Journalist

Kim Na-yoon
  • SK hynix breaks ground on Cheongju advanced packaging plant to bolster AI memory output
    SK hynix breaks ground on Cheongju advanced packaging plant to bolster AI memory output SK hynix has begun construction of an advanced packaging production facility in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, as it moves to strengthen its position in the artificial intelligence memory market. The company held a groundbreaking ceremony on the 22nd at a 230,000-square-meter (about 70,000-pyeong) site in the Cheongju Technopolis industrial complex for the new fab, named P&T7. SK hynix said the plant will have about 150,000 square meters (about 46,000 pyeong) of cleanroom space, combining roughly 60,000 square meters (about 18,000 pyeong) across three floors of process lines and about 90,000 square meters (about 28,000 pyeong) across seven floors of wafer test (WT) lines. The company is targeting completion of the WT lines in October next year and completion of the wafer-level packaging (WLP) lines in February the following year. P&T7 is a dedicated facility for advanced packaging, a key step for producing AI memory such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Packaging, part of the back-end semiconductor process, has gained importance as a way to overcome limits of chip miniaturization and improve performance and power efficiency. SK hynix said it chose the site to maximize synergy with its existing Cheongju production base, including the operating M11, M12 and M15 fabs and the M15X fab now under construction, to improve logistics and operations. The company plans to link DRAM produced at M15X to P&T7 to complete final HBM products under an integrated production system. SK hynix said P&T7 is more than an expansion of production capacity, calling it “the result of trust built together by the region and the company.” It added that it will work closely with the local community and aim to set “a successful milestone” for balanced national development.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 14:16:08
  • LG Innotek Begins Mass Production of Variable-Aperture Camera Modules for iPhone 18
    LG Innotek Begins Mass Production of Variable-Aperture Camera Modules for iPhone 18 LG Innotek is moving into full-scale mass production of variable-aperture camera modules expected to be used in Apple’s iPhone 18 series, due to be released in the second half of this year, according to industry sources. The move is seen as an effort to push past smartphone camera limits that have relied heavily on software processing by improving hardware instead. Industry officials said on the 21st that LG Innotek recently built a dedicated production line for the modules at its plant in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, and completed preparations for mass production. Chinese suppliers Luxshare and Sunny Optical, which are responsible for key parts such as camera actuators, have also finished setting up their processes and are expected to begin shipping related components starting next month, the sources said. With the supply chain coming online, LG Innotek is expected to start supplying initial volumes as early as July, the sources said, in a step aimed at ensuring stable parts availability for the iPhone 18 series, which is expected to be unveiled in September. Variable aperture is a precision optical technology that adjusts the aperture depending on ambient light to optimize how much light enters the lens. Most smartphone cameras use a fixed aperture and rely on software correction, but a variable aperture physically opens and closes to control light intake. In bright conditions, narrowing the aperture can improve resolution; in low light, widening it can reduce noise and produce clearer images. The technology is also valued for enabling more natural background blur effects, similar to DSLR cameras, through hardware rather than software, industry officials said. The start of mass production is expected to intensify competition among smartphone makers, the sources said. Samsung Electronics is also reported to be accelerating development to add variable aperture to some higher-end models in its Galaxy S27 series, expected as early as next year. Samsung introduced variable aperture in the Galaxy S9 in 2018, but removed it from the following year’s model due to challenges including miniaturization and manufacturing efficiency, the sources said. LG Innotek aims to maximize first-mover advantages in next-generation smartphones by establishing mass production ahead of rivals. The company’s strategy is to demonstrate its camera-module capabilities in global markets as parts have become thinner and manufacturing processes have improved, the sources said. Variable-aperture modules are expected to carry a higher average selling price than existing camera modules, potentially boosting profitability. As performance at the company’s optical solutions business is expected to improve from the third quarter, expectations are rising that annual operating profit could return to the “1 trillion won club.” If market expectations are met, LG Innotek would re-enter the 1 trillion won operating-profit range for the first time in four years since 2022. “Amid growing criticism that the smartphone industry has hit hardware limits, variable aperture could be a decisive factor that stimulates replacement demand,” an industry official said. The official added that LG Innotek’s accumulated precision optical-solution capabilities could serve as a foundation for improving profitability. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:14:25
  • Record 34 listed firms post over 1 trillion won in operating profit last year, report finds
