public institutions and universities also took part to assess commercialization potential. At the event, 41 deep-tech startups presented their technologies. In robotics, solutions that convert hand movements into data for robot learning and technologies for manipulating irregularly shaped objects drew attention. LG also showcased technologies in what it calls the ABC areas — artificial intelligence, bio and cleantech — which it has identified as future businesses. LG said about 120 investment and partnership meetings were held on site. The new Rookie Program targets university startup teams. Teams selected through recommendations from major universities and research institutions, including Seoul National University, POSTECH and Hanyang University, delivered pitches aimed at raising investment and securing business cooperation. Three teams — Pinta AI, Motomind and Forbody — were chosen as final winners and received prize money, a document-review exemption for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ Early-Stage Startup Package, and opportunities to work with LG affiliates. They will also receive benefits from the 'Superstart Incubator,' including office space, support for demonstration costs and welfare services. LG said it will provide all participating teams with technology mentoring and on-site tours regardless of selection, and plans to expand the program. The company said it aims to build a support system that links early-stage startups to growth. Jeong Su-heon, CEO of LG Sciencepark, said, “Through the Rookie Program, we will discover young innovative startups early and build LG’s differentiated innovation ecosystem.” The government is also expanding startup support. It has declared this year the start of a “National Startup Era” and set a budget of about 1.9 trillion won to support youth startups and jobs. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups allocated 150 billion won of that total to support startups less than three years old.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 10:34:19
  • LG Unveils Europe-Only Built-In Appliance Package to Target 40% Share of Global Market
    LG Unveils Europe-Only Built-In Appliance Package to Target 40% Share of Global Market LG Electronics is rolling out a built-in appliance package designed specifically for Europe as it steps up efforts to compete in the world’s largest built-in market. LG said Thursday it unveiled the “LG Built-in Package” for the first time at EuroCucina, the kitchen appliances and furniture exhibition held as part of Milan Design Week 2026 in Milan, Italy, running from local time April 20-26. Europe has been a hub for built-in kitchens since the concept spread from Frankfurt, Germany, in the 1920s. Market researcher Euromonitor estimates the global built-in appliance market at about $64.5 billion last year, with Europe accounting for roughly 40%. The new package combines an oven, induction cooktop, refrigerator and dishwasher into an integrated kitchen solution. LG said customers can maintain a consistent look tailored to their kitchen layout and preferences, and can also replace units in stages when moving or remodeling. The lineup was designed for European housing conditions. LG said it expanded its range of products in the 20-inch class for smaller kitchens and strengthened hinge and heat-dissipation technologies. It also applied a “seamless design” that minimizes gaps between appliances and cabinetry and reduces protruding parts. LG also highlighted energy efficiency and smart features. The dishwasher includes an “AI SenseClean” function that analyzes soil levels and adjusts wash settings. The refrigerator uses “AI Fresh” to adjust temperature based on usage patterns. LG said the dishwasher and refrigerator deliver energy efficiency 30% and 10% higher, respectively, than Europe’s top A rating. LG said it will pursue a “dual-track” strategy in Europe by offering both its ultra-premium built-in brand SKS and the new package. The company plans to expand its 30-inch-and-larger SKS lineup in Europe to broaden premium options. LG also said it will strengthen its business-to-business push targeting luxury home builders and multi-family housing developers. During the exhibition, it plans cooking shows and wine-tasting programs and will also take part in Fuorisalone events across Milan to raise brand awareness. “By offering built-in solutions optimized for European living spaces and lifestyles, we will further strengthen our position in the premium market,” said Baek Seung-tae, vice president and head of LG’s HS Business Division.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 10:28:28
  • SK hynix to Use 1c-Nanometer Process for HBM4E, Targets 2027 Mass Production
    SK hynix to Use 1c-Nanometer Process for HBM4E, Targets 2027 Mass Production SK hynix said it will apply its 1c-nanometer process to next-generation high-bandwidth memory, HBM4E, to strengthen performance competitiveness. In a conference call held after its first-quarter earnings release on the 23rd, the company said HBM4E is being developed in close consultation with customers, with sample shipments targeted for the second half of the year and mass production aimed for 2027. It added that it plans to apply the 1c-nanometer process to the core die to meet customer performance requirements. SK hynix also underscored the maturity of the process. The company said the 1c-nanometer node entered mass production in late 2025 and has already proven its performance in the market, with yields and production capability reaching stable levels. It said it will continue its technology leadership by ensuring on-time development, stable mass production and high quality through additional in-house technology work and customer validation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 10:17:49
