[Mania] The Antique Radio That Made Qualcomm CEO Smile Makes a Comeback

A symbol of shared innovation:
Qualcomm CEO receives a modern A-501 radio reproduction
Celebrating 40 years of partnership rooted in radio technology

On July 21 (local time), Christiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, released a photo of himself smiling broadly while holding a rare vintage item. The item is a modern reinterpretation of the A-501, Korea's first radio, originally produced by LG Electronics 66 years ago. It is a Bluetooth speaker and radio, recreated based on the Geumseongsa A-501.

The first domestically produced vacuum tube radio A-501, manufactured by Geumseongsa, is exhibited at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Baek Jongmin Tech Specialist

CEO Amon explained that he received this as a gift from Joo Wan Cho, CEO of LG Electronics, in celebration of Qualcomm's 40th anniversary, saying, "It symbolizes our joint commitment to shaping the future of technology together." CEO Cho responded in a comment on Amon's post, "To commemorate Qualcomm's 40th anniversary, I prepared a special gift not only as a congratulatory gesture but also to celebrate a new beginning for both companies."

This gift holds special significance because both companies have their origins in 'radio frequency (RF)' technology. Qualcomm is a global semiconductor company that grew through its original code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile communication technology, which utilizes radio waves. Geumseongsa (Goldstar), the predecessor of LG Electronics, also opened the door to Korea's electronics industry by producing the A-501 radio in 1959. This symbolically demonstrates the shared passion for 'wireless' that runs through both companies. The two companies have also maintained a long-standing partnership, having launched the world's first CDMA mobile phone, the Freeway, in 1996.

The A-501, which LG Electronics has recreated amid the retro trend, skillfully combines heritage with modern technology. According to the blogger 'Shagwasam,' an expert in Geumseongsa appliances, the reproduction model has been reduced to about half the size of the original 1959 version. Because it used large vacuum tubes instead of transistor semiconductors, the original A-501 measured 42 cm in width and 18 cm in height. Vacuum tubes are electronic components that were used before the development of semiconductors. The 'Goldstar' logo from 1959 and the perforated pattern on the rear cover have been meticulously restored to preserve the original's sensibility. The air vents on the back, a feature necessitated by the heat generated from vacuum tubes, have also been faithfully reproduced.

Christiano Among, Qualcomm CEO, is holding a reproduction of the first Korean-made radio gifted by Joo Wan Cho, LG Electronics CEO. Photo by LinkedIn

Although the appearance is similar, the difference in functionality clearly reflects the change of eras. The original A-501 was an analog radio that used five vacuum tubes to receive AM and shortwave (SW) broadcasts. In contrast, the A-501 returning after 66 years is a Bluetooth speaker that can be paired with a smartphone. When the included antenna is connected, it can also be used as a radio like the original A-501. However, reflecting technological changes, it only supports FM radio broadcasts.

While the operation and functions have changed, the user experience remains similar. It still offers the tactile satisfaction of turning a dial to find the desired frequency. Shagwasam commented, "When you turn the tuning dial, the frequency is automatically tuned, and the LED in the frequency window moves, making it easy to see where the station is set." Due to the automatic tuning feature, the needle that used to indicate the current frequency is gone, but the visual feedback confirming the exact broadcast frequency has been retained. The 'red tuning lamp' that lights up when a broadcast is received is the finishing touch.

▲A shared foundation in 'radio waves'... A journey toward the future=The A-501 was Korea's first vacuum tube radio and was considered a valuable item and a symbol of advanced technology at the time. The National Heritage Portal introduces the A-501 as "having played an important role in the development of the electronics industry and holding symbolic significance in the history of industrial design." Even at the time of release, it was an expensive and precious item, but now, as a registered cultural property, it is traded among collectors for millions of won.

The world's first CDMA mobile phone, manufactured through a collaboration between the former LG Information and Communications (merged into LG Electronics) and Qualcomm, is exhibited at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. Photo by Baek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

Reflecting on this historical significance, CEO Cho stated, "The A-501 reminds us of where LG Electronics' vision, determination, and pioneering spirit began," adding, "I believe this mindset will drive progress for both LG Electronics and Qualcomm. Let's break down boundaries and move forward together."

The two CEOs met in July last year to share a blueprint for artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration. LG Electronics has maintained a close partnership with Qualcomm since its mobile phone business days. As Qualcomm, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, expands into AI PCs and servers, and LG Electronics transforms from a comprehensive home appliance company into an AI-based smart life solutions provider, the two companies continue their journey together.

Meanwhile, LG Electronics has also unveiled a modern reproduction of the Geumseongsa D-301, Korea's first domestically produced electric fan, 65 years after its original release.