South Korea makes final all-out push for Canada's submarine bid SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - South Korea is stepping up efforts to win Canada's next-generation submarine procurement project, as Ottawa is expected to select its preferred bidder by the end of June for a deal estimated to be worth US$40 billion. The final race for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, or CPSP, has increasingly narrowed into a competition between South Korea's "One Team" bid led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS, a long-established player in the diesel-electric submarine market. South Korea's push gained momentum this week as presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik attended a business roundtable in Toronto, where companies from the two countries signed three memorandums of understanding in satellite communications, launch sites and defense vehicles. The business event came as Germany and Norway moved to counter Hanwha Ocean's key selling point — faster delivery — by offering to delay some of their own submarine deliveries to make room for Canada. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said TKMS could deliver four submarines to Canada by 2036 if it wins the bid, according to an interview with Canada's CBC News on the sidelines of CANSEC 2026, Canada's largest defense exhibition held in Ottawa last week. "They say they can, and I have only had good experiences with them, so I trust them," Pistorius told CBC News. "They promise only what they can actually achieve." TKMS has proposed its Type 212CD submarine, a model jointly developed by Germany and Norway. But the submarine remains in the design stage and has yet to enter operational service, raising questions over whether the German side could meet Canada's urgent delivery timeline. Hanwha Ocean, by contrast, has emphasized from the early stages of the competition that it can deliver four KSS-III submarines to Canada by 2035. That date is crucial for Ottawa, as the Royal Canadian Navy aims to retire all four of its aging Victoria-class submarines by 2035. Only one of the four is currently believed to be available for operations, making replacement an urgent priority. Pistorius said Germany and Norway, both existing customers of the Type 212CD, had agreed to delay one submarine each from their own orders to allow Canada to receive earlier deliveries. The remaining two vessels, he said, could be produced at an accelerated pace by TKMS. Marte Gerhardsen, state secretary at Norway's Ministry of Defense, also said bringing Canada into the program would strengthen the overall submarine fleet, even if Norway has to wait longer for one of its submarines. "We do not think of the submarine fleet as a Norwegian fleet, a German fleet and a Canadian fleet," Gerhardsen told CBC News. "We think of it as a common fleet." Germany has also offered a broader economic package tied to the submarine bid, including investments in military and non-military projects in Canada, according to CBC News. The proposals reportedly cover carbon capture, LNG exports, torpedo production and hypersonic missile development. South Korea has also pledged similar industrial cooperation if it wins the contract, but Germany is seeking to differentiate its proposal by stressing that many of its projects could begin within two years. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defense Procurement Minister Stephen Fuhr have said both Germany's Type 212CD and Korea's KSS-III meet the Royal Canadian Navy's requirements, with a decision expected by the end of June. Carney said last week that the decision goes beyond military requirements. "It is certainly about economic impact, the broader economic benefits," Carney told reporters. Hanwha is seeking to frame its submarine bid as part of a wider defense and industrial partnership with Canada. Representatives from Algoma Steel, Hanwha and Ontario-based auto parts makers recently signed an agreement at a Martinrea International facility near Toronto. Under the plan, Algoma would supply steel to a Canadian consortium if Hanwha wins the submarine contract. Algoma joins Hanwha and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, which agreed recently to jointly develop and manufacture fighting vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces and allies. In a separate pact, Hanwha has also agreed to invest in Algoma. The proposed Canadian joint venture would be 51 percent Canadian-owned and use domestic steel and workers, with Hanwha providing expertise, technology and experience, as well as investment. "They are not just interested in supplying submarines to Canada," Martinrea chairman Rob Wildeboer said. "They want to do much more in working with industry in Ontario and Canada to develop defense capabilities." Korea also used CANSEC 2026 as a final opportunity to promote its submarine bid. Hanwha Ocean put its proposed KSS-III Batch-II model at the center of its campaign, stressing that Korea already operates a proven submarine platform. The Korean Navy's 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine has also played a supporting role. After completing a 14,000-kilometer voyage across the Pacific, the submarine arrived at the Esquimalt naval base in Victoria, British Columbia on May 23. The strategy has drawn attention in Canada, with local media quoting one Canadian naval official as comparing the experience of boarding the Korean submarine to switching from a 1999 Honda Civic to a new Tesla. With the final decision approaching, the competition is increasingly becoming not only a submarine procurement race, but also a test of which country can offer Canada a broader strategic and industrial partnership. 2026-06-02 17:26:28

