Lee Jae-yong, Why Did He Choose Semiconductors for His First Move After Release?

Attendance at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Semiconductor R&D Complex at Giheung Campus on the 19th
Creating the Giheung R&D Complex with a 20 Trillion Won Investment
Samsung's Commitment to Preparing for the Future and Driving the National Economy

Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Giheung Semiconductor R&D Complex and taking a commemorative photo with employees

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong chose the semiconductor site for his first public appearance after his reinstatement. It is analyzed that he reviewed future business through semiconductors and initiated management activities for the 'New Samsung.'

According to Samsung Electronics on the 19th, Vice Chairman Lee attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Giheung Research and Development (R&D) complex located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The R&D complex to be established within the Giheung campus is known to be a research hub for developing new technologies such as NAND flash, foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing), and system semiconductors. As it is being built as a cutting-edge integrated research and development facility to secure future semiconductor technologies, it is expected to become the cornerstone of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor technology advancement.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Samsung Electronics declared its slogan, "Creating the future with technologies unseen in the world," and stated that it would lead innovation based on technological leadership to achieve another great leap in the semiconductor business.

The Giheung site is symbolic as the place where the late Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul started the semiconductor business in the 1980s. It is a place to revisit the original intention in the history of Samsung's domestic semiconductor lines, starting from Giheung, passing through Hwaseong, and extending to the currently under-construction Pyeongtaek complex.

Vice Chairman Lee’s focus on semiconductors as his first management move after reinstatement not only signifies securing Samsung’s future growth engines but is also seen as an expression of responsibility and determination to ensure that semiconductors, a core industry of Korea, maintain differentiated competitiveness and lead the economy.

Semiconductors are not only Samsung’s main business but also the 'growth engine' of the national economy, accounting for more than 20% of Korea’s total exports. Recently, as the global trade order surrounding semiconductors is rapidly reorganizing, semiconductors have emerged as the 'linchpin' of the Korea-US economic security alliance. The role of Korean semiconductors in the global semiconductor supply chain is significant, as evidenced by US President Biden visiting a Samsung Electronics semiconductor plant immediately upon arriving in Korea last May.

An industry insider said, "As public expectations for economic revitalization are high, Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s determination to do his best so that Korea’s economy can grow as a leading force in the global market through semiconductors is evident."

The semiconductor industry expects that through the development of Samsung Electronics’ Giheung R&D complex, research activities with domestic material, equipment, and component partner companies will naturally expand. Since semiconductors require organic cooperation and development across all elements such as design, materials, equipment, components, processes, and inspection, no part can be neglected.

An industry official said, "The establishment of a semiconductor research and development complex equipped with cutting-edge facilities will not only enhance the capabilities of a single company but also serve as an opportunity for the Korean semiconductor industry ecosystem to evolve together."