  • SK hynix says memory oversupply fears are overblown; Yongin fab on track
    SK hynix says memory oversupply fears are overblown; Yongin fab on track SK hynix said Thursday it sees limited risk of a repeat of past memory oversupply, citing a shared focus by customers and suppliers on improving long-term visibility for demand and supply. In a question-and-answer session during its first-quarter earnings conference call, the company said memory demand remains solid and that it expects this year’s investment to rise sharply from last year to prepare future infrastructure and secure key equipment to meet demand. “Specifically, construction of the Yongin cluster fab to secure mid- to long-term production capacity is moving quickly,” the company said. It added that after Phase 1, which is scheduled to be completed early next year, it plans to invest in stages to finish through Phase 6.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 10:03:25
  • SK hynix: HBM4 to Ship on Customer Timelines as Demand Outstrips Capacity
    SK hynix: HBM4 to Ship on Customer Timelines as Demand Outstrips Capacity SK hynix said Thursday that high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, is a business where overall competitiveness depends not only on performance such as speed and power efficiency, but also on quality, yield and supply stability. In a question-and-answer session during its first-quarter earnings conference call, the company said it has worked closely with major customers from the early stages on HBM4, building development and supply systems in advance. It said it is preparing to supply products that meet performance requirements in time for each customer’s mass-production schedule. SK hynix said it aims to extend its lead into the next generation, citing competitiveness and customer trust it has maintained since HBM2 in cost, yield and performance. The company said it is strengthening its technology leadership in next-generation products including HBM4. On demand, SK hynix said customer demand over the next three years already far exceeds its supply capacity. The company said it is supplying as much as possible within limited capacity, but both HBM and conventional DRAM supplies remain tight. It said it is continuing to optimize allocation across products, considering balanced growth of the AI industry ecosystem rather than short-term revenue expansion. It added it will keep strengthening market leadership centered on HBM3E and HBM4.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 09:57:58
  • SK Hynix says it can build 100 trillion won in net cash while boosting shareholder returns
    SK Hynix says it can build 100 trillion won in net cash while boosting shareholder returns SK Hynix outlined its financial strategy and approach to supply agreements during its 2026 first-quarter earnings conference calls held on April 22 and 23. The company said that given its profit-generating capacity, which it described as having risen to a record-high level, it can pursue both stronger financial health and expanded shareholder returns. It said it aims to secure financial soundness with net cash of more than 100 trillion won while increasing shareholder payouts. SK Hynix said it will actively consider a range of shareholder-return measures, including dividends as well as share buybacks and cancellations, and will prepare a detailed execution plan within the year. It added that it will continue strengthening its financial position so it can sustain long-term, strategic investments under any market conditions. The company also pointed to changes in contract structures amid supply constraints. It said prolonged memory supply shortages have led to a sharp increase in customer requests to secure mid- to long-term volumes. It said it is reviewing long-term supply agreements, or LTAs, with more varied structures than in the past, but current supply limits make it difficult to meet all customer demand. SK Hynix said that if LTAs become firmly established, demand visibility would improve and investment efficiency based on profitability would also strengthen. It added that such agreements could help ease the memory industry’s recurring volatility and serve as a catalyst to lift market assessments to the next level.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 09:55:39
  • SK hynix says weak DRAM spot prices have limited impact, expects AI to lift demand
