Journalist

Park Jin-young
  • SK hynix posts record Q1 operating profit of 37.61 trillion won on 52.58 trillion won revenue
    SK hynix posts record Q1 operating profit of 37.61 trillion won on 52.58 trillion won revenue SK hynix said on the 23rd it posted first-quarter revenue of 52.5763 trillion won and operating profit of 37.6103 trillion won, for an operating margin of 72%. Net profit was 40.3459 trillion won, a net margin of 77%. On a quarterly basis, revenue topped 50 trillion won for the first time. Operating profit and the operating margin were also the highest since the company was founded, at 37.6 trillion won and 72%, respectively. Operating profit roughly doubled from the previous quarter, underscoring a sharp improvement in profitability. “Despite the seasonal off-peak in the first quarter, demand remained strong as AI infrastructure investment expanded,” SK hynix said, adding that it “continued its earnings uptrend by increasing sales of high value-added products such as HBM, high-capacity server DRAM modules and eSSD.” Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter rose 19.4 trillion won from the end of the previous quarter to 54.3 trillion won. Borrowings fell 2.9 trillion won to 19.3 trillion won, resulting in net cash of 35 trillion won, the company said. SK hynix said it sees AI evolving from training large models to an “agentic AI” stage, where real-time inference is repeatedly performed across a range of service environments, broadening the base of memory demand across both DRAM and NAND. It also said the spread of memory-efficiency technologies should improve the economics of AI services and expand overall service scale, further supporting memory demand. On that basis, it forecast a favorable pricing environment for both DRAM and NAND to continue. The company said it will keep developing and supplying new products across DRAM and NAND to meet increasingly diverse memory demand. For high-bandwidth memory, it said it will further strengthen overall execution capabilities integrating performance, yield, quality and supply stability. In DRAM, it will step up supply of LPDDR6 using the world’s first 10-nanometer-class sixth-generation (1c) process, and of the 192-gigabyte SOCAMM2, which began mass production this month based on the same process. In NAND, it said it has begun supplying the consumer SSD (cSSD) “PQC21,” which applies CTF-based 321-layer quad-level cell (QLC) technology. It added it will respond flexibly to AI demand with an enterprise SSD (eSSD) lineup spanning high-performance triple-level cell (TLC) and high-capacity QLC across the full eSSD range. It also said it plans to strengthen competitiveness in AI data center and AI PC storage markets by leveraging synergies with Solidigm, where it has strengths in high-capacity QLC eSSD. SK hynix said that as customer demand continues to exceed supply capacity, securing the ability to supply in line with structural demand growth in the AI era has emerged as a key competitive edge. It said this year’s investment will rise sharply from last year, driven by the M15X ramp-up, infrastructure preparations centered on the Yongin cluster, and securing key equipment such as EUV tools. “We will strategically expand our production base to respond proactively to mid- to long-term demand growth,” SK hynix said. “Through investment that reflects demand visibility, we will secure both supply stability and financial soundness.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 07:54:21
  • Samsung’s Harman Doubles Sales in a Decade, Expands Auto Tech and Audio Business
    Samsung’s Harman Doubles Sales in a Decade, Expands Auto Tech and Audio Business Harman, acquired by Samsung Electronics, has become a core growth engine built around automotive electronics and audio over the past decade, with sales more than doubling since the deal.  Samsung said on April 22 that Harman posted record annual revenue and operating profit last year. Operating profit totaled 1.5311 trillion won, and the operating margin was 9.7%, close to 10%.  Harman first topped 10 trillion won in annual revenue in 2019, reaching 10.08 trillion won. Last year, revenue rose to 15.7833 trillion won. That is more than double the 7.1034 trillion won recorded in 2017, shortly after Samsung completed the acquisition.  