{"id":2072,"date":"2024-04-22T00:00:50","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T00:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8080\/new-leadership-spotlight-jaeyun-yi-head-of-global-rtc\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T14:55:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T05:55:50","slug":"new-leadership-spotlight-jaeyun-yi-head-of-global-rtc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/new-leadership-spotlight-jaeyun-yi-head-of-global-rtc\/","title":{"rendered":"New Leadership Spotlight: Global RTC Head Jaeyun Yi Aims to Present a New Paradigm for the Future of Semiconductors"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"New<\/p>\n

Jaeyun Yi was appointed as the head of SK hynix\u2019s Global Revolutionary Technology Center (RTC), which conducts research and development of next-generation semiconductors, at the end of 2023. As a seasoned semiconductor device expert, he has led the development of emerging memories*<\/span> including ReRAM*<\/span>, MRAM*<\/span>, PCM*<\/span>, and ACiM*<\/span>, which began with pilot studies of DRAMs.<\/p>\n

*<\/span>Emerging memories: Memory technologies based on newer forms or principles compared to traditional memories such as DRAM or NAND flash. Examples of emerging memories include ReRAM, MRAM, PCM, and FeRAM.
\n*<\/span>Resistive RAM (ReRAM): A semiconductor memory that stores data by applying voltage to simple-structured devices filled with filaments. With a refined process, it offers a high data storage capacity and low power consumption.
\n*<\/span>Magnetic random access memory (MRAM): A semiconductor memory that simultaneously uses charge and spin so that the device\u2019s resistance changes depending on the direction of the spin.
\n*<\/span>Phase-change memory (PCM): A semiconductor memory that stores data by using the phase change of a specific material. It has both the advantages of flash memory of not losing information when powered off and DRAMs that have fast processing speeds.
\n*<\/span>Analog compute-in-memory (ACiM): A technology for next-generation AI semiconductors that removes barriers between computation and memory.<\/p>\n

Yi is credited with helping to lay the foundation for SK hynix\u2019s global competitiveness by establishing the open research platform (ORP)*<\/span>, that was based on his collaboration experience with domestic and foreign semiconductor companies, universities, and research institutes.<\/p>\n

In continuation of the newsroom\u2019s series interviewing the newest members of SK hynix\u2019s executive team, Yi talked about his vision for Global RTC in developing future semiconductor memories and promoting wider collaborations through the ORP.<\/p>\n

*<\/span>Open research platform (ORP): A platform that builds a proactive research and development ecosystem by strengthening partnerships focused on technological innovation. Global RTC operates a Research website (https:\/\/research.skhynix.com) to share insights on its ongoing research of future technologies and to actively communicate with various global research organizations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u25b2 Yi believes that emerging memories will break through the limitations of conventional memories<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n

Emerging Memories to Create Value That Transcends Generations<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cGlobal RTC aims to present the paradigm for the evolution of the future semiconductor industry,\u201d Yi asserted. \u201cEspecially<\/span>, we are developing emerging memories that will unlock the value of next-generation technologies. In addition, we are continuing to conduct foundational research into advanced computing that will overcome the limitations of existing semiconductor technologies. As a new company executive, I will accelerate the achievements of our future research and development to solidify SK hynix\u2019s technological leadership.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Accordingly, Yi anticipates emerging memories will set a new paradigm for the AI era. These technologies are gaining attention as advanced solutions that will break through the limitations of conventional memory. As for SK hynix, its current emerging memory solutions include SOM*<\/span>, spin*<\/span>, synaptic*<\/span> memory, and ACiM.<\/p>\n

*<\/span>Selector-only memory (SOM): A semiconductor consisting of a dual function material (DFM) and two electrodes that can play the role of both memory and selector. A selector is a device that responds to a voltage applied between a word line and a bit line. It allows data to be written or erased on a memory cell based on the difference in voltage across the two ends.
\n*<\/span>Spin: A technology that applies the spin motion of electrons to semiconductors, enabling various forms of memory and devices with ultra-high speed and ultra-low power characteristics.
\n*<\/span>Synaptic: Devices that can mimic the neural networks of the human brain, solving problems caused by traditional computer structures and enabling highly efficient computing structures.<\/p>\n

\"Yi<\/p>\n

\u25b2 Yi anticipates Global RTC to lead the future of the semiconductor industry by developing emerging memories<\/p>\n

