Samsung Chief's Japan Visit Highlights AI Chip Packaging Race as Company Posts Record Quarterly Profit

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited the Advanced Packaging Lab in Yokohama, Japan, for the first time since its opening, emphasizing advanced packaging as a key battleground in AI semiconductor competition. Samsung also reported record Q3 2026 operating profits of 107.4 trillion won, becoming the first global tech company to surpass 100 trillion won in a single quarter. Meanwhile, South Korea's strong semiconductor export boom is masking weak domestic consumption, with retail sales falling for two straight quarters.