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We met with Tae-geun Kang, CEO of Hot&Cool Inc., a company striving to become the leader in temperature-related fields within the semiconductor industry. In its early days, the company faced hardships when it was unable to receive payments from overseas clients. Today, however, it is recognized as a leading semiconductor equipment utility manufacturer based in Yongin City. Here, he shares his thoughts on the company’s growth and its vision for the future.

Establishing a Foothold in the Semiconductor Industry Hub and Unlocking the Key to Growth

“Hot&Cool is located in Cheoin-gu, Yongin City, the very heart of the semiconductor industry.”

This was the first, almost declarative, statement made when we asked Tae-geun Kang, CEO of Hot&Cool, to introduce his company. His words naturally remind us of Yongin’s pride as a semiconductor hub. Kang himself is a seasoned veteran, having built his career as a semiconductor equipment engineer at a foreign company from his early professional years.

“Semiconductor equipment requires precise control of wafer transfer, gas, pressure, and temperature. Among these, temperature control is one of the most critical factors in running processes. I thought, ‘If temperature is this important, why not create innovative products for semiconductor equipment and related industries using temperature control?’ That’s why I named the company Hot&Cool and took on the challenge of starting the business.”

Hot&Cool is a leading semiconductor equipment utility manufacturer based in Yongin. With the creation of the city’s advanced semiconductor industrial complex, demand for equipment is expected to surge, positioning the company as a highly promising small and strong enterprise.

The company’s business spans three main areas:

Heating Business – temperature-based solutions,

Production of consumables for equipment manufactured by Watkins-Johnson (WJ),

Overhaul services for resonators used in IMP process equipment.

Of these, Hot&Cool’s flagship business is the temperature-related heating solutions.

Kang previously worked as an engineer for WJ’s CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) equipment. The CVD process tends to generate large amounts of powder inside the gas exhaust pipes, which degrades equipment performance and reduces yield. Traditionally, addressing this issue required significant manpower, time, and cost. Hot&Cool’s core technology tackles this challenge by using heat to suppress powder buildup and minimize unwanted deposition.

Its representative products include Heating Jackets and Heating Bellows.

Passion and Precision: Confidence in Quality through Rigorous Testing and Optimal Design

Hot&Cool’s flagship product, the Heating Jacket, has earned recognition for its superior quality compared to competitors. Heating jackets are typically composed of multiple zones, and maintaining consistent temperature uniformity across each zone is notoriously challenging. To address this, Hot&Cool implements diverse testing and optimal design during product development, achieving far better uniformity than its competitors. Moreover, products crafted by skilled specialists boast excellent fastening strength and minimize gaps after installation, underscoring their quality advantage.

At first, the name Hot&Cool might seem a little unusual. But once explained, it clearly reflects the company’s identity and the bold spirit of its founding. For CEO Tae-geun Kang, the name is also a personal motto—representing his determination to run the business with passion, while remaining calm and composed when needed. For employees, Hot&Cool serves as a message of encouragement and motivation.

“Work Hot, Rest Cool!”

Hot&Cool was founded in 2010. From just four employees at the time of its establishment, the company has since grown to a team of 33, including executives and staff. Though there is still a long journey ahead, for CEO Kang, this growth is deeply rewarding, having overcome the daunting challenges of the company’s early days.

“In the early days, when every penny mattered, we once delivered products to a Chinese company but were never paid. There were also times when sales didn’t come in, forcing us to travel abroad to survive through equipment refurbishments and relocations, just to secure operating funds. Even then, we continued product sales efforts and worked to expand our markets. All those difficult and frustrating experiences remain vivid in my memory.”

While many prefer to remember only the good times, Kang believes that even bad memories serve as vital nutrients for growth. He explains that within them lie far more lessons and teachings that cannot be compared.

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“If you think about success, learn with humility and strive with confidence.”

So what is the success philosophy of CEO Tae-geun Kang, who has led his company to thrive as a strong SME despite hardships?

Kang explained that the first principle is to accurately recognize one’s own capabilities and, if there are shortcomings, to maintain a constant willingness to learn. He stressed the importance of humility—acknowledging one’s imperfections without arrogance—and consideration for others.

Secondly, he emphasized that perseverance and unwavering effort are essential conditions for success. He added that if one continues to face adversity with confidence and a positive mindset, good results will eventually follow. Challenges and hardships, he believes, can in fact become a source of energy, serving as a foundation for tackling new endeavors.

The Korean government announced in March plans to establish a National Advanced Industrial Complex, including the creation of the world’s largest semiconductor cluster in Yongin. Kang sees this as both timely and highly promising. With Korea still striving to achieve full independence in semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment, he views this as a golden opportunity to elevate their standards in a short period of time.

He further noted that if leading companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, along with many others in the semiconductor industry, gather in one location to focus on development and production, the resulting synergy could deliver outcomes far greater than anyone expects.

Hot&Cool first registered as a supplier with KEC in Gumi in 2011, followed by SK Siltron and DB HiTek in 2012. In 2014, the company was registered with SK hynix, which has since become its primary customer. CEO Tae-geun Kang expressed his hope that Hot&Cool will soon be registered with Samsung Electronics as well, enabling the company to supply more of its high-quality products.

High-Precision, High-Reliability Technology – Aiming to Become a Hidden Champion

The company’s business in the first half of the year was not immune to the downturn in the semiconductor industry. CEO Kang admitted that even the first half of next year remains uncertain, but emphasized that from the second half of this year, Hot&Cool will focus its R&D on preparing for RE100 (Renewable Energy 100%) and CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism). Looking ahead to the industry’s eventual rebound, the company is preparing to improve product performance and develop new products, with the aim of “harvesting the fruits of hope.”

Hot&Cool also plans to expand into the display business, and in the long term, aspires to leverage its high-precision, high-reliability technology to branch out into diverse fields. The company is also actively pursuing overseas expansion, with the goal of becoming a strong SME and a hidden champion by 2030.