President Lee Pledges Enhanced Cooperation with Africa President Lee Jae-myung met with a delegation of African foreign ministers on June 2, pledging to strengthen cooperation with African nations.During the meeting at the Blue House, President Lee welcomed senior representatives from 19 African countries, including Egypt and Kenya, as well as officials from three regional international organizations, including the African Union. Foreign Minister Park Jin and National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak were also present.President Lee expressed hope for the regularization of Korea-Africa summits, stating, "It would be great if the Korea-Africa summit could become a regular event. I hope that foreign ministers' meetings can be held frequently to explore areas where our countries can cooperate and assist each other on shared issues."He noted, "Africa is a continent with significant growth potential and development possibilities, but there has been a sense of regret that we have not focused enough on it in the past. I want to emphasize that since my inauguration, the South Korean government has taken a special interest in various African countries."Additionally, he referenced Korea's history as a nation that emerged from colonial rule, saying, "We have walked a bit faster from a similar situation to the countries you represent. The people of South Korea, including myself, have a deep admiration for Africa and a desire to engage with it."Meanwhile, the government has been hosting the '2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting' at the Lotte Hotel Seoul since the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:21:00

Eight Percent and Kaia Partner to Build RWA Investment Infrastructure Online investment platform Eight Percent has partnered with the blockchain platform Kaia to establish an investment infrastructure based on real-world assets (RWA) derived from domestic loan receivables. This initiative aims to create pathways for foreign investors to invest in Korean financial assets, enhancing global accessibility to the domestic alternative investment market.On June 2, Eight Percent announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kaia to develop the RWA investment infrastructure based on the rights to receive principal and interest from domestic loan receivables.The agreement is part of a 'cross-border financing project' that connects Eight Percent's domestic loan receivables with Kaia's global investor network. The core objective is to establish new investment channels that can attract foreign capital into the domestic asset market.Through this collaboration, the two companies plan to facilitate easier access for global investors to Korean financial assets, thereby increasing the potential for capital inflows into the domestic investment market. They also intend to gradually expand the scale of investments and the types of asset classes involved.Song Bo-geun, head of Eight Percent, stated, "Our goal is to create an environment where global investors can easily access high-quality loan receivable assets in Korea. We aim to establish an investment gateway that allows foreign capital to steadily flow into assets based on the real economy in Korea."Hwan Lee, team leader at Kaia, added, "We expect this project to set a meaningful precedent for connecting Korean real assets with global investors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:18:00

Travel Industry Launches Campaigns and Customized Services for Summer Vacationers As the summer vacation season approaches, major online travel agencies (OTAs) are launching diverse campaigns and specialized services to attract travelers. From brand campaigns to enhanced local services in specific countries, special interest tourism (SIT) reflecting individual preferences, and unique events with influencers, the industry is bustling to capture customer interest. ◆MyRealTrip Enhances Local Services in Vietnam, Top Southeast Asian Destination MyRealTrip is strengthening its local services in Vietnam, which ranks first in tour and activity transactions. The company reports that South Korean travelers have increasingly favored independent travel, particularly to Vietnam during peak summer and winter holiday seasons. In response to the growing demand for independent travel, MyRealTrip has significantly improved the quality of its airport pickup and drop-off services at Cam Ranh International Airport, the most sought-after location. The company has deployed dedicated staff and branded vehicles to reduce confusion for travelers, and introduced new vehicles and an instant confirmation system. Additionally, in collaboration with local partners such as Benaza, Da Nang