Samsung announced the Harman deal in November 2016 and finalized the acquisition in March 2017. The purchase price was $8 billion, about 9.4 trillion won at the time, then the largest overseas merger and acquisition by a South Korean company. Samsung described the move as a push beyond smartphones and home appliances into automotive electronics, a key field for next-generation vehicles. Harman is now positioned as a major pillar of Samsung’s non-semiconductor growth. Samsung said Harman has maintained the No. 1 global position in digital cockpits and car audio as of last year, and more than half of its revenue is known to come from automotive electronics. As in-vehicle infotainment and connected-car markets expand, Samsung expects Harman’s role to grow. Samsung said collaboration has strengthened competitiveness by combining Harman’s automotive solutions with Samsung’s semiconductors, displays and 5G technology. The companies are expanding work in areas such as in-car digital cockpits, driver experience and online connectivity. Samsung said the partnership also supports expansion of its Exynos Auto chips and SmartThings platform. In audio, Harman holds brands including JBL, AKG, Mark Levinson and Lexicon. Last year it acquired Masimo’s audio business for 500 billion won, adding premium brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon and Marantz. Samsung said the lineup now spans mass-market Bluetooth speakers to ultra-premium high-end audio. This year marks JBL’s 80th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of Samsung’s announcement of the Harman acquisition. JBL, founded in 1946, has been a leading brand across venues ranging from movie theaters and concert halls to home audio, the company said. Samsung said Harman grew into the world’s largest audio company and broadened its reach further after joining Samsung by adding automotive electronics. Harman is continuing investment aimed at long-term growth. Late last year, it acquired German supplier ZF’s advanced driver-assistance systems business for 1.5 billion euros, about 2.6 trillion won. It is also making additional investments in Hungary to expand autonomous-driving research and development and production bases, Samsung said, to strengthen sensor and camera capabilities. Samsung said it plans to continue research and development by combining Harman’s audio expertise with Samsung Electronics’ innovation capabilities so customers worldwide can enjoy high-quality sound in everyday life.  2026-04-22 14:06:18
  • Samsung Display QD-OLED Verified for Wide Viewing Angles in UL Solutions Test
    Samsung Display QD-OLED Verified for Wide Viewing Angles in UL Solutions Test Samsung Display said Tuesday that its quantum dot OLED, or QD-OLED, panels for TVs and monitors have completed UL Solutions’ QuantumView verification, which evaluates viewing-angle performance. QuantumView measures changes in brightness and color coordinates as the viewing position shifts from the front in 10-degree increments, up to 60 degrees off-center. UL Solutions tested Samsung Display’s full QD-OLED lineup. At a 60-degree viewing angle, the panels maintained more than 60% of front-view brightness, while color-coordinate change was 0.012 or less, the company said. By comparison, typical LCDs under the same 60-degree condition are known to drop to 20% or less in brightness retention, with color-coordinate change reaching up to 0.025 — about twice the shift seen in QD-OLED, Samsung Display said. “Viewing angle has long been an important factor in choosing a TV, given living-room viewing with multiple people and consumers’ preference for larger screens,” a Samsung Display official said. The official added that demand for wide-viewing-angle QD-OLED monitors is rising as more users adopt dual or triple monitor setups, use professional reference monitors, and review shared work on a single screen. Samsung Display attributed QD-OLED’s viewing-angle performance to its front-emission structure and the Lambertian emission characteristics of quantum-dot materials. The company said Lambertian emission refers to light being emitted uniformly in all directions, helping maintain consistent brightness regardless of viewing angle. In QD-OLED, quantum dots absorb blue OLED light and re-emit it as red and green wavelengths, the company said, adding that the nanoscale particles also produce a Lambertian emission pattern that spreads light broadly. Samsung Display said that unlike other large-size OLED technologies, QD pixels generate clear, high-purity color directly from the front, improving both color accuracy and luminous efficiency. Samsung Display said it is expanding its OLED monitor business beyond gaming-focused consumer markets into business-to-business segments with high demand for precision displays, including video and graphics professionals, content creators and financial traders. The company said ASUS and Dell Technologies have recently launched creator-focused professional monitors — the ProArt and UltraSharp, respectively — using QD-OLED and have received a positive market response. Acer, Lenovo and MSI are also expected to introduce professional monitor lineups, it said. Jeong Yong-uk, vice president and head of Samsung Display’s Strategic Marketing Team, said the QuantumView verification “objectively demonstrated” that QD-OLED can deliver consistent picture quality across different viewing environments. He said the company will work with global brands to provide what it called the best viewing experience possible from large displays, combining strong color performance with wide viewing angles. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 08:48:16
