South Korea

반도체 설계전문 ‘팹리스’ 10배로…광주·부산·구미엔 혁신벨트

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The South Korean government announced a comprehensive semiconductor industry development strategy aimed at expanding domestic production capacity and strengthening system semiconductor capabilities, which have been identified as weaknesses. The plan includes fostering the materials, components, and equipment (so-bu-jang) sector, decentralizing the semiconductor industry from the Seoul metropolitan area to provinces, and building a southern innovation belt connecting Gwangju, Busan, and Gumi with regionally specialized ecosystems.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy revealed an AI-era semiconductor strategy that seeks to establish semiconductor sovereignty, develop next-generation memory and AI semiconductors, and enhance ecosystem collaboration among fabless design companies, foundries, and demand-side firms. The government plans to invest approximately 1.27 trillion won through 2030 on AI-specialized semiconductors and provide additional funding for next-generation memory, compound semiconductors, and packaging technology. The strategy includes creating public funds to support fabless companies, promoting domestic procurement by public institutions, and pursuing technological self-reliance, especially in defense semiconductors.

Domestic semiconductor production capacity is projected to increase significantly, with industry investment expected to exceed 700 trillion won by 2047, targeting a world-leading production capacity of 7.9 million wafers per month. Regulatory easing and infrastructure support, including stable power and water supplies, will be prioritized to facilitate growth. Talent development is also a focus, with plans to expand specialized graduate programs and establish a "Graduate School of Semiconductor Studies" to produce skilled researchers.

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of balanced regional development and cooperation between large corporations and SMEs. He advocated for relocating semiconductor clusters to southern regions, citing abundant renewable energy resources and lower electricity costs, which could reduce production expenses. The President underscored that the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem should benefit a wide range of companies to ensure sustainable industry development.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reached an "important conclusion" during the 13th plenary meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea's Eighth Central Committee, according to state media. The meeting, which began on December 9, 2025, is reviewing the implementation of this year's policies and preparing for the upcoming Ninth Party Congress, expected in January or February 2026.

Kim's conclusion addresses the review of major party and state policies, the Central Inspection Commission's work this year, and preparations for the Ninth Congress. The plenary also assessed major successes of 2025, identified problems requiring immediate resolution before the congress, and assigned key tasks related to the event's organization. Financial matters, including the implementation of the 2025 state budget and the drafting of the 2026 budget, were also discussed.

The Ninth Party Congress will be North Korea's first since 2021 and is anticipated to define the country's external policies toward the U.S. and South Korea, as well as its national economic direction for the next five years. The plenary meeting is expected to continue for several days.

Korea Herald | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are planning a summit in mid-January in Nara, Japan. The talks are expected to take place around January 13-14, with the historic Todaiji Temple in Nara considered a possible venue. Nara Prefecture is Takaichi's home region.

This summit would be Lee's second visit to Japan during his tenure, following a trip to Tokyo in August where he met with Takaichi's predecessor. The leaders aim to maintain positive momentum in bilateral relations through ongoing "shuttle diplomacy," involving reciprocal visits.

Despite efforts to promote future-oriented cooperation, tensions persist due to territorial disputes. Lee's office recently reaffirmed South Korea's sovereignty over the Dokdo islets, rejecting Takaichi's renewed territorial claims. The summit will continue to address both cooperation and historical and territorial issues between the two nations.