CEO Insights Magazine

In Seoul, a hub for technology and innovation, several notable business leaders have emerged, contributing significantly to the region's dynamic industries. One prominent figure among them is Bioh Kim, currently serving as the President of Yield Engineering Systems Korea. With a robust educational foundation in Materials Science and Engineering from Seoul National University, Bioh Kim began his career at Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCO), where he honed his skills in process engineering and management across different divisions.

Bioh Kim's career trajectory took him to the United States, where he played pivotal roles in companies like Semitool (now part of Applied Materials) and EV Group, specializing in semiconductor packaging technologies. His contributions were instrumental in advancing electroplating-based wafer level packaging and developing lead-free solder plating processes that have since become industry standards. Bioh’s leadership journey continued through roles at Nexx Systems, Tokyo Electron, and Applied Materials, where he excelled in business development and global sales as a corporate executive. In 2021, Bioh Kim took on the role of President at Yield Engineering Systems Korea, where he has focused on establishing and expanding the company's footprint in the region. His tenure has been marked by strategic leadership in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, leveraging his deep understanding of both engineering and business dynamics. Under his leadership, Yield Engineering Systems Korea has strengthened its position as a provider of innovative solutions for semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Bioh Kim's career highlights include founding and directing consortia such as EMC-3D (Equipment and Materials Consortium for 3D Integration), demonstrating his commitment to industry collaboration and technological advancement. His achievements in developing through-silicon via (TSV) interconnect technology and his extensive patent portfolio underscore his impact on advancing semiconductor packaging technologies globally.

With over three decades of experience spanning IDM, equipment suppliers, and materials suppliers, Bioh Kim continues to drive growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry. His blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and international leadership experience makes him a pivotal figure in Seoul's business landscape and beyond.

Let’s hear more from him in this one on one interaction.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences Seoul National University offers & what you learned from the campus beyond academics?

Seoul National University, consistently ranked as the top university in Korea, provides students with an unparalleled education. However, what truly sets it apart is the immense pride and confidence instilled in its alumni. The reputation and prestige associated with the name 'Seoul National University' profoundly influence graduates' lives beyond the classroom. The pride and confidence I gained from my alma mater have been instrumental in my professional journey. They have driven me to strive for excellence and achieve my goals, regardless of where I work or who my competitors are. Furthermore, the experience of studying, collaborating, and engaging with some of the brightest minds in the country at Seoul National University has profoundly shaped my thinking. It has encouraged me to delve deeper and think more critically about various topics, both during my academic pursuits and throughout my career.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

In my approach to leadership, I prioritize being a collaborator rather than a mere authority figure. It's essential to me that my team sees me as a leader who shares both the responsibilities and the challenges we encounter on our journey towards achieving goals. I make it a priority to ensure everyone understands our company's long-term vision and our annual operating plan. This clarity not only aligns our efforts but also empowers each team member to contribute effectively towards our collective objectives.

Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is another cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. I strive to provide the team with goals that are challenging yet attainable, fostering a sense of direction without ambiguity. This approach not only motivates but also ensures that our efforts are focused and productive.

Understanding our customers' High Value Problems (HVPs) and how our solutions differentiate us in the market is paramount. By deeply comprehending the challenges our customers face and the unique ways in which we can address them—both technically and commercially—we position ourselves as value-driven partners rather than mere vendors competing solely on price.

Execution is where the rubber meets the road in leadership. Once goals are set and understood, my focus shifts decisively towards achieving them. I emphasize a culture of accountability and a commitment to delivering results on time, without excuses. This disciplined approach not only drives efficiency but also builds trust within the team and with our stakeholders. These principles have guided me throughout my career, ensuring that my teams are not only successful in meeting objectives but also resilient in navigating challenges and driving sustainable growth.

How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization towards the future?

The Semiconductor industry today is rapidly evolving with advancements in AI, Connectivity, Big Data, Cloud computing, and Electrification, each introducing new technologies and architectural changes at a swift pace. Within the realm of Advanced Packaging, which intersects with these technologies, we continually witness new trends and innovations in architecture, technical nodes, stacking/integration methods, and substrate materials.

To keep abreast of these dynamic trends, I actively encourage my team—and myself—to regularly engage in reading relevant articles and technical reports. We attend industry conferences and symposia to glean insights firsthand from leading experts and practitioners. These interactions not only inform us about emerging developments but also provide a deeper understanding of customer perspectives and needs. Given my background in engineering and business development, I place particular emphasis on staying well-informed through these channels. This proactive approach ensures that we remain agile and responsive to industry shifts, enabling us to strategize effectively and position our organization at the forefront of technological advancements.

What were the primary challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a successful leader, & how did you overcome them to achieve professional success?

Transitioning from an engineering role, where success depended largely on personal knowledge and experience, to positions in Business Unit and Sales management posed initial challenges. It required a shift in perspective—a new focus on understanding viewpoints beyond my own, including those of customers, team members, and upper management. Adapting to this change took time as I learned to broaden my outlook and integrate diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.

Another significant challenge was mastering the art of making informed decisions swiftly, often with incomplete information. While intuition played a role, I also recognized the importance of trial and error, starting from simpler scenarios to more complex ones.

In overcoming these challenges, I found that embracing a philosophy of listening more and speaking less was crucial. Recognizing that my team members and customers are true Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), I learned the value of listening attentively and learning from their insights. This openness fostered a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints contributed to more informed decisions. Today, I prioritize empathy, open communication, and a willingness to learn from others, ensuring that decisions are not only informed but also inclusive of diverse perspectives and expertise within the organization.

What are your future aspirations?

Currently, Yield Engineering Systems Korea operates as a subsidiary, primarily focusing on sales and service of YES products from our US headquarters. While selling YES products remains our primary objective in Korea, we are also actively broadening our research and development capabilities through strategic partnerships. Our aim is to position Korea as a hub for technological innovation, supply chain excellence, and contract manufacturing within the entire company.

Looking ahead, my objective is to establish a fully integrated organization within the next three years capable of fulfilling these strategic missions. This includes expanding our manufacturing capabilities and contributing to over 30 percent of the company's total revenue.

Given your extensive industry experience, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the field?

One of the toughest challenges I've faced is navigating uncertainty, especially when priorities shift frequently—whether it's seizing immediate opportunities or staying focused on long-term goals with limited resources.

In such situations, I've learned that maintaining control, much like a pitcher in baseball, is more critical than simply rushing forward. It's essential to take a step back, take a deep breath, and carefully navigate a middle path that balances short-term wins with long-term objectives. Rushing ahead without this balance can lead to emotional reactions and a loss of emotional intelligence, which I've personally experienced.

When you have a clear direction and stand firm, progress may be slower than anticipated, but it remains achievable. Without this clarity, achieving your goals becomes significantly more challenging— if not impossible.

Bioh Kim, President, Yield Engineering Systems Korea

Bioh Kim, President of Yield Engineering Systems Korea, is an accomplished leader with over three decades of experience in the semiconductor industry. He holds degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Seoul National University and has held key roles at Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Semitool, EV Group, Tokyo Electron, and Applied Materials. Kim is renowned for his expertise in advanced packaging and business development.

Hobbies: Playing golf and hiking with my wife

Favorite Cuisine: Seafoods mostly, and like to try a new one from different countries

Favorite Book: Asian history, Religion

Favorite Travel Destination: Beaches like Hawaii as I was born at a harbor city in Korea