Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
New Samsung mobile chief tasked with Samsung's handset position
By Kim Hyun-bin
SAN FRANCISCO ― Ahead of Samsung's mobile Unpacked event, attention seems to be on how Samsung's new mobile chief Roh Tae-moon will articulate his plans to revive the unit's sagging growth momentum.
Roh 52, is the youngest ever president to be appointed at Samsung and is scheduled to make the opening speech at the upcoming event to be held at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts on Feb. 12 (KST). It will mark his first public appearance since he was assigned the new role on Jan. 20, according to the company.
Roh Tae-moon, head of Samsung Elec. mobile division
By Kim Hyun-bin
According to a Samsung Newsroom article, the mobile chief Roh said he will use his attendance at the scheduled in-house Samsung event to highlight the corporate's efforts for “innovation.” Roh didn't elaborate on how and the article failed to run any specifics of Roh's assessment toward lifting his division.
Roh has been very vocal and instrumental in terms of reducing costs and is regarded as a “firm believer” of outsourcing. He has been tasked with securing the company's bottom line as Samsung's mobile business continues to compete with budget Chinese mobile suppliers like Huawei and Xiaomi in an already saturated market.
Samsung officials remained tight-lipped about whether Roh would reveal anything about the company's detailed mobile strategies during the event. But Samsung officials contacted by The Korea Times hinted that the senior company executive is tasked with expanding into international markets, including India and China, together with promoting its new foldable mobile devices. Samsung's ambitious launch of its Galaxy Fold garnered a lot of attention, but the device failed to impress in terms of sales.
In the article, Roh said his division will move forward in developing foldable devices that will be in sync with fifth-generation (5G), artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (loT) features in an effort to provide more innovative ways of enhancing user experience.
“From now on, innovation will not be made just for the sake of innovation, but open up a new era that provides meaningful and optimal user experience, where privacy is secure and safe for users. It will also provide the means for intellectual links between electronics to people as well as businesses and communities,” he said.
Roh said the Unpacked event acts as a showcase for the global technology community how the company can be the industry leader in terms of growth and development.
One likely strategy for the new mobile boss might be to focus more on increasing its market share in the profitable premium segment and further develop tech-driven features on upcoming flagship devices.
One Samsung official said the company expects a solid rise of 5G smartphones this year thanks to the mobile carriers' shift toward adopting 5G network functionality. “We will become market trend setters and enhance our 5G competitiveness by introducing new designs for foldable phones and other premium products.”
Samsung is also set to debut a clamshell foldable phone during the event. The tentatively named “Galaxy Z Flip” will likely feature advanced specifications, including exceptional Application Processor (AP), increased storage, camera and powerful battery. Even with tech-improved specifications, the phone is expected to be $100 lower than its main competitor Motorola Razr, costing around $1,400.
Arguably the greatest challenge facing Roh is to justify the 30 percent price increase over the competition for its premium mobile devices.
The new mobile chief is reportedly seen as a “hidden force” in developing its flagship Galaxy device lineup and also considered a stickler for design and engineering. He's been trying to improve Samsung's reputation for overall product quality after the company suffered a backlash over its Note 7 device, which was ultimately pulled from the market due to technical issues.
“When you consider design and engineering facts, then the price of mobile devices will go up. He is a cost-cutter and knows why cost-cutting matters. But if Samsung accelerates efforts for cost-cutting, then that will impact the relevant parts eco-system in South Korea. Roh will also be tasked to take on that issue.”