  • Samsung Electronics Launches Infinite Line Induction Cooktop With Built-In Hood
    Samsung Electronics Launches Infinite Line Induction Cooktop With Built-In Hood Samsung Electronics said on the 22nd it has released a new Infinite Line induction cooktop with an integrated hood. The Infinite Line is the company’s premium home-appliance range, combining upscale materials, refined design and innovative technology aimed at long-lasting value. The new model embeds a hood in the center of the cooktop to remove smoke and odors generated during cooking. It draws air downward to help keep the kitchen comfortable even while food is being prepared. A four-stage filter system — grille, tray, grease and deodorizing filters — is installed in the center to handle cooking residue. The grille blocks larger debris, the tray catches spilled liquids, oil and food scraps, the grease filter captures oil droplets to keep them from spreading, and the deodorizing filter reduces odors. The grille, tray and grease filters can be removed and washed by hand or in a dishwasher. The deodorizing filter is replaced, which Samsung said makes upkeep simpler than with ceiling-mounted hoods. The cooktop includes a “smart mode” that automatically adjusts suction strength. When enabled, the hood starts as cooking begins, and an air-quality sensor detects pollution levels, including total volatile organic compounds, and sets suction accordingly. An “after run” feature keeps air care going after cooking ends. The fan runs at low speed for a set time to clear remaining smoke and odors and dry moisture inside the filters, helping maintain deodorizing performance. The surface uses a matte-finish “Infinite Glass” top. Samsung said the matte coating helps reduce visible stains and fingerprints, and a material rated at Mohs hardness level 8 is intended to improve durability and reduce concerns about scratches and discoloration. Because the hood is built in, users do not need a separate ceiling hood, allowing for a more open kitchen design. Purified air can be discharged either through ducting inside the lower cabinet in a front-venting setup or through a ductless “plug-and-play” option, depending on the installation environment. Samsung said the product offers strong cooking performance, delivering up to 7,400 watts when all burners are used at the same time. An “all flex zone” is designed to distribute heat evenly without boundaries between cooking areas, supporting cookware of various sizes and shapes, from small pans to square grill pans and large hot-pot pots. Power can be adjusted from levels 1 through 9, including boost, and a warming function helps maintain a set temperature after cooking is finished. The new model is rated Grade 1 for energy efficiency, which Samsung said can help reduce electricity costs. Samsung also said it received confirmation of a regulatory special exemption for demonstration under the regulatory sandbox system from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, making it the only product in South Korea to receive a deferral of the requirement to install an automatic fire-extinguishing device (firefighting facility). Moon Jong-seung, a vice president in Samsung Electronics’ DA Business Division, said the new hood-integrated induction cooktop “delivers both interior design completeness and cooking convenience.” He added, “We will continue to expand our home-appliance lineup that consumers can be satisfied with, based on premium design and innovative technology.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 08:30:17
  • Samsung Compliance Chief Urges Caution as Union Plans Rally, Strike
    Samsung Compliance Chief Urges Caution as Union Plans Rally, Strike With a large rally by a Samsung Electronics labor union set for the next day, Lee Chan-hee, chairman of Samsung’s Compliance Monitoring Committee, urged caution, saying Samsung is viewed not simply as a private company but as a “national company.” He said many people are directly and indirectly connected to the company, including shareholders and investors, and the union should act more carefully. Lee made the remarks on April 21 before a regular meeting of the committee’s fourth term at Samsung Life Insurance’s Seocho building in Seoul. He said he hopes the labor-management conflict, which Samsung is facing for the first time, will be resolved “rationally and in an exemplary way” befitting the company’s standing. Samsung Electronics and the union remain deadlocked over wage talks, including a demand to remove the cap on performance bonuses, and negotiations have been suspended. Management proposed compensation that could exceed the cap on excess profit incentive pay, or OPI, through special rewards if the Device Solutions, or DS, division that runs the semiconductor business achieves the industry’s No. 1 position in South Korea. The union is demanding distribution of 15% of operating profit. The union plans to hold a large rally on April 23 at the company’s Pyeongtaek campus in Gyeonggi province and then strike from May 21 