[Editor's Note] Merck, a leading science and technology company, is making continuous investments to grow the electronics market, including semiconductors and displays, and is actively working to improve the semiconductor supply chain and ensure a stable supply of materials to respond to the shortage of semiconductors. In addition, in Korea, it is strengthening its local material supply capacity through an investment of 600 million euros and is actively contributing to the development of the domestic economy. Meanwhile, our magazine visited Merck, which participated in SEMICON Korea 2023 held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul from the 1st to the 3rd, and interviewed Woo-Kyu Kim, CEO of Merck Korea, about Merck's investment and strategy for overcoming the semiconductor slump.
■ Why is Merck continuing to invest in Korea even though the semiconductor industry is currently facing a difficult situation?

It is true that the semiconductor industry is currently facing a somewhat difficult situation.

It is a difficult situation, especially in the memory sector, but it is clear that all opinions are temporary. In the long term, it is expected to show significant growth.

Looking back at the history of semiconductors over the past 50 years or so, there has been a semiconductor growth of 500 billion euros over the past 50 years. Projections are that it will double in less than a decade.

This story suggests that in order to meet demand, more than 50 mega fabs, such as those currently planned by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, must be built worldwide within the next 10 years.

So, I believe that the future of the overall semiconductor market is very bright, and although there are some difficulties today, I believe that growth will resume soon.

I think this story is going to continue to provide tremendous opportunities for material suppliers and equipment companies like us as new factories come in.

Merck Korea's position is that although the current situation may be difficult for a while, it will continue to make continuous investments for the future.

A year and a half ago, we pledged to invest approximately 3 billion euros globally in the electronics industry.

Among them, it was announced that 600 million euros would be invested in Korea, and this is being continuously implemented, and plans are being made for the next 3 to 4 years.

This expectation of overall semiconductor growth is also very important to the Korean market.

Because two global leaders have established their companies in Korea, Merck Korea will continue to invest to provide continuous support to customers in close proximity.

■ What do you see as the biggest challenge in the semiconductor industry and how is Merck overcoming it?

What we have experienced in the semiconductor market over the past two to three years has been the difficulty of the supply chain.

Demand was growing at an incredibly fast rate, and providing continued supply was a challenge.

We are strengthening R&D and developing new products through continuous investment.We are focusing on providing timely introductions to our customers, while at the same time improving our production capacity and capabilities.

The most challenging issue is how to provide customers with supply chain stability, and Merck is focusing on improving development and production capabilities to address this.