The South Korean government has outlined an ambitious objective: to elevate the domestic technology autonomy rate for next-generation power semiconductors from 10% to 20% by the year 2030. This strategic pivot represents a notable shift in South Korea's semiconductor policy landscape. Rather than merely providing support for technological advancements in power semiconductors, the government now regards them as integral components of the nation's strategic infrastructure, necessitating a holistic approach. Power semiconductors play a pivotal role in managing electrical flow within a country's critical infrastructure, encompassing electric vehicles, national power grids, artificial intelligence data centers, defense systems, and robotics. In response to their significance, the South Korean government has established a dedicated 'Next-Generation Power Semiconductor Promotion Team,' led by Professor Gu Sang-mo. Adopting a 'demand-driven' approach, the promotion team identifies and clarifies the performance and specification requirements during the planning phases of key demand industries, including electric vehicles, power grids, AI data centers, and defense. Furthermore, the government intends to allocate funds to foster the development of core technologies and nurture professional expertise. This investment aims to ensure that domestically manufactured power semiconductors can be seamlessly integrated and reliably operate within the nation's core infrastructure.
