Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
@haeyoonkim.bsky.social
Korea Tech & Trade Watch: https://koreattw.substack.com/
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Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
@haeyoonkim.bsky.social
· Apr 14
Google vs. South Korea: The Long-Running Dispute Over Map Data
In February, Google once again requested detailed map data from South Korea’s National Geographic Information Institute, under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
koreattw.substack.com
Just launched Korea Tech & Trade Watch — a blog on tech, trade, and geopolitics in East Asia, with a focus on South Korea and Japan.
First post: the Google Maps dispute in Seoul — if you’ve ever tried getting around Korea with it, you’ll get it.
Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more!
First post: the Google Maps dispute in Seoul — if you’ve ever tried getting around Korea with it, you’ll get it.
Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more!
"Under one potential scenario, SK Hynix would lease part of Intel's long-planned chipmaking facility in Ohio, they said. Under another scenario, it could form a venture with Intel and major cloud firms that are keen to lock in memory chip supplies, two of the people said."
EXCLUSIVE: SK Hynix in talks with Intel about deal to make memory chips in US for the first time, sources say
SK Hynix is in talks with Intel about a deal that would see the South Korean company manufacture memory chips on U.S. soil for the first time, three people familiar with the discussions said.
www.reuters.com
September 16, 2026 at 9:20 PM
"Under one potential scenario, SK Hynix would lease part of Intel's long-planned chipmaking facility in Ohio, they said. Under another scenario, it could form a venture with Intel and major cloud firms that are keen to lock in memory chip supplies, two of the people said."
S Korea's first U.S.-bound investment announcement reportedly delayed over three issues: 1. Washington’s push for greater investment in a Texas gas-fired power plant; 2. Seoul’s bid for a larger Westinghouse stake and board seat; 3. Seoul’s concerns over the Alaska LNG project’s commercial viability
Inside the Korea-U.S. $200 billion investment package tug-of-war
Seoul delayed its U.S. investment package as disputes persist over a Texas power plant, a Westinghouse stake and Alaska liquefied natural gas.
www.koreajoongangdaily.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:14 PM
S Korea's first U.S.-bound investment announcement reportedly delayed over three issues: 1. Washington’s push for greater investment in a Texas gas-fired power plant; 2. Seoul’s bid for a larger Westinghouse stake and board seat; 3. Seoul’s concerns over the Alaska LNG project’s commercial viability
“Administrative claims on behalf of the workers... have started to be filed with nine federal agencies... The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI and the Departments of Justice and Labor were among the agencies, it added.”
South Korean workers challenging Trump administration over Georgia raid, CNN reports
More than 300 South Korean workers who were detained in last year’s immigration raid at a Hyundai electric-vehicle manufacturing plant in Georgia are challenging the U.S. government, CNN reported on...
www.reuters.com
September 15, 2026 at 9:30 PM
“Administrative claims on behalf of the workers... have started to be filed with nine federal agencies... The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI and the Departments of Justice and Labor were among the agencies, it added.”
Also note that it primarily covers "state secrets." The catch is that chip recipes and battery formulas may not always qualify — they're often treated as company trade secrets, which can put them outside this expanded espionage law.
South Korea Ramps Up Spy Law to Protect Chip Secrets From China
South Korea is tightening its defenses against industrial espionage with a revised law on spying taking effect this weekend, as the home of global chip giants Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc....
www.bloomberg.com
September 11, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Also note that it primarily covers "state secrets." The catch is that chip recipes and battery formulas may not always qualify — they're often treated as company trade secrets, which can put them outside this expanded espionage law.
Reposted by Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
A subtle way for Canada to retaliate without hurting itself economically would be to file a USMCA Chapter 31 complaint against the Section 338 tariffs, thereby forcing the already overworked USTR staff to spend time litigating.
Trump says he's directed the US General Services Administration, which centralises some federal procurement, to remove Canadian suppliers from its "Multiple Award Schedule" program
September 8, 2026 at 9:31 PM
A subtle way for Canada to retaliate without hurting itself economically would be to file a USMCA Chapter 31 complaint against the Section 338 tariffs, thereby forcing the already overworked USTR staff to spend time litigating.
