In the second quarter of 2025, Samsung Electronics' semiconductor division reported an operating profit of 400 billion won. This represents more than a 200-fold increase in just one year. Thanks to South Korea's possession of two top-tier global memory semiconductor companies, it is no exaggeration to say that the nation has seized what can be described as "the greatest opportunity since the founding of Gojoseon" amid the historic AI-driven Daejeon scenario.
Alongside these unbelievable profit figures, equally unfamiliar scenes are unfolding. On the occasion of a Cheong Wa Dae event, an unprecedented ultra-large investment plan totaling 4,800 trillion won was announced, and the President's "90-degree fold" gesture toward business leaders dominated newspaper front pages. Last weekend, Woo Ri (President) clinked beer glasses with leading Big Tech giants Gi Eop (CEO) in the United States. Cheong Wa Dae even directly released figures that could estimate the value of long-term supply contracts for specific Big Tech firms such as Samsung.
While the dazzling scenes of "an irreplaceable Republic of Korea" unfold, concerns are also rising within the business community. Critics argue that investment cooperation plans, which should be strategically managed and disclosed by each company, risk being wasted as political events. Some voices warn that since memory semiconductor prices have surged so dramatically, triggering global alerts, showcasing South Korean companies' presence could backfire like a boomerang. Of course, no one openly expresses dissatisfaction. Business insiders simply say, "Silence is golden."
This does not mean companies are being forced to act against their will. Contrary to concerns about so-called "peak-out" fears as semiconductor profitability reaches its peak, the demand explosion experienced by businesses far exceeds expectations. In fact, Samsung and SK have already begun reviewing new fab (factory) construction projects across various global locations, including Gwangju military airbase sites. Above all, the business leaders' determination to contribute to national development is clear. When asked privately, they replied, "I learned this from my father." From a young age, they have held the mindset that supporting a president elected by the people and actively responding to national policies is the proper duty of South Korean entrepreneurs, regardless of the ruling party's orientation.
Of course, we do not wish to doubt the President's sincerity in declaring "the three mega-projects are national decisions" and creating unprecedented opportunities. However, sincerity must be demonstrated through action. At this critical juncture that could determine the nation's fate, while rapidly building infrastructure such as water and power is important, immediate institutional reforms are equally urgent. What is most desired on the ground is an exemption from the 52nd-hour workweek rule. Currently, exemptions are being pursued only within special zones, but given the organic nature of R&D (research and development) organizations, regulations must be lifted across all workplaces. This is not an unreasonable demand; it is a plea to create conditions similar to those in China and the United States, where companies face relentless overnight competition.
in INDUSTRY