Ghost, and Phu Quoc Ghost, MyRealTrip has established a QR-based reservation system across 36 local locations and 258 touchpoints, allowing travelers to easily book various tour products by scanning QR codes inside vehicles or at local points. A MyRealTrip representative stated, "We started by considering what travelers need most, most often. Our goal is to create a 'complete connection of travel experiences' from the moment they arrive at the airport until their last moments enjoying the destination." ◆Trip.com Launches Summer Campaign and Major Promotions Trip.com has launched its 2026 summer brand campaign titled "Travel (TRIP) Must Be Real, Hotels Must Be TRIP." This campaign reflects the current era of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasizes that the genuine sensations and excitement experienced during travel cannot be replaced by AI. The campaign features five videos showcasing travel destinations that incorporate the letters "AI," including locations in the UK, Shanghai, and Jeju Island. The launch video captures moments that can only be felt through direct experience, such as morning sunlight in hotel rooms and the air of unfamiliar cities. Subsequent videos will depict the vibrant excitement of travel through the eyes of various travelers, including families, couples, and solo adventurers. Alongside the campaign, Trip.com is running a promotional event from June 1 to August 9, offering discounts on domestic and international flights and premium 4-5 star hotels. Every Monday, customers can enjoy up to 50% off on flights, hotels, and popular tours and tickets. Hong Jong-min, head of Trip.com’s Korea branch, remarked, "As advanced technology perfectly captures images, the wonder and unforgettable memories encountered in unfamiliar travel destinations become even more precious. We hope many people can enjoy 'real travel' this summer through Trip.com's robust global infrastructure and 24-hour customer support services." ◆NOL Introduces Packages Linked to Japanese Music Festivals NOL, operated by NOL Universe, has unveiled a package plan that focuses on individual purposes, aligning with the SIT trend, which goes beyond simple sightseeing. This package allows customers to focus on enjoying music festivals by bundling accommodation, flights, and festival tickets into a one-stop service. The package includes six options, featuring major Asian music festivals such as the "Fuji Rock Festival 2026," "Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival," and "Tokyo World DJ Festival." NOL Universe plans to gradually introduce sports tour packages for watching live events in Japan in the future. Han Jeong-hyup, head of NOL Universe's package division, stated, "Recently, there has been explosive demand for SIT packages among the MZ generation, who deeply consume their hobbies and interests. Leveraging NOL Universe's unique synergy between performance and cultural content and travel platforms, we will continue to expand innovative themed products that provide unforgettable leisure experiences for our customers." ◆Yogiyo Unveils 'Bucket Pack' Trip to Taiwan with Influencer Captain Dagger Yogiyo has launched a 'Bucket Pack' trip to Taiwan's Kinmen Island in collaboration with travel influencer Captain Dagger, who has 730,000 subscribers. The Bucket Pack is an exclusive package available only through Yogiyo, featuring trips with celebrities such as Noh Hong-chul, Yoo Byung-jae, and Choo Sung-hoon, as well as YouTubers Won Ji, Pani Bottle, and Kwak Tube, who have traveled with their fans. Captain Dagger participated in selecting the travel destination and planning the itinerary for this Bucket Pack. He will accompany travelers for all activities from August 6 to 9 during the four-day, three-night trip. The package includes round-trip airfare to Taiwan, hotel accommodations, and limited-edition merchandise. Interested participants can apply through the Yogiyo app for 1,000 won until the 28th of this month, with Captain Dagger personally reviewing the entries to select ten winners. The 1,000 won payment will be fully refunded as points within the app. Kim Yong-kyung, head of the Yogiyo brand division, stated, "We planned this Bucket Pack so that customers can experience the travel stories and romance shared by Captain Dagger. We hope those who want to experience a travel adventure filled with human connection will apply for this unique opportunity." 2026-06-02 17:18:00

KOSPI Ends Slightly Higher Despite 8 Trillion Won in Foreign Sales; KOSDAQ Drops Over 2% The KOSPI index closed slightly higher on June 2, buoyed by strong buying from individual investors despite significant profit-taking by foreign investors. The index experienced increased volatility, dipping below the 8,500 mark during trading but managed to recover by the end of the session. In contrast, the KOSDAQ index fell sharply by over 2% due to profit-taking in recently leading stocks. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished the day at 8,801.49, up 13.11 points (0.15%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 8,883.19, rising as high as 8,933.62 shortly after the market opened. However, as foreign selling intensified, it dropped to 8,503.48 around 9:09 a.m. It later recovered much of its losses, successfully turning upward by the end of the trading day. