"What Do 'Sammen' and 'Hamen' Mean?... NYT Highlights Korea's Semiconductor Craze"

"Semiconductor Talk Is Everywhere in Korea"
Introducing Neologisms Like "Samjeonnix" and "Silicon Collar"

The semiconductor boom, which has spread throughout Korean society in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), has also drawn attention in the United States.

The New York Times (NYT), in an article published online on June 11 (local time) titled "The AI and Semiconductor Craze: Take This Quiz on Korean Neologisms and Memes," highlighted the significance of the semiconductor industry in Korean society.

NYT noted that semiconductors have now become one of the most important topics in Korea, reporting, "Conversations about semiconductors can be heard everywhere, from family meals to smoke breaks and even online gaming rooms."

SK hynix headquarters in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

The article also explained that neologisms and memes on Korean online platforms serve as important indicators reflecting the social atmosphere, citing trending expressions such as "Samjeonnix," "Sammen·Hamen," and "Silicon Collar." "Samjeonnix" is a portmanteau of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, while "Sammen·Hamen" is a popular phrase used by investors wishing for the stock prices of these two companies to rise. "Silicon Collar" is a newly coined term referring to those who work in the semiconductor industry.

NYT analyzed that the impact of the semiconductor industry has spread beyond the stock market into various aspects of daily life, as demonstrated by a set of six multiple-choice quiz questions. One question, "For a long time, apartments near subway stations were the most in-demand. So, what is now gaining popularity?" had the answer "company shuttle bus pick-up points." This highlighted the so-called "shuttle zone" phenomenon, where areas near the commuter bus routes of semiconductor companies have become highly sought-after.

Changes in workplace culture were also mentioned. To the question, "What should you wear to make a good impression on others?" the answer was "a vest with 'SK hynix' printed on the back." As semiconductor company employees have become highly admired, the symbols of these companies are now seen as markers of social status.

Changes in the educational sector were also covered. NYT introduced the newly coined term "Hayichihanyaksoo," which adds the 'Ha' from Hynix to the traditional top university tracks in medicine, dentistry, Korean medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. This word reflects the reality that majors in semiconductor contract departments and related academic fields are now as highly sought after as medical schools.

NYT evaluated that "With the growth of the AI industry, Korea's status as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain is rising even higher." It also reported that, as the semiconductor industry's boom has led to stock market gains and improved corporate performance, some employees at large companies are receiving substantial performance bonuses.

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