Hynix CEO goes to Japan to search for key materials for chip manufacturing

Photo: On July 21, 2019, Hynix CEO Lee Seok-hee left Seoul for Japan

Lee Seok-hee, CEO of South Korean memory chip maker Hynix, flew to Japan on Sunday to find ways to obtain key semiconductor resources after the Japanese government tightened export controls on key semiconductor materials to South Korea, according to foreign media reports.

It is reported that Lee Seok-hee will stay in Japan for a few days to meet with executives of Japanese partners to discuss how to obtain these restricted materials. He also plans to discuss countermeasures against further export restrictions from Japan.

An industry insider said: "It is well known that Hynix took emergency action immediately after Japan announced the export restrictions, and the company's CEO seems to be stepping in because the problem has not shown any signs of being resolved."

Earlier this month, Japan imposed stricter regulations on exports to South Korea of ​​three materials -- photoresist, hydrogen fluoride and fluorinated polyimide -- that are essential for semiconductor and flexible screen production. Japan is said to be planning to expand the restrictions to other industries.

Japan's move alarmed South Korean companies including Samsung, the world's largest memory chipmaker, whose Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee flew to Japan earlier this month to secure emergency supplies of the three materials.