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The recent surge in prices led to short-term overheating concerns and profit-taking, resulting in a volatile market. The increased net selling by foreign investors applied downward pressure on stock prices, particularly in leading stocks that had recently surged." He added, "However, news of Israel's decision to withdraw its plans for additional airstrikes helped stabilize international oil prices and eased geopolitical risk concerns, allowing individual buying to expand and the KOSPI to recover significantly from its intraday lows." In the securities market, individuals and institutions net bought 8.1191 trillion won and 237 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors net sold 8.0505 trillion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 3.30%), SK Square (up 7.17%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 17.07%), and Samsung C&T (up 6.70%) all closed higher. SK Hynix, which showed weakness during the day, managed to reduce its losses, closing down 0.13%. Conversely, Hyundai Motor (-2.80%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-9.58%), LG Energy Solution (-2.75%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-1.61%) all declined. By sector, semiconductor and AI-related stocks, which had been leading recently, faced profit-taking pressure, while insurance stocks and some holding companies showed relative strength. The KOSDAQ index closed at 1,026.03, down 24.00 points (2.29%) from the previous trading day. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors net bought 337.3 billion won and 126.2 billion won, respectively, but individuals net sold 449.6 billion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, EcoPro BM (-4.35%), Alteogen (-2.46%), EcoPro (-2.15%), Rainbow Robotics (-3.30%), Samchundang Pharmaceutical (-7.50%), Rino Industry (-4.62%), HLB (-6.13%), and Pepton (-2.87%) all closed lower. In contrast, JUSUNG Engineering (up 6.15%) and Kolon TissueGene (up 15.26%) showed gains. Lee noted, "While some related stocks continued to rise on expectations surrounding Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, the momentum appears to be gradually weakening. As leading stocks take a breather, a rotation among sectors is becoming evident."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:09:00

Kang Hoon-sik: South Korea is Canada's Unique Partner for Submarine Procurement Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, stated on June 2 that selecting South Korea as a partner for Canada’s submarine procurement process would exemplify a successful case of defense procurement reform and serve as a new engine for economic growth. Currently visiting Canada as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, Kang shared this insight on his Facebook page after meeting with Canadian Minister of Defence Procurement Steven Pure and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty. Kang departed for Canada on May 31 to support South Korean companies in their bid for the Canadian next-generation submarine project, with the selection process set to conclude in just over a month. During a meeting in Ottawa on June 1, Kang emphasized to Ministers Pure and McGuinty that South Korea, as a leading defense nation, is willing and capable of actively contributing to Canada’s security amid increasing uncertainties in international affairs, such as the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Before meeting with the Defence Minister, Kang arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport and first visited the 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Chair' located by Lake Ontario, followed by participation in the 'Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable.' In his remarks at the business roundtable, Kang noted that combining Canada’s abundant resources and technology with South Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities could serve as a true model of the 'middle power solidarity' emphasized by Mark Carney. He also outlined plans to continue expanding purchases and investments in Canadian crude oil, LNG, LPG, and critical minerals. Kang further shared a vision during his meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, stating that the two countries could become leaders in the global market through cooperation in hydrogen vehicles and defense vehicles. He emphasized his commitment to contributing to the creation of future growth engines for the economy and establishing a stable energy supply structure that can withstand changes in international circumstances.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:09:00