to June 7. The union claims a strike could cause losses of 20 trillion won to 30 trillion won if it leads to disruptions such as semiconductor line shutdowns. The company has asked a court for an injunction to bar what it calls illegal labor actions, citing the possibility of unlawful acts such as occupying worksites. A decision is expected soon. On the escalating dispute, Lee said reaching agreement through dialogue is most important, adding it was regrettable that the situation left room for the matter to move into criminal procedures. He said he agrees workers’ rights should be better protected, but added that human rights among workers should also be treated as a basic right. He said the union has not entered an illegal stage so far and added the committee is monitoring the situation to prevent any crackdown or violence driven by unlawful intent. The fourth-term committee, launched in February, has strengthened expertise in labor-management issues. It appointed Kim Kyung-sun, a labor and women’s policy expert, and Lee Kyung-mook, an expert in corporate organization and human resources management, as new members. Lee said the committee reorganized its labor subcommittee into a “Labor Rights Subcommittee” to match the expanded expertise. He said it will consult with a labor-management advisory group and set the committee’s direction based on expert advice. Lee also addressed prosecutors’ recent investigation into suspected insider trading involving Samsung Electronics and Rainbow Robotics. He said it is difficult to comment because the case is under investigation, but added the committee has reviewed the matter through affiliates. Prosecutors are investigating allegations that employees engaged in insider trading during Samsung Electronics’ acquisition of a stake in Rainbow Robotics. Last month, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office’s joint financial and securities crime unit conducted searches and seizures at Samsung Electronics’ headquarters in Suwon, Gyeonggi province, and Rainbow Robotics’ headquarters in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. Homes of employees at both companies who are subject to the probe were also included in the searches. 2026-04-21 15:48:54
  • Private contracts offer some relief for Korea from Australias hint of LNG export curbs
    Private contracts offer some relief for Korea from Australia's hint of LNG export curbs SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) -South Korea’s liquefied natural gas supply chain faces a fresh hit as Australia — an increasingly critical supplier amid Middle East disruptions — signals possible export curbs to prioritize domestic demand. warning comes as Seoul leans more heavily on Australian LNG to offset heightened risks stemming from the Middle East war. Despite government reassurance of stable supply, industry officials caution that tightening export controls by major producers could quickly ripple through global supply chains, posing risks for import-dependent economies such as Korea. Non-state entities like SK Innovation E&S and Posco International have been expanding upstream investments and diversifying sourcing strategies, helping to provide critical hedges against geopolitical shocks. SK Innovation E&S has begun direct imports of LNG from Australia’s Barossa gas field this year, establishing a long-term supply base. The project marks the first time a South Korean private company has independently carried out the full value chain — from exploration participation to development, production and import. The company invested 1.6 trillion won to secure 1.3 million tons of LNG annually over 20 years, equivalent to about 3 percent of South Korea’s yearly imports, providing a measure of stability amid growing uncertainty. Posco International is pursuing a parallel strategy centered on North America. In 2024, it signed 20-year contracts totaling 1.1 million tons per year — 700,000 tons with Mexico Pacific and 400,000 tons with U.S.-based Cheniere Energy. Starting in the second half of this year, the company plans to bring North American LNG into South Korea using an LNG-dedicated vessel secured through Cheniere, effectively building its own logistics channel. Beyond procurement, Posco International is also strengthening its upstream footprint. It invested 926 billion won in 2024 for phase four development of a Myanmar gas field, where about 80 percent of output is sold to China. In Australia, Senex Energy — acquired by Posco International in 2022 for about 400 billion won — has recently raised production to around 1.2 million tons annually, with most volumes supplied to eastern Australia. These diversification efforts are gradually reshaping South Korea’s LNG import structure. Of the country’s roughly 45 million tons of annual LNG imports, about 70 percent is handled by state-run Korea Gas Corp., while private companies account for the remaining 30 percent, largely for their own power generation needs. Reliance on a single state buyer, as in the past, would have left South Korea more exposed to export restrictions or supply disruptions from specific countries. “LNG demand is concentrated in Asia, and for a country like South Korea that relies heavily on imports, diversifying supply chains is essential,” an industry official said. “Preemptive investment by private companies and expanded direct imports are becoming even more important in a crisis.” 2026-04-06 07:27:09
