Journalist

JINYOUNG PARK
  • Samsung Electronics Union Signals Willingness to Resume Talks After Meeting Labor Minister
    Samsung Electronics Union Signals Willingness to Resume Talks After Meeting Labor Minister Ahead of a total strike by the Samsung Electronics labor union, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon visited the Pyeongtaek campus to persuade the union, which indicated a possibility of resuming negotiations. On May 15, the Supercorporate Labor Union Samsung Electronics Branch (Supercorporate Union) announced in a post titled "Update on Meeting with the Labor Minister" that "Minister Kim Young-hoon and officials from the Ministry of Employment and Labor visited the Supercorporate Union office." They explained the progress of negotiations, Samsung Electronics' business structure, and key issues at this time, and had an open discussion about the overall status of negotiations with Minister Kim. The union added, "The minister expressed deep understanding of our position and stated he would clearly convey our intentions to the management." The Supercorporate Union outlined conditions for resuming negotiations, stating, "We request the replacement of the management's chief negotiator and a substantial change in the management's position as prerequisites for resuming talks. If negotiations resume, we will engage in a responsible and sincere manner." Earlier that same day, the leadership of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor (DS) division also visited the Pyeongtaek campus for a separate meeting with the union. The executives, including Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun, spoke with Chairman Choi for about 40 minutes starting at 2:20 PM, but it is reported that there was no significant change in their position. With both labor and management maintaining a hardline stance, the involvement of the labor minister appears to be a last-minute intervention to prevent the total strike. The union has announced plans for an 18-day total strike from May 21 to June 7, demanding transparency and institutionalization of performance bonuses. If the strike occurs, it is projected to result in damages amounting to 100 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 00:30:13
  • Samsung Electronics DS Division Leadership Engages with Labor Union
    Samsung Electronics DS Division Leadership Engages with Labor Union Samsung Electronics' semiconductor (DS) division leadership visited the labor union office at the Pyeongtaek campus on May 15 to engage in active dialogue with union representatives.According to Samsung Electronics, Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun and other executives from the DS division met with the joint action headquarters of the Samsung Electronics labor union at the union office located at the Pyeongtaek campus.The meeting included four executives from Samsung Electronics: Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun, President Kim Yong-kwan, President Han Jin-man, and President Park Yong-in. The union was represented by Chairperson Choi Seung-ho, Vice Chairperson Lee Song-yi, Director Kim Jae-won, and Director Jeong Seung-won.Vice Chairman Jeon expressed a commitment to open dialogue with the union and conveyed a desire to resume negotiations.Earlier, the Samsung leadership issued an official statement proposing 'unconditional dialogue' with the union, emphasizing, "We urge the union to engage in discussions promptly, considering the concerns of the public and the national economy."They also conveyed an apology to the public, stating, "The labor-management issues at Samsung Electronics have caused significant burden and concern for the public and the government. As our achievements grow, the expectations of society for Samsung become stricter and larger, and we have not adequately addressed this." They added, "The Samsung leadership feels a heavy sense of responsibility for how the situation has unfolded. We sincerely apologize." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 23:18:00
  • Hanmico Semiconductor to Enter U.S. Semiconductor Supply Chain
    Hanmico Semiconductor to Enter U.S. Semiconductor Supply Chain Hanmico Semiconductor is poised for significant growth in the second quarter of this year, driven by the ongoing demand for global artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. The company anticipates a substantial increase in annual revenue as it prepares to establish its U.S. subsidiary, Hanmi USA, by the end of the year.Hanmico Chairman Kwak Dong-shin stated on May 15, "With the mass production of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM4) ramping up, we are seeing a surge in orders for TC bonders in the second quarter. This trend is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year." He emphasized that Hanmico's TC bonders, which hold the top global market share, will benefit significantly from the expansion of the AI semiconductor market.The establishment of Hanmi USA in San Jose, California, will enable Hanmico to actively respond to local market demands. The company plans to use the San Jose office as a central hub for rapid technical support, aligning with the operational timelines of new semiconductor factories being established by global firms in the U.S. This strategy includes deploying skilled engineers locally to provide proactive technical assistance.The formation of Hanmi USA also marks a significant realization of Hanmico's founding vision of serving as a bridge between Korea and the United States, 50 years after its inception. The company was founded by the late Kwak No-kwon, who built his expertise during 14 years at Motorola in the U.S. before establishing Hanmico in Korea, a country that was then a barren landscape for the semiconductor equipment