Election officials make final preparations ahead of local elections SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - Election officials were making final preparations across the country on Tuesday, just a day ahead of this year's local elections. They inspected polling stations while testing ballot machines and conducting simulations to ensure smooth vote counting. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), polling stations nationwide will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Voters will be allowed to cast their ballots at designated polling stations based on their registered residential address and must present a valid photo ID such as a resident registration card, driver's license or passport. After voting concludes, ballot boxes will be sent to counting centers across the country for machine sorting and manual checks to tally the results. The elections, held every four years, will choose about 4,000 officials this time including metropolitan mayors, provincial governors, local government heads and education superintendents, and fill other vacancies. 2026-06-02 17:08:36

Buzz builds ahead of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's Seoul visit SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is visiting Seoul this week, and his trip is already generating buzz across local industries and financial markets, with major deals expected across areas including memory chips and artificial intelligence (AI). The excitement follows Huang's announcements Monday at Nvidia's developer conference in Taipei, where he said that the company's next-generation AI chips have entered mass production. "Now in full production - HBM4 memory from Micron, SK hynix and Samsung, the Vera Rubin computer," Huang said, confirming that South Korean memory chipmakers are a key part of Nvidia's supply chain. Huang also pointed out Nvidia's wider partnerships in the region, saying, "Here's Naver Cloud from Korea, Bank of Korea, Hyundai, so many other companies." That had an immediate impact on the South Korean stock market, with Samsung Electronics surging 10 percent and crossing the 350,000 won mark for the first time ever during intraday trading earlier in the week. South Korea's largest internet portal Naver also jumped 16 percent, while LG Electronics, whose executives are scheduled to meet with Huang, surged sharply for a third consecutive trading session. Industry observers say Huang's meetings with key business leaders here could go beyond routine business talks, potentially reshaping the global AI supply chain. In the semiconductor sector, SK hynix maintains its stronghold as a core supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for Nvidia's AI accelerators. For Samsung Electronics, the visit marks a critical juncture to evaluate its HBM competitiveness and explore further collaboration in foundry operations. The agenda is also expected to focus heavily on physical AI. LG Group chairman Koo Kwang-mo is expected to discuss expanding partnerships in robotics, smart homes, and on-device AI. Talks with Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Eui-sun are expected to cover autonomous driving, software-defined vehicles and robotics. There are also high expectations around Naver in the area of sovereign AI, with Huang potentially visiting the company's robot-friendly 1784 headquarters. Doosan Group's robotics and smart factory divisions are also expected to benefit, while Doosan Enerbility is seen as a key player in meeting the growing power demands of AI data centers. Huang is scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport on Thursday evening, before meeting with heads of South Korea's largest conglomerates and tech experts the following day including Chung, Koo, SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won, Naver's Lee Hae-jin, and Doosan Group chairman Park Jeong-won. But Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong is reportedly likely to miss the gathering this time due to an overseas business trip. Beyond formal meetings, an informal gathering is also expected on Friday evening. Huang is expected to join major tech leaders for samgyeopsal or pork belly with soju at a restaurant in Seoul's hip district of Seongsu-dong, in what analysts say could be an intimate dinner that may strengthen personal ties across the global AI industry. 2026-06-02 17:06:12

Loan Rates Rise Again, Vulnerable Borrowers and Small Business Owners on Alert South Korea's Bank of Korea has signaled the start of a tightening cycle, raising concerns among borrowers. With mortgage and credit loan rates already hovering between 6% and 7%, further increases could heighten the risk of defaults, particularly among vulnerable borrowers and small business owners.As of June 2, the five major banks (Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) are offering fixed-rate mortgages with interest rates ranging from 4.34% to 7.32%. Some banks have already seen their lower rates exceed 5%.Market analysts predict that if the Bank of Korea raises the benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points up to three times this year, the upper limit for mortgage rates could surpass 8%. This is due to the correlation between benchmark rate hikes, rising bank bond rates, and increased funding costs, which ultimately affect loan interest rates.The burden is expected to fall heavily on borrowers exposed to interest rate fluctuations. Those who took out loans five years ago during the peak borrowing period with mixed rates and are now switching to variable rates, as well as those with six-month variable loans, are particularly at risk. For instance, a borrower who took out a 400 