S Korea wants memory fabs at Gwangju Air Base, where parts of the base are provided to U.S. forces under SOFA. At the same time, Washington is pressing Samsung and SK Hynix to build memory in America, warning of "targeted" chip tariffs. Competing industrial policies risk becoming an alliance issue.
When Memory Fabs Become an Alliance Issue: South Korea’s Gwangju Chip Dilemma
Since South Korea unveiled its plan to clear Gwangju Air Base and turn it into a major semiconductor complex, the project has become more than a question of domestic industrial policy.
koreattw.substack.com
September 8, 2026 at 1:16 PM
S Korea wants memory fabs at Gwangju Air Base, where parts of the base are provided to U.S. forces under SOFA. At the same time, Washington is pressing Samsung and SK Hynix to build memory in America, warning of "targeted" chip tariffs. Competing industrial policies risk becoming an alliance issue.
“'That’s what you should look for in semiconductors: If you build in America, we will give you tariff relief, and if you don’t build in America, you will pay tariffs,' Lutnick said. 'That’s pretty much a very sensible way of doing things, and it’s working.'”
The Trump administration is weighing a fresh round of tariffs on imported semiconductors, potentially escalating levies on foreign chips in a bid to lure more manufacturing to the US, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Wednesday.
Trump to Levy More Chip Tariffs, Exemptions for US Manufacturing
The Trump administration is weighing a fresh round of tariffs on imported semiconductors, potentially escalating levies on foreign chips in a bid to lure more manufacturing to the US, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Wednesday.
bloom.bg
September 2, 2026 at 2:23 PM
“'That’s what you should look for in semiconductors: If you build in America, we will give you tariff relief, and if you don’t build in America, you will pay tariffs,' Lutnick said. 'That’s pretty much a very sensible way of doing things, and it’s working.'”
American Company Before U.S. Congress, Korean Platform in U.S. Court?
At yesterday’s first hearing in a U.S. class action over Coupang’s data leak in South Korea, the company urged the Eastern District of New York to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.
At yesterday’s first hearing in a U.S. class action over Coupang’s data leak in South Korea, the company urged the Eastern District of New York to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.
로비할 땐 ‘미국 기업’ 쿠팡, 집단소송 법정선 ‘한국 플랫폼’ 이중잣대
쿠팡의 대규모 개인정보 유출 사태와 관련한 미국 집단소송의 첫 심리에서 중요 쟁점인 재판 관할권을 놓고 치열한 공방이 이뤄졌다. 쿠팡은 미국 정·관계를 대상으로 한 로비 활동을 할 때는 ‘미국 기반 기업’이라는 점을 부각해 왔지만, 이날 법정에선 한국 고객을 대상으로
www.hani.co.kr
September 2, 2026 at 12:57 PM
American Company Before U.S. Congress, Korean Platform in U.S. Court?
At yesterday’s first hearing in a U.S. class action over Coupang’s data leak in South Korea, the company urged the Eastern District of New York to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.
At yesterday’s first hearing in a U.S. class action over Coupang’s data leak in South Korea, the company urged the Eastern District of New York to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.
On potential retaliatory tariffs on South Korea over Coupang, House Judiciary Committee member Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) said, “President Trump has been very vocal about fairness for American companies and not getting ripped off. So yeah, I think [Trump’s response] could be significant.”
Coupang dispute fuels new U.S. tariff pressure on South Korea
South Korea's dismissal of Congress' allegations that it discriminated against U.S.-based Coupang is straining the country's ties with the U.S., sources said.
www.cnbc.com
August 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM
On potential retaliatory tariffs on South Korea over Coupang, House Judiciary Committee member Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) said, “President Trump has been very vocal about fairness for American companies and not getting ripped off. So yeah, I think [Trump’s response] could be significant.”
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging a formal investigation, including potential Section 301 tariffs, into South Korea’s aggressive regulatory campaign against American companies such as Coupang.
