logo
AmCham spotlights AI-era cyber risks, calls for Korea-US cooperation

AmCham spotlights AI-era cyber risks, calls for Korea-US cooperation

Korea Herald16-07-2025
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosted its first Cybersecurity Seminar on Wednesday under the theme 'Cybersecurity as National Security: Global Trends & Industry Lessons,' bringing together senior Korean and US government officials, global business leaders and cybersecurity experts in Seoul.
The event underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity in national and economic security amid escalating AI-driven threats and global digital transformation.
In his opening remarks, James Kim, AmCham chairman and CEO, stressed that cybersecurity must be seen as a cornerstone of national resilience. 'If a highly structured company like SK Telecom can be breached, it shows no organization is completely safe,' he warned.
Korean lawmakers and senior officials — including National Assembly Vice Chair Choi Hyung-du, Ministry of Science and ICT Director General Choi Woo-hyuk, and FBI Legal Attache at the US Embassy Justin Chang — emphasized the urgency of public-private and international cooperation.
'Cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to the corporate domain,' said Choi. 'They now pose real risks to national infrastructure and public safety.'
Keynote speakers included Simon Green, APAC President at Palo Alto Networks, and Lee Ki-joo, Chairman of Korea's CISO Council, who both urged organizations to adopt integrated, AI-ready cybersecurity strategies.
'AI technology has advanced ways of cyber attacks overall. We must rebuild strategies on cybersecurity,' Green stated during his speech. 'Our imperative is to secure AI by design, enabling organizations to innovate bravely and securely in this new era.'
A panel moderated by Professor Kwon Hun-yeong from Korea University addressed the evolution of cyber risks across telecom, finance, and energy sectors, calling for cross-border data sharing and executive-level accountability.
The seminar reaffirmed AmCham's role in promoting US–Korea tech cooperation and advancing a secure digital business environment.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Samsung, LG tighten grip on high-end OLED market with iPhone 17 supply
Samsung, LG tighten grip on high-end OLED market with iPhone 17 supply

Korea Herald

timean hour ago

  • Korea Herald

Samsung, LG tighten grip on high-end OLED market with iPhone 17 supply

High yields, vast IP give Korean display makers decisive edge over Chinese rivals South Korea's top display makers Samsung Display and LG Display are cementing their dominance in the high-end OLED market by becoming the only firms to supply Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup with next-generation low-power panels known as low-temperature polycrystalline oxide OLEDs. According to industry sources Friday, Apple is set to adopt LTPO panels across the new iPhone 17 series, a move that further sidelines Chinese competitors like BOE, which continues to struggle with mass production due to low yields and technological hurdles. LTPO OLEDs, known for reducing power consumption by 15 to 20 percent compared to traditional low-temperature polycrystalline silicon or LTPS OLEDs, have become the gold standard for premium smartphones. Originally developed by Apple in 2014, the technology gained traction only in recent years due to complex manufacturing and high costs. It is now widely used in top-tier models like Samsung's Galaxy Ultra and Apple's iPhone Pro. Samsung and LG's exclusive supply to Apple — the world's largest smartphone maker — highlights their technological edge over Chinese rivals in the lucrative high-end display sector. In the first quarter of this year, the two Korean firms controlled a combined 71.8 percent of the LTPO OLED market, according to Omdia. In contrast, Chinese players, including BOE, TCL CSOT and Visionox, collectively held just 27.8 percent. 'BOE is far from catching up,' said an industry official on condition of anonymity. 'The technical and yield barriers for LTPO remain high, and Korean firms have already built a commanding lead.' Samsung and LG are also ahead in intellectual property. As of 2022, LG held 649 LTPO OLED-related patents and Samsung 376 — significantly outpacing BOE (373), TCL (106) and Tianma (99), across jurisdictions including the US, China and Korea. Looking ahead, Apple is expected to adopt LTPO3, the next-generation iteration of the technology, as early as 2027. Korean firms are already ramping up R&D in anticipation, aiming to widen the performance gap with Chinese competitors. Beyond LTPO, both Samsung and LG are spearheading innovation in other next-generation display formats. Samsung recently unveiled an electroluminescent quantum dot display with an industry-high 4,000-nit peak brightness, while LG introduced its fourth-generation OLED technology, setting a new benchmark in brightness performance. Both companies are also accelerating development in emerging fields such as OLED on silicon for XR and VR devices, as well as rollable and flexible displays, the markets where Chinese manufacturers have yet to gain meaningful traction.

