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The Japanese government granted yesterday (19th) the export of photoresist and photoresist applied to semiconductor substrates, one of the Korean export restrictions. Building up the justification for export restrictions, it is interpreted as a measure conscious of meetings with the foreign ministers tomorrow and a decision to extend the Korea-Japan military information protection agreement.

Reporter Park Min-ha's report.

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Earlier this month, the Japanese government switched three items for individual export licenses: high-purity hydrogen fluoride, fluorine polyimide, and photoresist.

These items are key materials for semiconductor and display production.

The Japanese government has received the second export request for photoresists used in the extreme ultraviolet process of semiconductor production lines, following the 7th.

The export destination is known as Samsung Electronics.

The last seven days I granted was three months, but this time six months.

Samsung has secured nine months of photoresist.

Photoresist has been pointed out that the Japanese government's export control justification is less likely to be used for military purposes unlike high purity hydrogen fluoride.

As Japan permits the export of photoresist one after another, the industry is saying that it is 'for regulatory purposes' or 'speed control'.

It is interpreted as conscious of meetings with the diplomatic ministers in Beijing, China, and the decision to extend the Korea-Japan Military Information Protection Agreement tomorrow.

However, export licenses for other items, such as high-purity hydrogen fluoride, have not yet been achieved, so the uncertainty surrounding Japanese export regulations is not resolved.

An official from the Ministry of Industry said, "The permission must be granted, and the export restrictions and whitelist exclusion measures through Japan's individual permits must be completely withdrawn."