Moreno Calls for Investigation Over South Korea’s Exploitation of American Businesses - Senator Moreno
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) sent a letter to United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer calling for a formal investigation, including potential Section 301 tariffs, into ...
www.moreno.senate.gov
August 28, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging a formal investigation, including potential Section 301 tariffs, into South Korea’s aggressive regulatory campaign against American companies such as Coupang.
Korea Tech & Trade Watch just passed 300 subscribers and 12.9K total views!
A modest milestone, but one I’m proud of in such a niche space covering economic security, supply chains, and tech and trade policy, with a focus on South Korea. Thanks for reading!
Subscribe here: koreattw.substack.com
A modest milestone, but one I’m proud of in such a niche space covering economic security, supply chains, and tech and trade policy, with a focus on South Korea. Thanks for reading!
Subscribe here: koreattw.substack.com
August 27, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Korea Tech & Trade Watch just passed 300 subscribers and 12.9K total views!
A modest milestone, but one I’m proud of in such a niche space covering economic security, supply chains, and tech and trade policy, with a focus on South Korea. Thanks for reading!
Subscribe here: koreattw.substack.com
A modest milestone, but one I’m proud of in such a niche space covering economic security, supply chains, and tech and trade policy, with a focus on South Korea. Thanks for reading!
Subscribe here: koreattw.substack.com
Carney’s “middle powers should unite against Trump” sounds compelling, but who exactly are the middle powers?
The G7 minus the U.S.? The G20 minus the U.S. and China — Russia included? And if we mean pro-trade democracies, does Brazil make the cut?
The G7 minus the U.S.? The G20 minus the U.S. and China — Russia included? And if we mean pro-trade democracies, does Brazil make the cut?
The trade war came too soon for Mark Carney’s middle powers alliance
The Canadian prime minister called for pro-trade democracies to resist great-power coercion together. Seven months later, he is largely fighting Trump alone.
www.politico.eu
August 26, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Carney’s “middle powers should unite against Trump” sounds compelling, but who exactly are the middle powers?
The G7 minus the U.S.? The G20 minus the U.S. and China — Russia included? And if we mean pro-trade democracies, does Brazil make the cut?
The G7 minus the U.S.? The G20 minus the U.S. and China — Russia included? And if we mean pro-trade democracies, does Brazil make the cut?
The U.S. has reportedly proposed that South Korea acquire an equity stake in Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Washington is working with Westinghouse to begin construction of 10 U.S. nuclear reactors by 2030 to support AI infrastructure and is seeking Korean capital and construction expertise.
[단독] 美 '웨스팅하우스 지분 인수' 韓에 제안
[단독] 美 '웨스팅하우스 지분 인수' 韓에 제안, 한전, 공동 지분투자 검토…'팀코러스' 부상 美, 원전 10기 건설에 韓 자본·시공력 끌어들일 포석 지재권 족쇄 풀 기회…대미투자펀드 활용 등 거론
www.hankyung.com
August 25, 2026 at 1:26 AM
The U.S. has reportedly proposed that South Korea acquire an equity stake in Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Washington is working with Westinghouse to begin construction of 10 U.S. nuclear reactors by 2030 to support AI infrastructure and is seeking Korean capital and construction expertise.
"Trump can hurt Canada more than Canada can hurt Trump... But wars are not decided only by the question Who can inflict more pain? Wars are also decided by the question Who can endure more pain? Trump’s failure to accept this truth is why he lost the Iran war—and why he is losing his trade wars."
Donald Trump may lose his trade war with Canada for the same reason he lost the Iran war, @davidfrum.bsky.social argues. theatln.tc/DEAWHbI6
August 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM
"Trump can hurt Canada more than Canada can hurt Trump... But wars are not decided only by the question Who can inflict more pain? Wars are also decided by the question Who can endure more pain? Trump’s failure to accept this truth is why he lost the Iran war—and why he is losing his trade wars."
