Samsung Electronics has enlisted two artificial intelligence specialists — deep-learning and computer-vision authority Han Bo-hyung and data-engineering expert Hahn Tai-rin — as part of a broader push to embed AI more deeply across its semiconductor operations.

The hires, announced August 14, 2026, are intended to accelerate Samsung's AI transformation across key areas of its chip business, including chip design, process technology, and manufacturing, with the goal of improving development efficiency and productivity. The move comes as major chipmakers worldwide increasingly turn to AI to optimize fabrication yields, accelerate design cycles, and detect defects earlier in production — areas where incremental gains can translate into significant cost advantages at advanced process nodes.

Han, a fellow recognized for his work in deep learning and computer vision, will lead the development of AI models tailored specifically to semiconductor research and development. Hahn, a data-engineering specialist, will oversee the construction of data pipelines designed for direct use by AI systems, Samsung said.

Academic and Industry Backgrounds

Han Bo-hyung holds bachelor's and master's degrees in computer engineering from Seoul National University and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Maryland, according to the university's faculty profile. He joined the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) as an assistant professor in 2010 and was later promoted to associate professor before moving to Seoul National University, where he currently serves as a professor of electrical and computer engineering. His research spans computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning.

Han was also elected a fellow of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology in 2026, according to the academy's member directory.

Hahn Tai-rin holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Seoul National University and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to Samsung. Prior to joining Samsung, Hahn served as a senior developer at Persona in 2025 and previously worked as a senior data engineering manager at Meta.

Ongoing AI Recruitment

Samsung said it plans to continue recruiting specialists in AI and data, disseminating their expertise throughout the organization as it builds out broader AI capabilities. The company described the initiative as an effort to strengthen its AI transformation capabilities across its entire semiconductor business, which spans memory chips, foundry services, and system LSI — segments where Samsung competes with rivals including SK Hynix, Micron, and TSMC.

Source: The Korea Times