Samsung Electronics, taking the conclusion of the 2026 wage agreement as an opportunity, decided to raise a total of 5 trillion won over the next five years to invest in building a domestic co-prosperity ecosystem and fostering future talent. As criticism mounts that the gains from the semiconductor supercycle (a boom period) are concentrated in employee bonuses, the move is seen as an effort to strengthen social responsibility as a leading corporation.
Samsung Electronics on the 27th issued a message in the name of its presidents, saying it would raise a total of 5 trillion won over the next five years to invest in "co-prosperity and a sound ecosystem" and "fostering future talent." The message came immediately after Samsung Electronics' wage and collective bargaining agreement was finalized with a labor union vote in favor.
The presidents said, "We will further strengthen our social responsibility so that Samsung's growth and achievements can circulate positively not only to our employees but also to our society." They said they are considering as investment targets support for small and midsize tier-2 and tier-3 partners, the creation of an industrial accident fund, expansion of inclusive finance for vulnerable groups and small self-employed business owners, industry-academia cooperation to foster artificial intelligence (AI) talent, and youth education.
The specific form of contribution will be decided after deliberation by the board of directors and the Samsung Compliance Committee. The presidents said, "Employees, including the labor union, also decided to actively participate in the company's decision."
Samsung Electronics also apologized regarding the labor-management negotiations to date. The presidents said, "We deeply appreciate the interest and support of the public, shareholders, customers, and employees, as well as the government's dedicated assistance," adding, "We once again apologize for the concern and worry we have caused." They continued, "This incident prompted us to reflect on Samsung's management philosophy of 'contributing to the nation through business' and 'people first,'" and added, "We will humbly conduct a deep self-examination of labor-management relations as well as overall management to ensure that this never happens again." They also said, "With relentless technological innovation and bold investment to prepare for the future, we will serve as an unwavering pillar of the Korea economy."
Roh Tae-Moon, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics and head of the DX (finished goods) institutional sector, moved quickly to steady the organization by issuing a separate message to DX employees immediately after the wage-and-collective agreement was reached. Under the agreement, employees of the Device Solutions (DS) institutional sector's Memory Business, which handles semiconductors, are expected to receive bonuses totaling around 600 million won before taxes for those with an annual salary of 100 million won, combining a special management performance bonus and an excess profit incentive (OPI). In contrast, the DX institutional sector, which handles smartphones, home appliances, and TVs, is likely to receive only company shares worth about 6 million won. Due to the market downturn, there is talk that the existing OPI may not be paid or may be reduced in scale.
Roh said, "As the head of the institutional sector, I feel regret and a sense of responsibility that differences in the business environment and conditions are leading to different results by institutional sector," adding, "I take seriously the reality currently facing the DX institutional sector."
He also signaled an intent to personally oversee the restoration of competitiveness in the DX institutional sector and the reestablishment of the foundation for growth. Roh said, "I will take an even more rigorous approach to restoring the competitiveness of the DX institutional sector and rebuilding a trajectory of growth," adding, "I will see and manage firsthand what each business must change, where we must focus more boldly, and what is most urgently needed on the ground."