Samsung, SK Secure Two-Thirds of ASML's Annual EUV Shipments with $14 Billion Investment

*Editor's Note: 'AI PRISM' (Personalized Report & Insight Summarizing Media) is an 'AI-based customized news recommendation and summarization service' developed with support from the Korea Press Foundation. It selects and provides six customized news items tailored to reader types.

1. "Two-Thirds of EUV Heading to Korea"…Samsung, SK Sweep Up AI Chip Equipment

- Key Summary: Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have secured roughly 40 units — two-thirds of ASML's EUV equipment shipments this year — with investment estimated at approximately 20 trillion won ($14 billion). The two companies plan to execute more than 100 trillion won in capital expenditure (CAPEX) this year, prioritizing EUV equipment as their top investment target. For the first time in eight years, memory manufacturers accounted for 51% of ASML's first-quarter net equipment revenue, surpassing logic (49%). Analysts expect hiring to expand for advanced semiconductor-related roles including equipment operation, process engineering, and materials development.

2. Training 9,000 Security Experts to Boost National Security Competitiveness

- Key Summary: MSIT announced it will push forward with the 'Information Security Industry Promotion Plan,' targeting 30 trillion won in information security industry revenue, 5 trillion won in exports, and 9,000 elite security personnel. The government will simultaneously develop AI-based automated threat analysis and response platforms, distribute AI security assistants for small and medium-sized enterprises, and advance integrated physical security control technology. Programs to train white hackers and AI security specialists sought by industry will also be launched. Analysts predict a significant expansion of new hiring demand in cybersecurity and AI security fields.

3. China's Semiconductor Industry, with AI Chip Self-Sufficiency Over 40%, Relentlessly Targets Korea's Weaknesses

- Key Summary: According to IDC, Chinese companies held a 41% share of their domestic AI chip market last year, with Huawei (20%) leading. Morgan Stanley forecasts China's AI chip self-sufficiency could soar to 76% by 2030. KAIST Professor Yoo Hoi-jun emphasized that Korea needs to leverage its foundry strengths and build an ecosystem where fabless companies, universities, and research institutes can converge. Demand for specialized personnel in non-memory fields — including system semiconductor design (fabless), AI chip architecture, and neuromorphic semiconductors — is expected to expand in earnest.

4. Beyond Online…Naver to Help Offline Businesses with AX Too

- Key Summary: Starting on the 28th, Naver (035420.KS) will launch 'Place School,' an AI transformation (AX) support program for offline businesses, providing education to 8,000 people annually. From June, it will also operate a 'DX Growth Support Program' that analyzes visit, order, reservation, and payment data for 10,000 Place business operators annually. Analysts interpret that digital transformation consultant and AX planning roles — applying AI solutions to the field — are emerging across platform companies.

5. Nursing Homes 'Served by Robots' to Emerge…AI Care Innovation Roadmap Prepared

- Key Summary: The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and MSIT approved the 'AI Care Technology Full-Cycle Support Strategy,' which centers on introducing AI and IoT-based smart home and smart facility models, developing field-applicable technologies by 2027, and advancing 'Physical AI' combined with robotics from 2028 to 2029. Digital transformation in the care field is expected to accelerate, with AI and IoT monitoring replacing night rounds and AI assisting with repetitive record-keeping tasks. Technical specialists leading DX and AX transformation in the care field, along with AI welfare planning roles, are expected to newly emerge.

6. Toss Income, with 82% Revenue Growth, Fiercely Chases Taxtech Leader SamjomSam

- Key Summary: Toss Income recorded 62.3 billion won in revenue last year (up 82% year-on-year), fiercely pursuing market leader SamjomSam (revenue of 83.8 billion won, down 2.8% year-on-year). Toss Income efficiently secured tax refund customers by leveraging the user base of the Toss app, which has 24.8 million MAU. SamjomSam is seeking M&A deals to diversify its business, while Toss Income is prioritizing service stability and technological refinement. Analysts note that demand for AI-based tax service planning, data analysis, and platform operation roles in fintech and taxtech platforms is steadily expanding.