"'Tariffs are helping accelerate our localization plan. That's very, very simple,' he [CEO Muñoz] said. 'The good thing is that we had already started before tariffs were announced. So in a way it's helping us to accelerate.'"
Hyundai considering U.S. production increase at new Georgia plant, CEO tells CNBC
The potential capacity increase would be part of Hyundai's plan to invest $26 billion in the U.S. through 2028, Hyundai CEO José Muñoz told CNBC.
www.cnbc.com
August 23, 2026 at 8:21 AM
"'Tariffs are helping accelerate our localization plan. That's very, very simple,' he [CEO Muñoz] said. 'The good thing is that we had already started before tariffs were announced. So in a way it's helping us to accelerate.'"
Reposted by Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
SK hynix is reportedly weighing a multi-billion-dollar memory fab in Miyagi — it would be the first Korean chipmaker to build a production base in Japan. Yongin and Honam projects in Korea still proceed as planned. But with Washington pushing for US fabs, the Japan move could sharpen those demands.
[단독] SK하이닉스, 일본에 반도체 공장 짓는다
에스케이(SK)하이닉스가 일본 동북부 미야기현에 수십조원을 들여 메모리 반도체 생산 공장(팹)을 짓는 방안을 추진하고 있는 것으로 확인됐다. 한국 반도체 기업이 일본 내 현지 생산 기지를 조성하기 위해 대규모 투자를 단행하는 첫 사례다. 다만, 일본 투자가 가시화함에
www.hani.co.kr
August 20, 2026 at 11:54 PM
SK hynix is reportedly weighing a multi-billion-dollar memory fab in Miyagi — it would be the first Korean chipmaker to build a production base in Japan. Yongin and Honam projects in Korea still proceed as planned. But with Washington pushing for US fabs, the Japan move could sharpen those demands.
Reposted by Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
What does "digital trade alignment" in the Canada-U.S. deal mean? Canada has already conceded on DST and streaming payments. Reversing on news links likely. But what about limits on data governance? C-22 encryption? C-34 age verification? Access to frontier AI?
www.michaelgeist.ca/2026/08/digi...
www.michaelgeist.ca/2026/08/digi...
Digital Trade Alignment: What May Be in Play in the Canada-U.S. Trade Deal - Michael Geist
Less than two hours before new U.S. tariffs on Canada were set to take effect, U.S. President Trump last night announced a three-day pause, claiming there is a deal “subject to the finalization of doc...
www.michaelgeist.ca
August 19, 2026 at 1:06 PM
What does "digital trade alignment" in the Canada-U.S. deal mean? Canada has already conceded on DST and streaming payments. Reversing on news links likely. But what about limits on data governance? C-22 encryption? C-34 age verification? Access to frontier AI?
www.michaelgeist.ca/2026/08/digi...
www.michaelgeist.ca/2026/08/digi...
A universal income experiment in Taiwan:
"The government would allocate NT$235.7 billion (US$7.4 billion) in next year’s budget to fund a NT$10,000 (US$314) cash payment for every citizen next year as the economy continues to grow, President William Lai (賴清德) announced yesterday."
"The government would allocate NT$235.7 billion (US$7.4 billion) in next year’s budget to fund a NT$10,000 (US$314) cash payment for every citizen next year as the economy continues to grow, President William Lai (賴清德) announced yesterday."
Lai announces NT$10,000 cash handout - Taipei Times
The government would allocate NT$235.7 billion (US$7.4 billion) in next year’s budget to fund a NT$10,000 cash payment for every citizen next year as the economy continues to grow, President William L...
www.taipeitimes.com
August 19, 2026 at 1:36 PM
A universal income experiment in Taiwan:
"The government would allocate NT$235.7 billion (US$7.4 billion) in next year’s budget to fund a NT$10,000 (US$314) cash payment for every citizen next year as the economy continues to grow, President William Lai (賴清德) announced yesterday."
"The government would allocate NT$235.7 billion (US$7.4 billion) in next year’s budget to fund a NT$10,000 (US$314) cash payment for every citizen next year as the economy continues to grow, President William Lai (賴清德) announced yesterday."
