Samsung Selects 17 Top Technical Experts as "Masters," Marking Largest Group Ever

12 from Electronics, 2 from Display, 1 from Electro-Mechanics, and More
System Introduced in 2019... Boosting Morale and Nurturing Future Talent

Samsung Group has selected the largest-ever group of "Samsung Masters," the company’s top in-house technical experts across various fields.

On January 4, Samsung announced that it had selected 17 employees as the "2026 Samsung Masters," who represent the company’s top technical specialists in areas such as manufacturing technology and quality. This is the largest number since the Masters system was introduced in 2019, and the number of Samsung affiliates producing Masters also reached a record high of five. In 2024 and 2025, 15 Masters were selected each year.

Samsung Electronics. Yonhap News Agency

Since 2019, Samsung Group has operated the "Samsung Masters" system to foster top technical experts within the company and encourage employee development. Eligible candidates are those who have worked in their respective fields for over 20 years, possess master-level skills and know-how, and demonstrate leadership qualities. This year, 17 employees were selected as Masters: 12 from Samsung Electronics, 2 from Samsung Display, 1 from Samsung SDI, 1 from Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and 1 from Samsung Heavy Industries.

In the DX Division of Samsung Electronics, the following were selected: Lee Sanghoon, a specialist in material processing, surface treatment, and optics for key mobile components; Kim Sangshik, an expert in manufacturing technology for telecom base station products; Seo Seongcheol, a mobile lens mold specialist; Song Wonhwa, a quality expert in home appliance development and manufacturing; Namgung Gyun, who has broad experience in development and quality; Kim Jongyeol, an environmental safety expert with 30 years of experience; and Yoon Kyungseok, a purchasing and supply chain management expert with 31 years of experience.

In the DS Division, which oversees the semiconductor business, the following were named: Na Minjae, a specialist in securing mass production in etching processes; Lee Dongwoo, a CMP equipment specialist; Kang Boseung, an RF/Plasma expert for CVD processes; Park Chan-jae, an infrastructure hook-up technology expert; and Kim Juwu, a non-destructive inspection expert for S.PKG.

Additionally, new Samsung Masters include Gi Seok and Lee Dongyoung from Samsung Display, Ahn Byunghee from Samsung SDI, Kim Gwangsu from Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Lee Jaechang from Samsung Heavy Industries.

Samsung announced on the 4th that it has selected 17 experts as the '2026 Samsung Masters,' representing the company's top in-house technical specialists in areas such as manufacturing technology and quality. This is the largest scale since the establishment of the Masters system in 2019. Samsung

Initially, the system focused on selecting Masters mainly in manufacturing technology, mold, and quality fields, but recently, experts in procurement and environmental safety have also been recognized. The Masters system was expanded to Samsung Electro-Mechanics in 2020, Samsung Display and Samsung SDI in 2021, and since last year, to Samsung Heavy Industries as well.

Employees selected as Masters receive various HR benefits, including an encouragement bonus, a Masters allowance, and priority selection for the "Samsung Senior Track," which allows continued employment after retirement. To date, Samsung has named a total of 86 Masters, helping to retain core technical talent and foster the next generation of experts. In addition, Samsung plans to contribute to strengthening the national industrial ecosystem by supporting international and national skills competitions and expanding the base of technical personnel.