Scene from the 53rd Commerce and Industry Day Ceremony
SK hynix announced that at the 53rd Commerce and Industry Day ceremony held on March 31st at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, Hyun-jong Song, President of the Corporate Center, received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, and Chang-ki Park, Team Leader of the Etch Process, was awarded a commendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Commerce Day is a commemorative event established to honor the contributions of business leaders who have driven Korea’s economic growth and to promote the advancement of commerce and industry. At the annual ceremony, awards are presented to businesspeople, workers, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s industrial development.
The ceremony features various honors, including the Order of Industrial Service Merit, the highest national award recognizing exceptional contributions to Korea’s industrial progress and competitiveness, as well as ministerial commendations that celebrate dedication and excellence in the field. Through these recognitions, the event fosters pride within the business community and encourages Korea’s enterprising leaders who continue to power the nation’s future growth.
Securing Leadership in AI Memory and Driving Record Performance
Song was awarded the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in recognition of his contributions to securing leadership in the AI memory market by supporting timely R&D and facility investments and driving company-wide management innovation, which helped SK hynix achieve record-breaking performance for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
Since developing the world’s first HBM1 in 2013, SK hynix has maintained its technological edge through continuous R&D investment. Building on this foundation, Hyun-jong Song supported R&D and facility investments and focused on securing stable HBM3E (5th generation) capacity and supply, and by working as one team with employees, helped the company achieve over 60% market share in the HBM segment (as of Q2 2025).
Song also led efficient investment execution for the mass production of 321-layer 1Tb (Terabit) TLC NAND, which was first developed in the industry in 2024, and supported the company in securing world-class process innovation and mass production stability across not only HBM but all memory product lines. Through these efforts, Song proactively responded to future industrial shifts and deployed key resources in advance, contributing to strengthening Korea’s AI competitiveness.
1HBM (High Bandwidth Memory): A high-value, high-performance DRAM product in which multiple DRAM chips are vertically connected, enabling dramatically faster data processing compared to conventional DRAM. HBM has evolved through the following generations: HBM → HBM2 → HBM2E → HBM3 → HBM3E → HBM4.
In addition, Song laid the foundation for SK hynix’s leap toward becoming a world-class company by driving company-wide operational innovation. He introduced the O/I2 management framework to enhance financial soundness and advanced supply chain management systems, reducing demand forecast error rates. This improvement in operational efficiency enabled the company to respond to market needs in a timely manner, achieving record-breaking results for two consecutive years, in 2024 and 2025.
2O/I (Operation Improvement): A management innovation initiative designed to enhance fundamental competitiveness based on operational excellence that remains resilient to external market fluctuations.
Song also contributed to job creation and ecosystem development, practicing inclusive recruitment in 2025 through an open hiring system regardless of academic background, region, and gender. He advanced semiconductor education through academic–industry partnerships and contract-based programs, fostering future talent. In particular, through its “Youth Hy-Five” youth employment program, a shared-growth initiative with suppliers, the company provides semiconductor job training for job seekers and supports their transition to full-time positions through supplier internships.
In terms of sustainable management, Song advanced efforts to build a low‑carbon, eco‑friendly production system by expanding the use of renewable energy and promoting a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem through supply chain management rooted in shared growth. Song also played a key role in embedding a transparent and ethical corporate culture, helping the company be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies (WMEC). In addition, he supported the solid establishment of existing programs such as Happy Friday, joint annual leave, and flexible work arrangements within the organization, contributing to the spread of a work culture based on autonomy and responsibility.
SK hynix has continuously engaged with its local communities in Icheon and Cheongju. Programs such as Heinstein and Happy AI Study Lab are helping narrow educational gaps and train AI talent. In addition, the company operates diverse social contribution programs—including Happy GPS, Silver Friend, and Happy Moa—to support vulnerable communities, reinforce social safety nets, and create jobs.
Advancing Next-Generation NAND and Manufacturing Innovation
Team Leader Chang-ki Park received the MOTIE Minister’s Commendation for his role in developing key process technologies that enabled the timely advancement and mass production of next-generation NAND and established a safer, more efficient manufacturing environment.
Park developed and commercialized high aspect ratio contact (HARC) etching technology, a core process for semiconductor manufacturing, laying the foundation for cutting-edge NAND development. His innovative cryogenic etching technology significantly reduced cost and improved performance, playing a pivotal role in SK hynix’s world-first development of 238-layer 4D NAND.
During the 321-layer 4D NAND project, Park further improved productivity compared to previous generations, helping the company continue its track record of industry firsts.
Park also took the lead in manufacturing innovation by introducing collaborative robots for equipment maintenance—the first in the company—enhancing efficiency and cutting operational costs. To build a next-generation Autonomous FAB environment, he organized a dedicated task group and launched joint development councils with partners, laying the groundwork for equipment intelligence.
His efforts also delivered substantial green manufacturing outcomes. By replacing high-emission gases in key processes with lower-carbon alternatives, Park reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%, generating great amount of social value.
A Meaningful Achievement Driven by Technology and Dedication
SK hynix stated that these recognition reflects the company’s continued commitment to technological innovation, AI memory leadership, and social value creation achieved through the dedication of all its members.
Hyun-jong Song, who received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, said, “We will continue to strengthen the technological competitiveness of our core products, including HBM, which lead the AI era, in order not only to solidify our leadership in the market but also to help enhance the nation’s export competitiveness.” He added, “At the same time, we will work to advance our corporate culture so that it promotes both employee well-being and local community development, thereby further enhancing our long-term sustainability.