industry. Now, Hanmico plans to make a substantial entry into the U.S. market through Hanmi USA.As the production of HBM4 expands, Hanmico's growth trajectory is expected to steepen. Analysts are noting that competition among global memory companies to increase HBM production will intensify in the second half of the year, potentially leading to increased orders for TC bonders. Hanmico is currently supplying equipment to global memory companies, including SK Hynix, and anticipates diversifying its revenue portfolio with new products such as next-generation hybrid bonders and 2.5D packaging equipment.Recent investments in large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the U.S. have been notable. In the fourth quarter of last year, Intel began operations at a new advanced process-based foundry and packaging plant in Chandler, Arizona. By 2027, Micron aims to have a cutting-edge DRAM and HBM manufacturing hub operational in Boise, Idaho, and is constructing the largest memory production facility in the U.S., known as a "megafab," in Syracuse, New York, set to begin operations in 2028. Additionally, SK Hynix plans to start advanced HBM supply in Lafayette, Indiana, by 2027.In this context, Hanmico's direct participation in the U.S. government-led AI semiconductor supply chain is expected to yield significant benefits in the future.Moreover, the establishment of Hanmi USA is significant for building direct collaboration with global hyperscaler companies, which are end-users. Recently, companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon (AWS), and Meta have been developing their own AI semiconductors, increasingly reviewing and specifying the high-performance memory and essential equipment used in manufacturing processes. Consequently, demand for packaging equipment aimed at hyperscalers is anticipated to rise.Currently, Hanmico holds the top global market share in TC bonders, which are essential for HBM manufacturing, and plans to launch a prototype of its second-generation hybrid bonder equipment within the year to solidify its leadership in the next-generation HBM market.In addition to HBM TC bonders, Hanmico aims to drive revenue growth with a variety of equipment. The company is set to supply its 2.5D packaging equipment, including the "2.5D TC Bonder 40" and "2.5D TC Bonder 120," to foundry and OSAT companies this year. The "BOC COB Bonder," which was launched earlier this year as the world's first, has begun supplying global memory companies and is expected to contribute to revenue growth alongside the expanding demand for AI and data centers.Chairman Kwak stated, "Through our U.S. subsidiary, we plan to actively support our clients' needs closely. We anticipate significant equipment orders alongside the operation of new factories in the U.S., which is emerging as a global semiconductor production hub, and expect continuous revenue growth in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 22:37:27
  • KOBA 2026: The Era of High-Quality Video Production
    KOBA 2026: The Era of High-Quality Video Production The KOBA 2026 exhibition, South Korea's largest broadcasting and video equipment showcase, is no longer just a platform for broadcasters and film production companies. With the rapid growth of short-form content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, everyday consumers and individual creators have emerged as key players in the professional video production market.Held from May 12 to 15 at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, KOBA 2026 featured numerous booths from global camera manufacturers, including Canon, Sony, and Nikon. This year's exhibition prominently showcased the evolution of video cameras. While previous events focused on photography capabilities, this year's event highlighted video-centric cameras and AI-based video solutions.The audience has also changed. The proportion of general consumers and individual creators producing vlogs and short-form content has significantly increased, alongside traditional broadcasting professionals and cinematographers. Long lines formed at booths where attendees could try out filming equipment, and areas demonstrating vertical video shooting and live streaming attracted many young visitors.Notably, Canon Korea launched a new video-focused mirrorless camera during the exhibition. On May 14, Canon held a press conference at Studio 159 in COEX, unveiling the video-specialized full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R6 V, along with the power zoom lens RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ.This new product reflects the rapid shift in the camera market from photography to video. As platforms like YouTube and TikTok grow, the demand for high-quality video production among everyday consumers has surged, prompting camera manufacturers to accelerate the democratization of professional video equipment.Nikon and Sony also emphasized their professional video equipment and cinema cameras in line with the expanding video market. Nikon Imaging Korea operated a joint booth themed "Nikon in KOBA 2026 with RED," featuring the American digital cinema camera company that Nikon acquired. Attendees could experience the latest cinema cameras and mirrorless products firsthand. The "Z CINEMA," showcased for the first time since RED became a subsidiary, particularly attracted independent filmmakers.A Nikon Imaging Korea representative noted, "Visitor numbers increased by 1.5 times compared to last year, especially among younger audiences, indicating a clear rise in demand for video cameras." They added, "With prices around 2 million won, there is growing interest in video cameras among college students and young people." Sony Korea emphasized AI-based video production and a network-centric live production ecosystem. They