Samsung says a data breach revealed some customers’ names, birthdays, and more
VergeNov 25, 2022
The Facts
South Korean prosecutors have indicted a former Samsung executive for allegedly stealing computer chip technology to build a rival factory one mile away from a Samsung plant in the city of Xian, China. The accused executive is also a former vice president at SK Hynix, the world's second-largest chip manufacturer after Samsung.
The unnamed 65-year-old executive is accused of stealing factory blueprints and clean room designs from 2018 and 2019 in his unsuccessful attempt to start a copycat factory. The stolen technology is worth $233M, according to prosecutors.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
If South Korea wants to get tough on leaks to China, it needs to stop building factories in a country notorious for its industrial espionage programs. The South's relentless poaching of technology and talent will only escalate if it continues to expand manufacturing in the Chinese market. Seoul is at risk of losing its technological advantage to the PRC if it does not join the West in tightening its semiconductor trade.
Pro-China narrative
Instead of pointing the finger at China, South Korea would be wise to take a hard look at America's punitive export controls that have forced Chinese firms to target South Korean talent. If America lessened its aggressive and ill-advised export control policy, competition would be much less cutthroat. Seoul cannot afford to begin antagonizing its most important trading partner.