  • S.Koreas diversified LNG supply chain mitigates risks amid Australias potential export limits
    S.Korea's diversified LNG supply chain mitigates risks amid Australia's potential export limits SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - South Korea is facing potential supply chain disruptions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as Australia, its largest LNG supplier, considers prioritizing domestic demand amid growing global uncertainties driven by the Middle East conflict. While the government expects limited near-term impacts, broader concerns over global energy supply stability remain. In response, proactive measures by South Korean private energy firms, such as SK Innovation E&S and POSCO International, to diversify their supply chains are highlighting the country's crisis resilience. Earlier this year, SK Innovation E&S began directly importing LNG from Australia's Barossa gas field, establishing a long-term supply base. Following a 1.6 trillion won equity investment, the company secured an annual supply of 1.3 million tons for the next 20 years, which accounts for about 3 percent of South Korea's total annual LNG imports. This marks the first instance of a South Korean private firm independently managing the entire LNG value chain, from exploration to import. POSCO International is also expanding its long-term supply base, primarily focusing on North America. In 2024, the company secured a combined 1.1 million tons annually through 20-year contracts signed with Mexico Pacific (700,000 tons) and Cheniere Energy (400,000 tons). Deliveries from Cheniere, utilizing POSCO's dedicated LNG carrier, will begin in the second half of this year. Furthermore, POSCO is strengthening its global LNG value chain. The firm invested 926 billion won in 2024 for the phase 4 development of a Myanmar gas field, which allocates 80 percent of its output to China. In Australia, Senex Energy—acquired by POSCO in 2022 for about 400 billion won—recently increased its annual output to 1.2 million tons. This shift toward diversified private procurement is restructuring South Korea's LNG market. Currently, private companies handle about 30 percent of the country's 45 million tons of annual LNG imports, mostly for their own power generation, while the state-run Korea Gas Corp. handles the remaining 70 percent. Industry officials note that compared to past structures reliant solely on state-run enterprises, this diversification shields South Korea from policy shifts in major supplier countries like Australia and Qatar. An industry official emphasized that for heavily import-dependent countries like South Korea, "early investments and expanded direct imports by private companies are becoming increasingly crucial in times of crisis." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-04-04 10:25:22
  • Samsung to end sales of premium foldable phone just months after launch
    Samsung to end sales of premium foldable phone just months after launch SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics will stop selling its twice-folding smartphone just three months after its release in South Korea. According to industry sources, sales of the high-end, premium Galaxy Z Tri-Fold are set to end after Tuesday. Since its rollout on Dec. 12, the device has been sold only in limited batches through Samsung.com, typically once every one to two weeks on Tuesdays. Once Tuesday's inventory sells out, the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold will no longer be officially available here. Despite its hefty price of 3.6 million won, the phone sold out within minutes whenever available, with some units resold on secondhand platforms. In the U.S., where the phone launched later than in South Korea, Samsung will keep selling it until the current inventory runs out. The Galaxy Z Tri-Fold features three displays that unfold to 253 millimeters (10 inches) when fully open and fold down to a 164.8-millimeter (6.5-inch) screen, the same size as Samsung's existing foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold7. Rising production costs are seen as the primary reason for the early discontinuation. Samsung appears to have concluded that it had achieved its goal of showcasing technological innovation, rather than focusing on maximizing profits. Some observers, however, see the move as a strategic shift to focus marketing efforts on the recently released Galaxy S26 series. 2026-03-16 17:12:44
  • LS Cable & System Weighs Building Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet Plant in the U.S.