[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line
[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line

Korea Herald

timean hour ago

  • Korea Herald

[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line

Korean battery maker eyes edge over Chinese rivals by diversifying cost-effective battery offerings SK On has begun setting up a pilot line for unidirectional prismatic battery cells at its Daejeon research center this week, as demand grows for this more space-efficient battery format in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. 'Unidirectional' or 'top terminal' cells refer to a battery design in which current flows through terminals placed on the top, optimizing the use of space and simplifying their integration into EVs. Prismatic cells can be made rectangular, unlike the more traditional cylindrical cells. This allows for higher energy density, as there is less empty space between the cells when packed together to make batteries. This initiative marks the completion of SK On's prismatic battery road map, following its earlier launch of a pilot line in 2023 for 'bidirectional' or 'side terminal' prismatic cells, which feature terminals on opposite sides to enhance current distribution and thermal efficiency. 'The initial setup of SK On's unidirectional prismatic battery pilot line — involving equipment delivery, positioning, unpacking, and installation — has start this week,' said an industry source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Full-scale construction will begin next week, focusing on integrating utilities such as electrical connections.' The source added that sample production will commence soon after the line setup is complete, with a mass production schedule to be determined through client negotiations. The move is part of SK On's broader push to narrow the gap with domestic rival Samsung SDI, which already mass-produces unidirectional prismatic cells, while also preparing for large-scale production of bidirectional cells. LG Energy Solution is likewise developing prismatic batteries through a partnership with General Motors in the US and is reportedly building a pilot line at its Ochang plant in North Chungcheong Province. However, the specific type of prismatic cell remains undisclosed. Demand for prismatic battery cells is accelerating due to their high energy density, enhanced safety, and packaging efficiency — qualities that make them well-suited for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems. According to India-based Market Report Analytics, the global prismatic battery market is expected to grow from approximately $25 billion in 2028 to $40 billion by 2033. Automakers including Hyundai Motor Group, GM, Volkswagen, and Ford are increasingly adopting prismatic designs for next-generation EVs and hybrid vehicles. Samsung SDI, for example, signed a seven-year deal with Hyundai Motor in 2023 to supply batteries for its European EV lineup between 2026 and 2032. GM is working with LG Energy Solution on similar deployments. Though SK On has not disclosed specific customers, media reports suggest it may pursue supply deals with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, following a strategic agreement signed last year. Geely owns global brands such as Geely Auto, Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. SK On first unveiled its unidirectional and bidirectional prismatic prototypes at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition in Seoul in March. Industry experts say its expansion into unidirectional designs could help SK On build a more diversified customer base and better compete with Chinese firms such as CATL and CALB. Those companies have primarily focused on bidirectional formats, which are optimal for cell-to-pack systems that eliminate conventional battery modules. In contrast, unidirectional cells are better suited for modular systems, where battery cells are arranged into packs via intermediate modules — still widely favored in many EV platforms.

Seoul's top trade officials press US for tariff relief in last-ditch talks
Seoul's top trade officials press US for tariff relief in last-ditch talks

Korea Herald

timean hour ago

  • Korea Herald

Seoul's top trade officials press US for tariff relief in last-ditch talks

South Korea's top trade officials, including Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, are holding relay talks with their counterparts in the US to reach a deal on tariff reductions. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan urged the US administration to ease tariffs on Korean goods in a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Friday. The high-level talks lasted for roughly 80 minutes. During the meeting, Kim outlined measures to deepen bilateral cooperation between Korea and the US in key strategic manufacturing sectors including, shipbuilding, semiconductor and battery, strongly urging the need to ease tariffs. Kim and Lutnick reaffirmed their commitment to reach a "mutually beneficial resolution" before Aug. 1, the deadline for the tariff negotiations, agreeing to hold further negotiations in the near future, the ministry said. "We will make every effort to ensure that Korean companies are not disadvantaged compared to their peers,' Kim said. 'Based on the recent talks, we will mobilize all available resources to secure the best possible result in the national interest before Aug. 1.' The meeting came a day after high-level trade meeting between Korea and the US was abruptly called off Thursday. With US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent citing "urgent schedule,' Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol canceled the trip to Washington while waiting at Incheon International Airport. The postponement has raised concerns as the tariff deadline looms. Despite the hiccup, Korea's top trade officials, including Kim, are continuing high-level talks to reach an agreement. Kim is to hold another one-on-one talk with Doug Burgum, chair of the US National Energy Council. Prior to meeting with Lutnick, Kim also met with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in clean energy and energy security. Kim further requested Wright's attendance at an event set to take place in Busan next month. Kim is to hold a one-on-one meeting with US National Energy Council Doug Burgum as well. On Wednesday, Trade Minister Yeo held a virtual meeting with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, stressing Korean companies' investments in the US. Yeo is to further hold separate talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, discussing tariff negotiations and cooperation in the energy sector.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store