Why a 40-Year-Old Inscription Appeared at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Samsung Semiconductor R&D Complex

Emphasizing 'Original Intention' and 'New Challenges' at Giheung, the Birthplace of Samsung Semiconductor

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] -As a resource-poor peninsula nation, we must find products that suit our natural conditions and are also needed overseas.

-This means high value-added, high-tech products, that is, advanced technology products.

-The global market for advanced industries such as semiconductors and computers is infinitely vast.

-The semiconductor and computer industries not only have large market potential themselves but also have significant ripple effects on other industries. They are eco-friendly, resource-saving, technology- and brain-intensive, high value-added industries that fit our circumstances well and possess international competitiveness.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Giheung Semiconductor R&D Complex' held by Samsung Electronics on the 19th at its Giheung Campus in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, attention was drawn to a large LED screen on site displaying four sentences along with a model of the Giheung plant.

The four sentences are part of remarks made by Samsung’s founder Lee Byung-chul shortly after he boldly announced plans to enter the semiconductor business in February 1983, despite opposition and ridicule from those around him. This so-called 'Tokyo Declaration' explained the purpose and significance of starting the semiconductor business. The original old-style Chinese characters were recently reinterpreted into Hangul for clarity.

Founder Lee pointed out that Korea, lacking resources, must produce products that fit its natural conditions and are needed overseas, emphasizing the need to focus on 'high value-added advanced industries,' specifically citing semiconductors and computer industries. He particularly stressed that advanced industries like semiconductors not only have a broad global market but also have large ripple effects on other industries and are environmentally friendly.

The unveiling of these words at the groundbreaking ceremony after 40 years is seen as highly meaningful. Giheung is where Samsung Electronics officially began its semiconductor business following the 'Tokyo Declaration' and is called the 'birthplace of Samsung semiconductors.' The commemorative event marking the start of construction for a future technology research hub there symbolizes a return to the 'original intention' from 40 years ago and a renewed determination for new challenges.

Indeed, Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong emphasized at the R&D complex groundbreaking ceremony on the 19th, "We are starting a new challenge at the Giheung plant where the first shovel was dug 40 years ago to build a semiconductor factory."

Lee is known to keep the founder’s writings close and frequently reread them, deeply reflecting on their meaning. This is interpreted as recalling the founder’s desperate spirit during the 'Tokyo Declaration' and the need to overcome crises through continuous innovation and bold challenges to maintain and secure global technological superiority. Lee has also treasured the 'Giheung plant model' that the founder once received as a birthday gift from employees.

A business insider said, "Revisiting the words from the 'Tokyo Declaration' 40 years ago at a future-oriented R&D complex groundbreaking ceremony is intended to show the will to return to the original mindset and leap toward a new future through bold and proactive investment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.