Samsung and SK consider building semiconductor facilities in Japan, prompting mixed online reactions: “What about earthquakes?” “Why not attract Japanese companies?”

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are reportedly considering establishing new semiconductor facilities in Japan. In connection with this, Chairman Choi Tae-won (崔泰源) reportedly said in an interview with Japanese media that Japan and South Korea together could form the world’s fourth-largest economic bloc, with an economy worth around $6 trillion.

Industry sources pointed out that China is plotting acquisitions of Japanese companies, backed by substantial financial resources, and said that strategic cooperation with Japan will become more important than ever if South Korea is to maintain its leadership in the semiconductor industry.

South Korean internet users commented that Japan aims to surpass South Korea in semiconductors, that domestic production of materials, components and equipment should be promoted, and that the global semiconductor industry cannot function without Japanese materials.

Comments expressing concern about earthquake risk and opinions pointing to the influence of labor unions were also seen. The feasibility of establishing facilities in Japan and local labor conditions were cited as areas of interest.