[News] South Korea Steps Up Push for Next-Generation Power Semiconductors

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has formally launched a task force dedicated to next-generation power semiconductors, appointing Professor Koo Sang-mo of the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering at Kwangwoon University as its head.

Seoul aims to raise the technology self-reliance rate of its next-generation power semiconductors from the current 10% to 20% by 2030. The move signals a strategic shift in semiconductor policy—from primarily supporting R&D to elevating the sector to the level of national strategic infrastructure with a more systematic deployment plan.

According to the roadmap, the task force will advance the initiative in phases: H1 2026: Finalize a technology development roadmap for next-generation power semiconductors. The plan will comprehensively assess performance requirements across key demand sectors and define mid- to long-term R&D priorities spanning the entire value chain, including materials development, manufacturing processes, chip design, and foundry production.

H2 2026: Launch large-scale R&D project planning and initiate policy discussions on related institutional frameworks. In parallel, the group is studying legal revisions and regulatory improvements to ensure domestically developed power semiconductors can be deployed in critical public sectors such as national power grids, AI data centers, and weapons systems. Efforts to strengthen talent cultivation will also be expanded to provide sustained human capital support for the industry’s long-term growth.

(Photo credit: FREEPIK)