showcased features like AI auto framing and automatic tracking technology, which adapt camera angles based on the speaker's movements, proving useful in sports, education, and corporate content production.The exhibition confirmed that high-quality video production is no longer confined to a select group of professionals. The camera market is rapidly shifting towards video, as the performance of smartphone cameras has leveled up, leading to a decline in demand for simple photography while the demand for high-quality video production continues to rise due to the popularity of short-form content and reels. The advancement of AI technology is also expected to accelerate the expansion of the video equipment market. With the rapid commercialization of AI-based autofocus, subject tracking, automatic framing, and virtual production technologies, individual creators can now produce professional-level content more easily.An industry insider stated, "The video equipment market, once centered on broadcasters and film production companies, is now rapidly expanding to include everyday consumers and individual creators. The democratization of high-performance video equipment will accelerate further with the growth of AI technology and video platforms."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 22:18:00
  • Samsung Electronics Executives Meet with Union Leaders to Address Bonus Dispute
    Samsung Electronics Executives Meet with Union Leaders to Address Bonus Dispute Samsung Electronics' semiconductor division executives have traveled to the Pyeongtaek campus to meet directly with union representatives in an effort to resolve a dispute over performance bonuses.According to industry sources on May 15, Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun and other executives from the semiconductor (DS) division are set to meet with Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union.In an official statement, the executives expressed their belief that the union is part of a shared family and community, stating, "We will approach the dialogue with an open attitude, without conditions." They also urged the union to engage in discussions promptly, considering the public's concerns and the national economy.This marks the first time the executives have taken such direct action to meet with union leaders. With a general strike announced by the union just six days away, this move is seen as a strong commitment to avert a strike that could result in losses amounting to tens of trillions of won.Samsung Electronics emphasized its dedication to resolving internal issues amicably while focusing on enhancing its technological competitiveness.The executives stated, "We are in an era of infinite competition where the global business environment is changing rapidly, and we cannot afford to waste time on internal matters." They pledged to collaborate and share wisdom while considering the current economic situation and South Korea's long-term future.They concluded by promising to be a steadfast pillar for the national economy through sound management, continuous technological innovation, and bold future investments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 15:13:03
  • Samsung Executives Call for Unconditional Dialogue Amid Strike Threat
    Samsung Executives Call for Unconditional Dialogue Amid Strike Threat Samsung Electronics executives, including Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun and President Roh Tae-moon, have reiterated their call for 'unconditional dialogue' with the union amid indications that the union may proceed with a general strike. In an official statement titled 'We Apologize to the Public,' the executives acknowledged, "We have caused significant burden and concern to the public and the government due to labor-management issues at Samsung Electronics," adding, "As our achievements grow, the expectations from society for Samsung have become stricter and greater, which we have failed to adequately address." The executives expressed a deep sense of responsibility for the current situation, stating, "We feel a heavy responsibility for how things have come to this point. We sincerely apologize." They urged the union to resume dialogue, emphasizing, "We consider the union as part of our family and a community of shared destiny, and we will approach discussions with an open mind. We again request the union to engage in dialogue promptly, keeping in mind the concerns of the public and the national economy." Additionally, Samsung highlighted its commitment to resolving internal issues amicably and strengthening its core competitiveness. The executives noted, "We are in an era of infinite competition where the global business environment is rapidly changing, and we cannot afford to waste time on internal problems. It is time for labor and management to unite and secure business competitiveness through continuous technological innovation and bold investments for the future." They further stressed the importance of maintaining operations in the semiconductor industry, stating, "Unlike other industries, semiconductors require continuous 24-hour operations, and strikes should not occur. Failing to meet our commitments to customers would result in a complete loss of trust." The executives pledged to collaborate on addressing the current economic situation and the long-term future of South Korea, promising, "We will become a steadfast pillar of the national economy through sound management, continuous technological innovation, and bold future investments." The statement was signed by all members of the executive team, including Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun, President Roh Tae-moon, and other executives such as Kim Soo-mok, Kim Yong-kwan, Kim Woo-jun, Kim Won-kyung, Nam Seok-woo, Mauro Porcini, Park Seung-hee, Park Yong-in, Park Hong-geun, Baek Soo-hyun, Song Jae-hyuk, Yong Seok-woo, Yoon Jang-hyun, Lee Won-jin, Choi Won-jun, and Han Jin-man. 2026-05-15 14:10:41
