[Minute to Read] Samsung’s chip business enters a crucial phase in 2025

The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: May 18.

Jun Young-hyun, head of Samsung Electronics Device Solutions Division, Memory business and Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT)./Samsung Electronics

Samsung’s chip business enters a crucial phase in 2025

Nearly a year into his role as head of Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor division, Jun Young-hyun is spearheading a major overhaul to revive the company’s competitiveness in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and dismantle its bureaucratic culture. While Samsung’s HBM chips still await Nvidia’s validation, Jun has streamlined operations, pushed for cultural reform, and admitted missteps in capitalizing on the AI chip boom. Despite modest gains in memory, challenges remain in the foundry and System LSI units, as Samsung faces rising competition from SK Hynix and Chinese rivals.

A notice about the recent hacking incident is posted at an SK Telecom retail store in central Seoul./News1

SK Telecom data breach larger than initially reported

A government–private probe revealed SK Telecom’s data breach was more extensive than initially reported, compromising nearly 27 million IMSI records—more than its customer base—and potentially affecting users on rival networks. Investigators found 23 infected servers and 25 malware strains, with possible exposure of personal data including names, birthdates, and IMEI codes. While no recent data exfiltration was confirmed, authorities urged SIM card replacements and ordered SK Telecom to audit for further risks.

KOSPI-listed companies saw robust earnings growth in the first quarter of 2025, with double-digit gains in revenue, operating income, and net profit, while KOSDAQ firms posted modest sales growth but sharp declines in profitability. /News1

KOSPI firms report profit surge in Q1; KOSDAQ earnings slip despite sales rise

KOSPI-listed companies posted strong first-quarter results in 2025, with revenue, operating income, and net profit all rising sharply—up 6.65%, 23.47%, and 41.79% year-on-year, respectively—even excluding Samsung Electronics. In contrast, KOSDAQ firms saw only modest sales growth of 4.36%, while operating and net income dropped 2.36% and 26.78%. Pharmaceuticals and IT services were standout performers on the KOSDAQ, but overall profitability declined across more than 40% of listed firms.

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