The Semiconductor Society, representing the domestic semiconductor academic community, expressed concern over the total strike at Samsung Electronics. On May 17, the society's president, Choi Ki-young, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, stated, "The total strike at Samsung Electronics will have a devastating impact on the entire ecosystem of the domestic semiconductor industry," urging both labor and management to avoid the strike.
He further noted, "If negotiations are prolonged or production disruptions accumulate, the repercussions will extend beyond the parties involved to affect suppliers, the research community, and the training of future personnel."
Professor Choi emphasized, "The semiconductor industry has accounted for over 20% of national exports and is now nearing 40%, serving as a pillar of the South Korean economy. Samsung's semiconductor division is a crucial part of that pillar. Suppliers of materials, components, and equipment, as well as professors and students in the society, have all grown through research and communication within the Samsung semiconductor ecosystem."
He added, "Currently, the world is making the largest-scale semiconductor investments in history to keep pace with the AI revolution. It is time for South Korea to unite to secure advanced semiconductor technology for the AI era."
Finally, he earnestly appealed, "At this critically important time for the nation, both labor and management should deeply consider the potentially devastating effects on the national economy and the entire semiconductor industry and strive to conclude negotiations amicably."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.