Alleged organized theft of Samsung technology by CXMT:
A former Samsung engineer testified that CXMT, China’s largest DRAM maker, “intended from the beginning” to obtain Samsung’s semiconductor technology. He reportedly leaked Samsung’s 18nm DRAM process technology after joining CXMT in 2016.
A former Samsung engineer testified that CXMT, China’s largest DRAM maker, “intended from the beginning” to obtain Samsung’s semiconductor technology. He reportedly leaked Samsung’s 18nm DRAM process technology after joining CXMT in 2016.
Ex-Samsung employee says CXMT ordered theft of chip technology - 매일경제 영문뉴스 펄스(Pulse)
pulse.mk.co.kr
August 19, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Alleged organized theft of Samsung technology by CXMT:
A former Samsung engineer testified that CXMT, China’s largest DRAM maker, “intended from the beginning” to obtain Samsung’s semiconductor technology. He reportedly leaked Samsung’s 18nm DRAM process technology after joining CXMT in 2016.
A former Samsung engineer testified that CXMT, China’s largest DRAM maker, “intended from the beginning” to obtain Samsung’s semiconductor technology. He reportedly leaked Samsung’s 18nm DRAM process technology after joining CXMT in 2016.
"Trump has privately discussed setting up an in-person discussion with Kim during the president’s next trip to Asia, the officials said, which could happen in November when world leaders gather at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Shenzhen, China."
Trump is pushing aides to set up a meeting with Kim Jong Un, hoping to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear-weapons program.
Exclusive | Trump Pushes for Kim Jong Un Meeting This Year
The president attempted nuclear diplomacy with the autocrat during his first term. North Korea’s program has only grown stronger since then.
on.wsj.com
August 19, 2026 at 12:37 AM
"Trump has privately discussed setting up an in-person discussion with Kim during the president’s next trip to Asia, the officials said, which could happen in November when world leaders gather at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Shenzhen, China."
[JoongAng Daily Exclusive] U.S. Pushes Memory Chips as Korea’s First U.S. Project After Seoul Announces Honam Investment.
Details in English in the comments.
Details in English in the comments.
[단독] 미국 “대미투자 1호, 메모리 달라”…호남 투자 발표 뒤 압박 | 중앙일보
미국, 대미투자 1호로 메모리 반도체 요구하며 압박
www.joongang.co.kr
August 18, 2026 at 1:16 AM
[JoongAng Daily Exclusive] U.S. Pushes Memory Chips as Korea’s First U.S. Project After Seoul Announces Honam Investment.
Details in English in the comments.
Details in English in the comments.
Reposted by Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
"Scaling back the exercise is, of course, an insane decision, which does nothing but hurt an ally, and tempt an adversary to think—correctly—that American leadership is feckless."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Trump Will Make South Korea Pay For His Iran Humiliation
His rage is driving him to make irrational policy choices.
www.theatlantic.com
August 17, 2026 at 2:28 AM
"Scaling back the exercise is, of course, an insane decision, which does nothing but hurt an ally, and tempt an adversary to think—correctly—that American leadership is feckless."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
You read him, @simonlester.com
"President Donald Trump is reprising his first-term threats to pull the U.S. back from South Korean military exercises in part because of frustrations over the pace of Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge, according to three people familiar with the discussions."
"President Donald Trump is reprising his first-term threats to pull the U.S. back from South Korean military exercises in part because of frustrations over the pace of Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge, according to three people familiar with the discussions."
August 18, 2026 at 12:02 AM
You read him, @simonlester.com
"President Donald Trump is reprising his first-term threats to pull the U.S. back from South Korean military exercises in part because of frustrations over the pace of Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge, according to three people familiar with the discussions."
"President Donald Trump is reprising his first-term threats to pull the U.S. back from South Korean military exercises in part because of frustrations over the pace of Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge, according to three people familiar with the discussions."
"Substantially reduce" he ordered.
August 16, 2026 at 9:58 PM
"Substantially reduce" he ordered.