Seoul: South Korea's semiconductor technology level has been overtaken by China's in just two years, according to a survey of experts. The Korea Institute of S and T Evaluation and Planning conducted the survey, which involved 39 domestic semiconductor experts, and found that South Korea's basic technology capabilities in semiconductors have fallen behind China in most categories.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the survey results are detailed in a report titled "An In-Depth Analysis of Technology Levels in Three Major Fields." It shows that when the best technology level is considered 100 percent, South Korea scored 90.9 percent in highly integrated, resistance-based memory technology, while China scored 94.1 percent. In high-performance, low-power artificial intelligence semiconductor technology, South Korea marked 84.1 percent compared to China's 88.3 percent. For power semiconductor devices, South Korea stood at 67.5 percent, trailing China's 79.8 percent. Additionally, in next-generation, high-performance sensing technology, South Korea's level was 81.3 percent, below China's 83.9 percent.
The experts involved in the survey also participated in a previous evaluation two years ago, during which they rated South Korea ahead of China in highly integrated, resistance-based memory and advanced semiconductor packaging technologies. However, the current evaluations have reversed, indicating a significant shift in technological standings.
Furthermore, Japan has advanced past South Korea in Nand flash memory technology. Japan's Kioxia has unveiled a prototype that boasts an increase to 332 layers, surpassing South Korea's SK hynix and Samsung Electronics. Currently, SK hynix's ninth-generation, 321-layer products are the only Nand flash memory with more than 320 layers, whereas Samsung's ninth-generation Nand features 286 layers.
Semiconductors are vital to strategic industries, influencing the future of nations. This importance is underscored by the fierce competition between the US and China for dominance in the sector. China's progress is attributed to a decade-long investment of over 1.3 trillion yuan (approximately US$179 billion) into semiconductor projects from 2014 to 2024. Additionally, it has announced plans to invest 1.5 trillion yuan over the next decade.
Japan is also working to revive its semiconductor industry, leveraging its strengths in materials, parts, and equipment sectors. Meanwhile, South Korea is contending with challenges from China and Japan and faces potential tariffs from the US administration under President Donald Trump. Innovation in technology is seen as the key solution for South Korea to overcome these obstacles.
There is an immediate need for legal and institutional support for South Korean chipmakers. However, political distractions are delaying progress. Semiconductor companies seek flexibility in work hours for their R and D professionals, but opposition parties remain firm on keeping the 52-hour workweek regulation.
Jin Roy Ryu, recently reelected as chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that South Korea's business environment is more challenging now than during the 1997 foreign exchange crisis. He emphasized the need for swift legislative action to support high-tech industries, which are crucial for the nation's economic stability and growth. Without timely intervention, South Korea risks falling behind in the global semiconductor race, potentially leading to an economic downturn.