    LS Cable & System Weighs Building Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet Plant in the U.S. LS Cable & System said it is reviewing plans to build a rare-earth permanent magnet plant in the United States and is moving the project forward in stages. The company said Thursday it has selected Chesapeake, Virginia, as a candidate site for new investment and is conducting a feasibility review while holding cooperation talks with the state of Virginia. The site is expected to be near LS Cable & System’s undersea cable plant now under construction, according to the company. Rare-earth permanent magnets are a key material used across advanced industries, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robots, fighter jets and urban air mobility. About 85% of global output is concentrated in China, and only a handful of companies produce them in the United States, keeping calls alive to diversify supply chains. LS Cable & System said it is also seeking to build a value chain for the business, from securing raw materials to metalmaking and magnet production. Its affiliate LS Eco Energy decided on Dec. 17 to pursue a rare-earth metal business in Vietnam and finalized an investment plan worth about 28.5 billion won. LS Eco Energy plans to install rare-earth metalmaking equipment at its Ho Chi Minh City production unit, LSCV, and refine rare-earth oxides supplied by global mining companies to produce rare-earth metals. Rare-earth metals are a core input for permanent magnets used in drive motors for robots, wind turbines and electric vehicles. The metalmaking process is technically demanding, and commercial production outside China is limited to a few countries, including Japan and the United States. If carried out, the companies expect to form a value chain linking rare-earth oxide procurement from global miners, rare-earth metal production in Vietnam by LS Eco Energy, and permanent magnet production in the United States by LS Cable & System. LS Cable & System said it is also discussing cooperation with global mining companies on rare-earth supply. An LS Cable & System official said that if the rare-earth magnet business becomes a reality, it would create a new growth engine by expanding beyond cables into strategic materials and help strengthen competitiveness in the global mobility supply chain. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 11:06:19
  • LS Eco Energy Enters Japan Power Market for First Time With Cable Supply Deal
    LS Eco Energy Enters Japan Power Market for First Time With Cable Supply Deal LS Eco Energy has entered Japan’s power market for the first time. The company said March 10 that its Vietnam production unit, LS-VINA, signed an annual supply contract with Japan’s Kitanihon Electric Wire for 6.6-kilovolt (kV) constant-voltage transformer (CVT) cables used in power distribution. Kitanihon Electric Wire is a subsidiary of Tohoku Electric Power and supplies distribution cables to major Japanese power companies. Japan’s power market is widely seen as difficult to enter because of proprietary technical standards and strict quality control. LS Eco Energy said it secured the deal in cooperation with LS Cable & System’s Japan unit, LSCJ, marking a full-scale move into Japan’s power infrastructure market. Jang Dong-uk, head of LS-VINA, said winning a supply opportunity in Japan was significant given the market’s demanding technical requirements. He said the company will step up efforts to target advanced power markets including Japan, the United States and Europe, focusing on higher value-added products. LS Eco Energy said it posted about 1 trillion won in revenue based on preliminary 2025 results and expects the improvement trend to continue this year, citing rising exports amid growing global demand for power infrastructure.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 08:51:22