\u201cSOM<\/a><\/span> possesses both the characteristics to quickly process data as seen in DRAMs and the ability to store and erase data like NAND flash,\u201d Yi explained. \u201cIt is expected to play an important role in the DRAM and NAND flash markets that are set to see drastic changes. Additionally, Global RTC is developing a variety of future technologies such as the fastest spin device among emerging memories which leverages magnetic properties.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yi also mentioned how Global RTC\u2019s research in other emerging memories is progressing rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are conducting research in synaptic memory, an AI semiconductor that mimics the human brain,\u201d Yi said. \u201cIn addition, we are researching ACiM which reduces data movement between the memory and processor during AI computation while also cutting energy use. This specific technology has recently attracted great interest from both the academic field and our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Yi<\/p>\n

\u25b2 Yi claims Global RTC\u2019s ORP will advance global collaborations<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n

Making SK hynix Shine Brighter in the Global Market<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Yi emphasized that SK hynix needs to strengthen its system of collaboration with those from all walks of life to be more competitive in the rapidly changing global market.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ORP fostered by Global RTC is an open research platform of collaboration that can address the range of future technology demands,\u201d he noted. \u201cAs a result, we are currently discussing possible partnerships with external companies and research organizations.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

He also stressed that \u201cin the future semiconductor market, success will rely on such alliances between various institutions including industry players, academic bodies, and research organizations rather than the efforts of a single company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFurthermore, it is also important to have a new system that promotes open discussions in response to environmental changes,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Through these efforts, Yi is committed to researching customized semiconductor memories to meet diversified needs in the future. Moreover, he touched on the responsibilities that come with being a leader in the global semiconductor industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the data generated by technological advancements such as AI and cloud computing continues to grow, there are concerns over the significant power consumption of these innovations,\u201d he said. \u201cConsequently, Global RTC is continuing to research about efficient energy use so we can achieve our goal of net zero.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n

Pathfinders of Future Technologies: \u201cIt\u2019s All About Taking on Challenges\u201d<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThe recent AI fever that started with ChatGPT is also a huge opportunity for the semiconductor memory field,\u201d Yi stated. \u201cAt this significant time, we need to be pathfinders of future technologies.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

He noted the importance of developing diverse fundamental technologies*<\/span> for the future market just like TSV*<\/span>, which was applied to HBM and transformed the industry downturn into an opportunity.<\/p>\n

*<\/span>Fundamental technologies: A core technology required to implement changes and improvements to product characteristics.
\n*<\/span>Through-silicon via (TSV): A technology that drills thousands of microscopic holes in a DRAM chip and connects the holes in the upper and lower layers of the chip with electrodes that run vertically through them.<\/p>\n

\"Yi<\/p>\n

\u25b2 Yi points to communication, trust, and care in his organization as the cornerstones of success<\/p>\n

\u201cTSV\u2014a vital fundamental technology for HBM\u2014started its research 15 years ago as one of the innovative technologies of the future,\u201d Yi recalled. \u201cEven if it was not developed in anticipation of the AI era, it has become one of the leading AI semiconductor technologies of today. Likewise, we need to work on developing more fundamental technologies for a future that we truly cannot predict.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yi also offered his last words of encouragement to SK hynix employees.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of our hard work has played a part in transforming the past downturn into an opportunity, but we cannot be satisfied just yet,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we are not afraid in the face of new challenges, we can achieve even more than we have in the past. I hope we can make a united effort in taking on challenges by communicating, trusting, and caring for one another.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

<Other articles from this series><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix\u2019s First Female Research Fellow, Vice President Oh Haesoon, on Advancing NAND Flash<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix\u2019s Youngest Exec, Lee Donghun, Discusses Spearheading NAND Flash Development<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

New Leadership Spotlight: Vice President Kitae Kim, Head of HBM Sales & Marketing, on Future-Proofing HBM\u2019s Market Leadership<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

New Leadership Spotlight: Vice President Hoyoung Son Targets SK hynix\u2019s Evolution Into Total AI Memory Provider Through Advanced Packaging Tech<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Leadership Spotlight: Deoksin Kil, Head of Material Development, On Achieving Tech Innovation Through Advanced Materials<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

New Leadership Spotlight: Head of HBM PI Unoh Kwon Aims to Finish SK hynix\u2019s HBM Roadmap & Lead in the AI Era<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix Execs Join Roundtable to Discuss Company\u2019s AI Memory Leadership & Future Market Trends<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jaeyun Yi was appointed as the head of SK hynix\u2019s Global Revolutionary Technology Center (RTC), which conducts research and development of next-generation semiconductors, at the end of 2023. As a seasoned semiconductor device expert, he has led the development of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":2066,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_migrated_source_id":14727,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[603,602,418,601,600],"class_list":["post-2072","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-story","tag-emergingmemory","tag-global-rtc","tag-new-leadership-spotlight","tag-orp","tag-revolutionary-technology-center"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2072"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11696,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072\/revisions\/11696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2072"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2072"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}