South Korea

SK지오센트릭, 에탄 본격 도입…NCC 경쟁력 강화

ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News | Nov. 21, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

SK Geocentric is shifting away from a naphtha-centered feedstock structure by fully introducing ethane to enhance the competitiveness of its naphtha cracking plant (NCC). The company signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK Gas to secure a stable ethane supply chain, improve feedstock economics, and advance the petrochemical industry's structure. The two firms plan to finalize the timing and volumes of ethane supply based on this agreement.

SK Geocentric aims to diversify its feedstock structure and improve process efficiency through ethane introduction, while SK Gas will manage procurement, transportation, price negotiations, and infrastructure development for stable ethane supply, especially in the North American region. Together, they plan an integrated supply chain system from import to consumption, ensuring price competitiveness and supply stability for feedstock.

Ethane offers lower price volatility and higher ethylene production efficiency compared to naphtha and is widely used by major petrochemical companies globally, driven by the expansion of North American shale gas production. Despite maritime transportation and terminal costs, ethane remains cost-competitive due to stable shale gas-based supply. SK Gas is developing ethane storage and handling terminals based on its LPG/LNG infrastructure to supply feedstock reliably to Ulsan petrochemical complex companies, including SK Geocentric.

SK Geocentric’s president Choi An-seop highlighted that the ethane collaboration with SK Gas will enhance NCC competitiveness and stabilize operations amid structural downturns in the petrochemical industry. SK Gas president Yoon Byung-seok emphasized ethane’s potential beyond feedstock, including as a next-generation energy source for hydrogen production and power generation, aiming to accelerate feedstock diversification and industry structural improvements in Korea.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 21, 2025 | UndeterminedInflation

The real purchasing power of the Korean won has dropped to its lowest level since the 2009 global financial crisis, with the real effective exchange rate falling to 90.57 in September 2025, below the baseline of 100 set in 2020. This marks a decline that surpasses even the periods following the December 3 martial law declaration and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. The won’s undervaluation is also evident in the Big Mac Index, which shows Korea’s index at $3.84, 33.6% lower than the US, the largest gap since the index began in 2000.

Several factors contribute to the won’s depreciation, including increased dollar demand from retail investors purchasing US stocks and importers, alongside nearly 9 trillion won in net selling of Korean equities by foreign investors this month. The ongoing Korea-US interest rate inversion, where US rates exceed Korean rates, and expansionary fiscal policies increasing won liquidity further weaken the currency. Uncertainty over the $350 billion US tariff deal and unpredictable US Federal Reserve rate decisions are additional pressures.

The prolonged depreciation poses risks to Korea’s economy, as higher import prices drive domestic inflation and the traditional export advantage from a weaker won has diminished due to Korea’s reliance on imported raw materials. A study by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade found that a 10% drop in the real effective exchange rate lowers conglomerates’ operating margins by 0.29 percentage points. Experts suggest the weak won trend may continue, emphasizing the need for strong export momentum and policies encouraging domestic corporate investment.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with executives from major exporters, including Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor, seeking their cooperation to support government measures intended to stabilize foreign exchange liquidity.

삼성 SK 연구진들, '뉴로모픽 반도체' 시대 문 열었다

Hankyung | Local Language | News | Nov. 21, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

Researchers from SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Seoul National University, led by Professor Lee Jong-ho, have developed advanced AI semiconductor technologies that significantly reduce power consumption and enhance security. These innovations utilize ferroelectric materials and neuromorphic semiconductors, aiming to address increasing power demands and security vulnerabilities in AI, IoT, and related fields.

The research team presented three key achievements at the IEEE 2025 semiconductor technology conference: ultra-low-power ferroelectric memory devices, hardware-based security semiconductors using magnetic tunnel junctions for physically unclonable functions (PUFs), and an integrated intelligent gas sensor system. These technologies demonstrate compatibility with existing CMOS semiconductor processes, facilitating commercialization.

The ultra-low-power memory utilizes a pseudo-lattice structure in hafnium-zirconium oxide to improve polarization and reduce driving voltage, enabling neuromorphic computing hardware. The PUF technology reliably generates secure hardware keys, applicable for authentication and encryption in various devices. The gas sensor system, featuring a novel magnetic cancellation circuit, offers compact, low-power detection for applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial safety.

Lead researchers Yoo Sang-woo and Lee Kyung-min pursued doctoral programs while working at SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, respectively. Professor Lee emphasized the competitiveness of Korea’s semiconductor technology across AI, security, and sensor fields and expressed commitment to advancing commercialization efforts.