January 15, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — According to South Korean local media, South Korea established a power semiconductor task force earlier this month, focusing on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices used in electric vehicles, energy systems and industrial equipment.

The report said SiC power technology is undergoing review for designation as a national strategic technology. Once approved, manufacturers would be eligible for tax incentives and government support.

SK Keyfoundry is preparing to begin mass production of SiC power devices as early as the first quarter of 2026. The company is close to completing development of a 1,200-volt SiC MOSFET aimed at high-voltage automotive and industrial applications.

DB HiTek is also making steady progress in GaN development. The foundry has completed a 650-volt GaN process and is supplying GaN multi-project wafers to fabless chip designers. To meet rising demand, DB HiTek is expanding its cleanroom facilities to increase capacity for GaN and SiC devices. The expansion is expected to lift its monthly 8-inch wafer output by about 23%.

The move is intended to narrow South Korea’s gap with Taiwan region and the United States in non-memory semiconductors. While South Korea is a global leader in memory chips, it has yet to achieve a leading position in the non-memory segment.