million won loan at a 5% interest rate with a 30-year equal principal and interest repayment plan would see their monthly payment rise from approximately 2.14 million won to about 2.93 million won if rates increase to 8%, an increase of around 800,000 won.The challenges for vulnerable borrowers are intensifying. The number of individual business owners registered as financial defaulters surged from 67,900 in 2022 to over 120,000 in April this year. The delinquency rate for loans to individual business owners from domestic banks has also reached its highest level in five years. As the economic difficulties for small businesses and self-employed individuals worsen, the number of personal bankruptcy filings has risen to its highest level since 2021.Borrowers with credit loans are also facing uncertainty. Amid a booming stock market, the trend of borrowing to invest, known as 'debt investment,' has led to the highest level of personal credit loan balances at the five major banks since November 2023. The upper limit for credit loan rates at major banks has already reached around 6%, raising concerns about increased default risks if rates continue to rise.Rising interest rates also pose challenges for banks. If borrowers' repayment abilities decline, financial institutions will need to bolster their loss absorption capabilities by increasing provisions for bad debts.A financial industry official stated, "If the defaults among small businesses and self-employed individuals worsen, it could lead to a vicious cycle of domestic economic stagnation. Policy measures are needed to ensure that the impact of interest rate hikes does not disproportionately affect vulnerable borrowers and marginal businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:06:00

China Accelerates Memory Chip Offensive, Challenging South Korea's HBM Dominance As Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a key product in the artificial intelligence era, Chinese companies are making inroads into the general DRAM and NAND flash markets to expand their market share.Recently, China's leading memory firms, Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC), have initiated initial public offerings (IPOs) to secure funding, signaling a serious commitment to developing next-generation memory technologies, including HBM. Some analysts suggest that the technology gap between South Korea and China in high-performance memory semiconductors has narrowed to between three to five years.According to industry sources, CXMT, China's largest DRAM manufacturer, and NAND flash producer YMTC are currently pursuing stock market listings to raise capital for expanding production capacity and investing in R&D for next-generation memory.CXMT recently passed IPO review by the Shanghai Stock Exchange and is in the final stages of the registration approval process, aiming to complete its listing soon. The company plans to raise 29.5 billion yuan (approximately $4.5 billion), marking the second-largest IPO since the 2020 listing of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC).CXMT has increased its global DRAM market share to about 8%, positioning itself as the fourth-largest player, effectively challenging the dominant trio of Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. The company's first-quarter revenue reached 50.8 billion yuan (approximately $7.4 billion), a staggering 719% increase from the previous year, driven by the localization policies of Chinese smartphone manufacturers and aggressive pricing strategies.YMTC is also enhancing its presence in the NAND market, having developed 200-layer and higher 3D NAND flash technology, targeting the solid-state drive (SSD) and mobile storage markets. Despite U.S. export restrictions, the company is leveraging substantial domestic demand to boost its technological competitiveness and is preparing for its own IPO within the year.Following their IPOs, both companies are expected to intensify their efforts in HBM development. They plan to allocate the funds raised to R&D in premium memory sectors essential for AI infrastructure. Reports indicate that the Chinese government has urged CXMT to significantly enhance its HBM production capabilities, with plans to commence mass production of HBM3 within the year.Analysts predict that Chinese memory firms could catch up to South Korea's HBM technology within three years, given China's vast financial resources and significant investments in R&D. The strategy of scaling production in the general DRAM and NAND markets to establish a profitable foundation before entering the high-performance memory sector is becoming a reality.Ahm Ki-hyun, executive director of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, stated, "Chinese memory companies are likely to reach a level similar to that of Samsung and SK Hynix in HBM technology within three to five years," adding that the technology gap between South Korea and China is gradually closing. He emphasized that while China has an unrestricted environment for research and development, South Korea faces limitations under labor laws, suggesting that a more conducive environment for R&D is necessary in South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:03:00