In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a growing call for enhanced economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan, particularly in the semiconductor industry. As demand for semiconductors surges due to advancements in AI technology, experts suggest that both countries should leverage their respective strengths to move beyond simple supply chain collaboration and engage in joint development of next-generation semiconductor technologies.
During the 'Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation Partnership Seminar' held in Yeouido, Seoul, Tomohiko Inui, a professor at Gakushuin University in Japan, emphasized the importance of responding to the rising demand for semiconductors, stating, "It is very important to address semiconductor demand, and it cannot be done solely by Japan." He argued that South Korea and Japan must collaborate by utilizing their strengths.
Inui noted, "While South Korea excels in memory semiconductors, Japan has competitive advantages in analog and power semiconductors, as well as image sensors," urging both nations to expand areas of cooperation rather than competition.
Specific proposals included establishing research hubs for joint research and manufacturing data utilization in next-generation semiconductor technologies, as well as supply chain collaboration involving rare metals. Inui suggested, "Both Japan and South Korea possess advanced technological capabilities, making it necessary to conduct joint research on next-generation semiconductor technologies."
Kim Yang-pyung, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, expressed strong agreement with the idea of building a new cooperative relationship centered on semiconductors in the AI era. He added, "We need to expand Korea-Japan semiconductor cooperation from existing supply chain collaboration to building a joint industrial ecosystem. True cooperation can only be achieved by moving beyond a simple supplier relationship to comprehensive industrial ecosystem collaboration, including joint development of next-generation technologies, pilot projects, investment, and personnel exchanges."
Regarding the establishment of South Korean semiconductor factories in Japan, he stated, "It is more desirable for companies from both countries to jointly invest and link production in new fields such as next-generation semiconductor development or advanced packaging, rather than simply building production facilities in Japan."
Kim Jae-young, an emeritus professor at Seoul National University, identified the factors hindering Korea-Japan cooperation, stating, "It is not malice that obstructs cooperation; it is the difference in response speed." He explained that Japan has strengths in areas requiring long-term technological accumulation, while South Korea excels in mass production and commercialization, highlighting the need to consider differences in industrial and temporal structures.
Kim emphasized the necessity of establishing safety measures, such as joint stockpiling and emergency supply guarantees, rather than solely aiming for complete self-sufficiency. He remarked, "While some may ask if we should not aim for self-sufficiency, there are areas where it is feasible, challenging areas, and areas that are simply impossible."
Kim Kyu-pan, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, explained that for AI cooperation, collaboration between South Korea's semiconductor anchor companies, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, and Japan's manufacturing and equipment firms, along with local R&D cooperation and direct investment by South Korean semiconductor companies in Japan, can drive semiconductor collaboration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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