    SK hynix says weak DRAM spot prices have limited impact, expects AI to lift demand SK hynix said on April 23, during a two-day conference call on its 2026 first-quarter earnings, that recent weakness in DRAM spot prices is not a reliable gauge of broader market conditions. “The spot market accounts for a very small share of the overall DRAM market, and the types and scale of products traded differ from our business,” the company said. “In the current market environment, it is difficult to view spot price moves as reflecting overall market conditions.” SK hynix said memory demand from major customers is rising across products including high-bandwidth memory, server DRAM and enterprise SSDs, while suppliers face constraints on expanding output in the short term. “If this supply-demand imbalance persists, the memory price upcycle could last longer than in the past,” it said. The company also pointed to structural shifts in the artificial intelligence industry as a driver of demand. “As software and hardware optimization progress simultaneously in the AI industry, the way memory is used is changing,” SK hynix said. It added that memory-efficiency technologies may appear to reduce usage per device, but are evolving to maximize information processing per unit of memory. SK hynix said the changes could improve service economics, creating a virtuous cycle that expands the overall AI market and increases memory demand. 2026-04-23 09:42:06
  • SK hynix forecasts higher Q2 DRAM and NAND shipments; targets U.S. ADR listing this year
    SK hynix forecasts higher Q2 DRAM and NAND shipments; targets U.S. ADR listing this year SK hynix said on an earnings conference call held April 23 for its 2026 first-quarter results that it expects shipments of both DRAM and NAND to rise in the second quarter. The company said it anticipates DRAM shipments will increase by a high single-digit percentage from the previous quarter as it responds to demand for high-capacity server modules and mobile products. It added that NAND shipments are expected to rise by a mid-teens percentage quarter over quarter, driven by expanded sales of 321-layer-based products and enterprise SSDs. SK hynix also addressed its capital markets strategy, saying it confidentially submitted a registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to a public offering for an ADR listing and is pursuing a U.S. market listing within the year. It said details such as the offering size, structure and timing have not been finalized. The company said the final decision on whether to proceed with the listing will be made after considering the SEC’s review of the filing, market conditions, demand forecasting and other requirements. It added it will provide an update when specifics are confirmed. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 09:30:06
  • SK hynix says memory profitability remains strong, plans more HBM supply
    SK hynix says memory profitability remains strong, plans more HBM supply SK hynix said on a first-quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday that demand is showing signs of softening in the PC and mobile markets as higher memory prices raise cost burdens and prompt product portfolio adjustments. Even so, the company said strong server-memory demand is driving the overall market. The company highlighted structural shifts tied to the spread of artificial intelligence. “As AI expands, the importance of memory is rising and demand for high-performance memory is increasing rapidly,” SK hynix said, adding that a trend is becoming clearer in which customers prioritize securing supply over price. SK hynix also detailed its next-generation product strategy. “For HBM4, we are working closely with customers from the early stages and plan to expand volumes on an agreed schedule with products that meet the performance customers require,” it said. The company added that it is continuing to develop and supply new products across DRAM and NAND to meet increasingly diverse memory needs as AI technology evolves. 2026-04-23 09:24:04
  • KOTRA Offers Real-Time Logistics Updates, Expands Support as Middle East War Disrupts Shipping
    KOTRA Offers Real-Time Logistics Updates, Expands Support as Middle East War Disrupts Shipping As global logistics disruptions from the Middle East war drag on, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, known as KOTRA, said it is stepping up real-time information sharing and cost support for exporters. The agency said it is focusing on easing sharply higher shipping costs driven by port disruptions and longer detours, while helping companies restore blocked routes quickly. KOTRA said it is continuously monitoring logistics conditions through its 13 offices in the Middle East and providing companies with real-time updates on alternative ports and rerouted shipping options. With more cases of existing routes being cut off due to constraints in the Strait of Hormuz, KOTRA said it is working with local logistics firms to propose alternatives and is also handling urgent needs such as re-shipping cargo halted in transit and returning pharmaceuticals. Logistics-related difficulties are rising quickly. Of 502 consultations tied to the Middle East war received from early March through April 20, 156 — 31% — involved logistics issues. KOTRA cited port waiting times, higher costs from detours and cargo returns as key factors. KOTRA said it has expanded financial support, raising the cap for assistance through overseas joint logistics centers to as much as 24 million won and increasing the limit for international shipping vouchers to 75 million won. It also added eligible items including war-related surcharges, return costs and detour shipping expenses, and said it is coordinating transport support with EMS, DHL, Samsung SDS and Taewoong Logistics, among others. A KOTRA official said freight-rate management is critical because costs can vary widely when using alternative ports, adding that companies should work with major logistics providers to minimize delays.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 08:27:58