KMI - Korean Microsystems Inc.

Prior to moving to the United States, D.I. worked at KMI - Korean Microsystems Inc., pictured here.

KMI was established in 1970 at the Bupyung Industrial Estate, located halfway between Seoul and Inchon. It was launched as a subsidiary of AMI - American Microsystems Inc., which was then headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The purpose of KMI was to assemble MOS-LSI semiconductors.

The KMI operation was so successful that the AMI management called it a "Miracle Operation." Within six months, KMI reduced the defect rate from more than 20% (which was being experienced at AMI's Tijuana, Mexico plant) to less than 2%, thanks to the highly disciplined Korean workforce, a tightly-knit team of employees and a well-organized system, all of which quite astonished the management at AMI.

D.I. was a starting member (Badge # 3), in charge of whole operation, the success of which led to a visit by Korean President Park Chung-Hee and President Park later awarded D.I. with the "Medal of Industry" at Korea's Blue House (similar to the American White House) in October 1971.

Bottom Left: Korean President Park Chung-Hee awards D.I. with the "Medal of Industry"
Bottom Right: Visit by President Park,     Upper Right : MOS-LSI, the first product of KMI.

To learn more details about KMI, click here to visit KMI/AMI Section of this Web Site.