    Record 34 listed firms post over 1 trillion won in operating profit last year, report finds SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - South Korea's top 1,000 listed companies saw their operating profits increase sharply last year, reaching the highest level since 2000, according to a report released by the Korea CXO Institute on Wednesday. Their combined operating profit stood at 189.23 trillion Korean won (about US$126.15 billion), up more than 40 trillion won or 27.7 percent, from 148.28 trillion won a year earlier, as the number of companies posting over 1 trillion won in operating profit hit a record 34. Some nine firms including Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, KT and SK Innovation, were newly added, while four companies including POSCO Holdings and SK Telecom dropped off the list. In particular, seven companies saw operating profit grow by more than 100 percent, with SK Innovation posting a 453.5 percent rise and Hanwha Ocean climbing 447.5 percent. The overall increase was largely led by improved results at SK hynix and Samsung Electronics. Excluding these two semiconductor giants, operating profits for the rest also rose 6.6 percent from a year earlier. Buoyed by both revenue and operating profit hitting record highs, their average operating margin came in at around 9 percent, marking only the third time it has reached that level, after 2004 and 2018. By company, SK hynix kept the No. 1 spot in operating profit for a second straight year, posting 44 trillion won, up from 21.33 trillion won a year earlier. The memory chip maker also ranked first in net profit for the first time with 42.69 trillion won, surpassing rival Samsung Electronics' 33.69 trillion won. "The combined operating profit of the top 1,000 listed companies is expected to exceed 200 trillion won this year as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are projected to post 'record-high' operating profits," said Oh Il-seon, head of the corporate tracker. The figures were compiled based on their annual revenues from 2000 to 2025 and other financial data. 2026-04-15 16:41:39
  • SK hynix files for US IPO listing
    SK hynix files for US IPO listing SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - SK hynix has begun taking steps for a U.S. stock-market listing, the chipmaker said on Wednesday. It filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the previous day, seeking a listing on a U.S. stock market via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). ADRs allow non-U.S. companies to trade their shares on U.S. stock exchanges through depositary banks rather than by listing shares directly, making it easier for investors to purchase foreign stocks. Its global rivals such as Taiwan's TSMC, use ADRs to trade on the New York Stock Exchange and attract international investors. SK hynix said it aims to be listed within the year, pending the SEC's review, though details such as the size, structure and timing of the IPO have yet to be finalized. 2026-03-25 08:43:05
  • LG Electronics sells over 3 million washers globally
    LG Electronics sells over 3 million washers globally SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - The cumulative sales of LG Electronics' high-end washing machines have exceeded 3 million units, the home appliance giant said on Wednesday. Since its launch in the U.S. in September 2020, the Tromm WashTower, a washing machine that combines a washer and dryer in a single stacked unit, has been sold in about 77 countries, with some 1.2 million units sold in South Korea as of February. Buoyed by its energy efficiency and convenience, demand is rising quickly in Central Asia, Europe and Central America, with the company saying it reflects housing trends in which laundry space has shrunk as kitchens and balconies have expanded, leading more households to stack washers and dryers vertically. Compared with installing a same-class drum washer and dryer separately in a stacked setup, the WashTower is about 9 centimeters shorter, and its height from the floor to the center of the dryer door is 148.3 centimeters, which the company said makes loading and unloading laundry easier for users. It was named the "best overall washer-dryer set" by Forbes for a second straight year and was also praised as one of the leading all-in-one washers by other trade magazines in the U.S. and Europe. LG plans to release a new version next month with an improved design and more artificial intelligence–powered features to enhance user convenience. "We will provide more global customers with a new clothing-care experience through a more convenient washing machine," said Baek Seung-tae, an LG executive. 2026-03-24 10:58:55
  • E1 Chairman Koo Ja-yong Takes Office as Head of Korea Invention Promotion Association
    E1 Chairman Koo Ja-yong Takes Office as Head of Korea Invention Promotion Association Koo Ja-yong, chairman of E1, took office Thursday as the 21st chairman of the Korea Invention Promotion Association, an affiliate of the Korean Intellectual Property Office. At an inauguration ceremony at the Korea Intellectual Property Center in Seoul’s Gangnam district, Koo said he has “personally experienced how good ideas in the corporate field become new technologies and lead to national competitiveness.” He said he would “actively communicate with the field” based on 47 years of management experience and be “a reliable partner” so the association’s executives and staff can fully demonstrate their capabilities. The Korea Invention Promotion Association is a public institution specializing in intellectual property, established in 1973. It runs programs including invention education, strengthening companies’ intellectual property capabilities, startup support and intellectual property finance. Koo’s appointment also extends ties between the association and the LG and LS groups. Koo Ja-kyung, honorary chairman of LG Group, previously led the Korea Patent Association, the predecessor to the Korea Invention Promotion Association, and Koo Ja-yeol, chairman of LS Corp.’s board, has also served as chairman of the association.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 10:03:32
  • SK hynix eyes US ADR listing
    SK hynix eyes US ADR listing SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - SK hynix is considering a U.S. stock-market listing in a bid to woo global investors, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said on Monday. Choi, who is currently attending Nvidia's annual GTC conference in San Jose, told reporters, "We are reviewing a listing via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) to expand the company's investor base." ADRs allow non-U.S. companies to trade their shares on U.S. stock exchanges through depositary banks rather than by listing shares directly, making it easier for investors to purchase foreign stocks. Global chipmakers such as Taiwan's TSMC, use ADRs to trade on the New York Stock Exchange and attract international investors. Chey's remarks appear to be part of efforts to raise SK hynix's profile among global investors, as the chipmaker's valuation remains relatively low despite its leading position in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market, a key component used in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, compared with global rivals such as Micron. It is nothing new, as SK Hynix has previously said on several occasions that it is exploring ways to enhance corporate value including a potential U.S. listing. Chey warned of sharp swings in DRAM prices due to surging AI demand and pledged that the company will soon come up with measures to stabilize them. At this year's GTC, which brings together industry leaders and developers to discuss the latest technological trends and runs until Thursday, SK hynix unveiled the world's first 16-layer stack of its sixth-generation HBM, known as HBM4, along with other next-generation memory solutions, showcasing its partnership with Nvidia. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited SK Hynix's booth while discussing cooperation with Chey, under their so-called "HBM alliance." 2026-03-17 16:08:55