  • Samsung Electronics Union Members Seek Injunction to Halt Major Union Negotiations
    Samsung Electronics Union Members Seek Injunction to Halt Major Union Negotiations Internal conflicts among union members at Samsung Electronics are escalating. Disagreements between the semiconductor division (DS, Device Solutions) and the finished products division (DX, Device Experience) have led to plans for legal disputes, particularly among DX union members.According to industry sources on May 15, there are increasing calls within Samsung's internal community to file an injunction against the Super Union Labor Union Samsung Electronics Branch (Super Union), which is currently negotiating with management, to request a wage agreement and prohibit strikes.To support this initiative, members are currently raising funds for legal fees. They plan to select a law firm soon and finalize specific demands. With less than a week until a potential general strike, the process is expected to move quickly.This movement appears to be primarily driven by DX union members, who feel sidelined in recent labor negotiations. They are questioning the representation of the Super Union, which is centered around DS members. Reports indicate that hundreds of DX union members are participating, and a significant amount of funds has already been raised.In response to DS union members adding 'strike' to their internal messenger profiles, DX members are advocating for the inclusion of 'Oppose DS Strike' in their profiles.This push stems from dissatisfaction with the Super Union's focus solely on performance bonuses for the DS division, while ignoring the demands of the DX division.The Super Union has stated that it will not include common resources for the entire company in this matter. It is reported that about 80% of the Super Union's approximately 73,000 members belong to the DS division. Super Union Chairman Choi Seung-ho has emphasized that negotiations with management are concentrated on performance bonuses for the DS division, without addressing the treatment of employees in the struggling DX division.Choi commented on the DX neglect issue, saying, "First, we need to secure more resources for performance bonuses this year. Next year, we can distribute more rewards to the DX division as well."Meanwhile, a ruling on an injunction filed by Samsung Electronics to prohibit illegal strike actions is expected soon. The company has requested this injunction to ensure the normal maintenance of semiconductor safety facilities, prevent wafer degradation, and avoid occupation of key facilities. The Suwon District Court is expected to reach a conclusion by May 20, one day before the planned strike.Even if the court accepts the company's request, it will only prohibit illegal actions, not the strike itself. However, this could expose the union to legal risks, as the scope for lawful strikes may narrow, and violations of the court's decision could lead to increased liabilities for damages or obstruction of work, potentially dampening the momentum for the strike.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 11:16:21
  • Samsung Union Plans to Continue Strike Until June 7, Rejects Dialogue
    Samsung Union Plans to Continue Strike Until June 7, Rejects Dialogue Despite repeated calls from Samsung Electronics management and the government to resume dialogue, the union has refused to negotiate and plans to proceed with a general strike as previously announced.On May 15, the largest union at Samsung Electronics, the Korean Metal Workers' Union Samsung Electronics branch, stated in response to a letter from the company urging a resumption of talks, "We are willing to negotiate after June 7," emphasizing their commitment to exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights and indicating their intent to continue the strike.June 7 is the date the union has set for the end of the strike, suggesting that they are preparing to carry out their planned actions. With the union rejecting the call for dialogue, the anticipated general strike set to begin on May 21 for 18 days is expected to become a reality.On the same day, Samsung management sent a letter titled "Response to the Korean Metal Workers' Union Samsung Electronics Branch 26-11" stating, "In the mediation by the Central Labor Relations Commission in March, the company proposed a transparent plan for the existing performance bonus (OPI) system, allowing for a choice between 10% of operating profit and 20% EVA." They also mentioned that regarding the demands for institutionalization and the removal of caps, they proposed maintaining the existing OPI system while establishing a new special compensation system without caps for more flexible institutionalization.The company reiterated its commitment to meet without conditions to facilitate negotiations, stating, "To respond to the wishes of employees, shareholders, and the public for a resolution, we once again propose to meet and discuss openly."In response, the Korean Metal Workers' Union stated, "We do not consider the letter sent to us as a genuine communication," adding, "Negotiations can happen at any time, and we can do it in June."Previously, on May 14, the union emphasized its key demands for "transparency in performance bonuses, removal of caps, and institutionalization," and conveyed to management that they would engage in talks only if a clear willingness to negotiate was demonstrated. They requested a direct response from the CEO by 10 a.m. that day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:57:26
  • SK Magics New Water Purifier Ad Featuring Byun Woo-seok Surpasses 10 Million Views
