Semiconductor waste transformed into art… A Korean startup was behind the work that drew attention at APEC energy diplomacy.

New materials developed from semiconductor waste are being used in the works of world-renowned artist Park Seon-gi.

From material development to process optimization, startup Mitfreude aims to dominate the global jewelry market with sustainable solutions.

An installation art piece unveiled during the 2025 APEC Summit is attracting the attention of world leaders and becoming a hot topic.

This work, by world-renowned installation artist Park Seon-gi, was created with materials provided by the startup Mitfreude. The core of the piece is "RE:Birth Crystal," a new material developed from waste products from the semiconductor manufacturing process. Hundreds of crystal particles appear to float in mid-air, reminiscent of charcoal, one of Park Seon-gi's signature materials, creating a futuristic expression of "circulation."

Artist Park Seon-gi commented, “The beauty of the material and its birth story matched the meaning of ‘cycle’ that the work pursues,” and “The combination of new material and art beautifully expressed the value of sustainability.”

With this APEC project as a starting point, Mitfreude will begin its full-scale entry into the global sustainable fashion and jewelry market.

Mitfreude aims to lead the global jewelry manufacturing industry in sustainability by leveraging its proprietary "RE:Birth Crystal," an upcycled material derived from semiconductor waste, and carbon reduction technologies that automate and streamline existing jewelry manufacturing processes. Furthermore, Mitfreude plans to actively pursue collaborations with global fashion companies by establishing a "Sustainable One Loop Manufacturing System" that integrates design, manufacturing, and distribution, leveraging over a decade of jewelry design experience and collaborations with leading artisans.

Kim Soo-kyung, CEO of Mitfreude, said, “This collaboration with artist Park Seon-gi on materials is an important first step in proving the artistic and industrial potential of Reverse Crystal on the global stage.” She added, “Currently, leading luxury brands in Europe have recognized the value of our materials, and we are in the process of discussing their introduction. Starting with Paris Fashion Week next year, we will begin to enter the global market in earnest and focus on developing global markets and technologies from the beginning to present a new paradigm to the industry.”

Meanwhile, after two years of research and development (R&D), Mitfreude has secured mass production technology for Reverse Crystal. It is currently seeking investment.