South Korea has unveiled AI-related agreements worth $950 billion, bringing together Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and leading US technology companies. The announcements highlight intensifying competition to secure advanced semiconductor supplies as global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to accelerate.
The agreements were revealed following an AI summit hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in San Francisco. Besides strengthening technology partnerships, the deals aim to expand chip production, AI infrastructure, and long-term innovation.
South Korea Announces $950 Billion AI Agreements
South Korea confirmed new AI initiatives valued at $950 billion, involving Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and major US technology companies.
SK Group signed agreements worth $750 billion. Among them, SK Hynix’s partnership with Nvidia exceeds $500 billion.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics signed a memorandum of understanding with Broadcom covering up to $200 billion.
The agreement includes cooperation on memory chips, foundry services, and advanced semiconductor packaging.
Together, the announcements represent one of South Korea’s biggest AI and semiconductor initiatives.
Demand for AI Chips Continues to Surge
The latest agreements come as technology companies compete to secure reliable supplies of advanced chips.
Growing demand for artificial intelligence systems has increased pressure on semiconductor manufacturers worldwide.
Consequently, global AI companies are strengthening partnerships with South Korea’s leading memory and semiconductor producers.
These collaborations aim to expand computing infrastructure needed for AI development and deployment.
President Lee Outlines AI Vision
Speaking during the summit, President Lee Jae Myung outlined South Korea’s ambitions for the future of artificial intelligence.
He introduced the “San Francisco AI Declaration,” describing the country’s vision for deeper technological cooperation with the United States.
“I’d like to present a vision for the future of AI and propose global cooperation to make it happen,” Lee said.
Earlier, Lee also held separate meetings with Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang, OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman, Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei, and Broadcom Chief Executive Hock Tan.
The summit also brought together Samsung Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and Naver founder Lee Hae-jin.
Nvidia and SK Group Expand Strategic Partnership
One of the summit’s biggest announcements involved Nvidia and SK Group.
The companies unveiled a $500 billion AI initiative focused on large-scale AI data centres and next-generation memory technology.
The partnership includes long-term cooperation between Nvidia and SK Hynix to secure advanced memory supplies.
Both companies also plan to jointly develop high-bandwidth memory for AI training, AI agents, and physical AI applications.
Additionally, SK Telecom plans to construct a 2-gigawatt AI data centre powered by Nvidia’s Vera Rubin chips and SK Hynix’s HBM4 memory.
The facility is expected to begin operations in 2027.
Samsung Expands Partnership with Broadcom
Samsung Electronics also announced plans to deepen cooperation with Broadcom.
The partnership focuses on developing Broadcom’s next-generation AI accelerator using Samsung’s high-bandwidth memory technology.
Furthermore, Samsung will provide advanced semiconductor manufacturing using sub-2-nanometre processes alongside advanced packaging solutions.
The collaboration strengthens Samsung’s position in the rapidly growing AI semiconductor market.
SK Chairman Warns Chip Demand Will Keep Rising
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said demand for AI memory chips continues to grow beyond previous expectations.
He explained that discussions with Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Broadcom indicate future demand could increase even further.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if, the next time I see (Huang), he’ll tell me those figures were too low and say, ‘I want more,'” Chey said.
He also revealed that Broadcom expects memory demand to exceed available supply.
According to Chey, Anthropic is regularly monitoring future chip availability as it expands its computing capacity.
He added that OpenAI has encouraged SK Group to supply chips directly to support the growing computing needs of ChatGPT.
South Korea Continues Expanding AI Strategy
The latest agreements reflect South Korea’s broader strategy to become a global AI and semiconductor leader.
President Lee is also scheduled to attend a Silicon Valley meeting involving South Korea’s National Pension Service and US venture capital firms.
The meeting aims to encourage greater investment in South Korean start-ups.
Earlier this year, the government also announced state-backed projects involving Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to develop semiconductor production clusters, AI ecosystems, and large-scale AI data centres.
As global competition for AI infrastructure intensifies, South Korea continues strengthening partnerships with leading technology companies while expanding its role in the future of artificial intelligence.