    SK Magic's New Water Purifier Ad Featuring Byun Woo-seok Surpasses 10 Million Views SK Magic announced on May 15 that its new water purifier campaign video, released in April, has surpassed a combined total of 12.8 million views on YouTube and Instagram within a month. The MEGA ICE segment garnered approximately 3.8 million views, while the Two Water segment reached around 9 million views.This response aligns with current summer consumer trends. As highball and home café cultures become deeply ingrained this summer, 'large ice' has emerged as a new consumer keyword. What was once exclusive to whiskey bars and premium cafés is now being recognized as a key element of the home beverage experience.SK Magic's new product, the MEGA ICE water purifier, directly targets this trend. It offers the largest ice size in the industry at 25 grams and features a post-freezing ice dispensing system that provides freshly made ice sequentially. The design allows consumers to enjoy café-quality beverages at home, including highballs, iced coffee, and carbonated drinks.In addition to its ice-making capabilities, the product emphasizes hygiene. It can produce up to 5.7 kg of ice per day in mega mode and is equipped with a large ice room with a capacity of 1.1 kg. This design ensures a stable supply of ice during the peak summer season when cold beverage consumption surges.Furthermore, an 'all stainless steel direct water line' is applied to all pathways, enhancing hygiene management throughout the water flow. The system includes a 'five-layer safety care' setup, featuring triple UV care for the ice room, UV care for the dispensing area and faucet, electrolyzed water care for the direct water line, and circulation care for the pathways.Jang Kyung-hoon, a professor of future content research at Halla University, commented, "It is rare for an advertisement's copy to simultaneously convey product functionality, model image, and seasonal sensibility. The structure where consumers first perceive the copy sensibly and then connect it to the product will work very favorably for brand recognition this summer season."Byun Woo-seok also shared his thoughts, stating, "I was impressed by the MEGA ICE when I saw it for the first time during filming; the ice really does not melt easily. I hope everyone enjoys a cool summer with the MEGA ICE water purifier."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 09:31:50
  • Samsung Unveils Next-Generation Displays at 2026 Australia Tech Seminar
    Samsung Unveils Next-Generation Displays at 2026 Australia Tech Seminar Samsung Electronics is accelerating its efforts to capture the premium TV market in Australia, a region known for its strong sports viewing culture and high console gaming usage. The company is focusing on a premium strategy that emphasizes AI-based picture quality technology and gaming features.From May 14 to 15, Samsung hosted the '2026 Australia Tech Seminar' in Sydney, where it showcased new AI TV technologies and its next-generation display lineup.The seminar is an annual event held since 2012, aimed at introducing Samsung's latest audio and visual technologies to global experts.Key local tech media, industry representatives, and consumer outlets attended the event organized by Samsung's Australian branch.During the seminar, Samsung introduced its 2026 screen products, including Micro RGB and OLED TVs, as well as Odyssey gaming monitors, highlighting key technologies.The company presented advanced display technologies and AI-driven viewing experiences tailored to Australian content consumption trends and living environments, emphasizing its home entertainment strategy.Notably, the new TV models feature enhanced AI capabilities designed to provide a more evolved viewing experience.The new TVs include the 'Vision AI Companion,' which analyzes the viewer's environment and content to deliver an optimized experience.Samsung also demonstrated the 'AI Football Mode,' which enhances the sports viewing experience by using AI to analyze soccer match scenes in real-time, delivering vivid colors and smooth motion while enhancing crowd sounds and commentary for greater immersion.Additionally, Samsung showcased its advanced display technology with the 'Micro RGB' TV, which utilizes the 'Micro RGB AI Engine' to finely adjust colors and contrast, achieving improved color representation and optical control compared to traditional TVs, ensuring stable picture quality across various viewing environments.The TV also features 'Micro RGB Color Booster Pro' and 'Micro RGB HDR Pro,' which provide clear and consistent colors regardless of brightness conditions.The event also highlighted the picture quality performance of the 2026 Samsung OLED (S95H), which is the first Samsung OLED to incorporate burn-in prevention technology, minimizing image retention during extended viewing.Samsung introduced several new gaming monitor products, including the 'Odyssey 3D,' which provides realistic 3D effects without glasses by analyzing user gaze in real-time using Eye Tracking and View Mapping technologies; the 'Odyssey G8 (G80HS),' the first gaming monitor to offer 6K ultra-high resolution and a 65Hz refresh rate; and the 'Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH),' which supports fast response times and excellent black color representation with deep contrast ratios, delivering an unparalleled gaming environment.Lee Hun, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Visual Display Business, stated, "Samsung is innovating picture quality and overall user experience based on AI technology, actively expanding the 'AI TV era.' We will continue to evolve user-centered viewing environments through differentiated AI screen experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 09:11:12