  • SK chief to attend at Nvidias annual AI conference in San Jose
    SK chief to attend at Nvidia's annual AI conference in San Jose SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won will attend Nvidia's annual GTC conference for the first time slated to be held in the U.S. later this month, according to industry officials. Chey is expected to meet Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the conference to be held from March 16 to 19 in San Jose, where industry leaders, developers, and researchers convene to discuss the latest technological trends. Chey is likely to discuss broader cooperation on AI infrastructure and relevant issues with Huang, with their meeting coming about a month after their "chicken-and-beer" dinner in the U.S. GTC, held annually, focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and computing, while also covering innovations in robotics and autonomous driving. Industry attention is especially high for this year's gathering, with anticipation for Nvidia's unveiling of its next-generation AI accelerator platform, "Vera Rubin." The accelerator is expected to use sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4), which is expected to foster partnerships with memory-chip makers including SK hynix. Nvidia is reportedly to have allocated over 60 percent of its HBM4 production for Vera Rubin to SK hynix, with the South Korean memory giant slated to present AI memory technologies and solutions it is developing with Nvidia. 2026-03-05 10:05:27
  • South Koreas Lee orders emergency readiness during Singapore, Philippines trip
    South Korea's Lee orders emergency readiness during Singapore, Philippines trip SEOUL, March 01 (AJP)-South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed Sunday for a four-day state visit to Singapore and the Philippines, aiming to strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in advanced industries and strategic sectors. Lee left Seoul Air Base following his attendance at the 107th Independence Movement Day ceremony earlier in the day. He was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung aboard the presidential aircraft. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ik-pyo, Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae, Floor Leader Han Byung-do, and Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung were among officials who saw the presidential couple off. In Singapore on Monday, Lee is scheduled to hold a summit and official luncheon with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Discussions are expected to center on expanding bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and nuclear energy — sectors identified by both governments as key future growth engines. Lee will also meet Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attend a state banquet. As part of the visit, he is set to participate in the “AI Connect Summit,” a forum designed to promote exchanges between Korean and Singaporean AI industry leaders and researchers. On Tuesday, Lee will travel to Manila for talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., where discussions are expected to include economic cooperation, supply chain resilience and regional security. The Philippines and Singapore will serve as ASEAN chair this year and next, respectively, adding strategic weight to Lee’s first Southeast Asian trip of the year. Ahead of departure, Lee posted on X that “the Korean people hold special affection for ASEAN,” emphasizing that Korea and Southeast Asia “have grown together over many years based on deep trust and friendship.” He expressed hope to visit all ASEAN member states in the coming years and looked ahead to meeting regional leaders again at the 2029 Korea-ASEAN Commemorative Summit. “Korea will always stand with ASEAN as a partner for growth and innovation, a supporter of dreams and aspirations, and a pillar of peace and stability,” Lee wrote. He also posted the message in English. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said the trip is expected to produce “tangible outcomes” in strategic cooperation areas and enhance coordination on the international stage. Aides said Lee will continue to receive real-time briefings during the trip on developments in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The escalating situation has raised concerns over potential energy and economic impacts on Korea, particularly given the country’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports and major shipping routes through the region. Lee is expected to remain closely engaged with security and economic officials while abroad, the presidential office said. 2026-03-01 14:08:08
  • Samsung to unveil Galaxy S26 at unpacked event in San Francisco on Feb. 25
    Samsung to unveil Galaxy S26 at unpacked event in San Francisco on Feb. 25 SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics will unveil its flagship Galaxy S26 smartphone series later this month, with the launch event set to take place in San Francisco. The company will hold its “Galaxy Unpacked 2026” event at 10 a.m. local time on Feb. 25, corresponding to 3 a.m. on Feb. 26 in South Korea. Samsung is expected to highlight enhanced artificial intelligence features. A 17-second invitation video released by the company shows a Galaxy AI-themed icon emerging from a box, signaling a focus on AI-powered capabilities in the new devices. The event will be livestreamed through Samsung’s official website, its Newsroom platform and the company’s YouTube channel. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-11 13:52:02