Korea's semiconductor industry is attracting global attention in the global AI power struggle. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's visit to Korea has led to discussions of various collaborations with domestic companies, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. This move is expected to be a major turning point in expanding Samsung and SK's global AI semiconductor status.
1. Why the Focus on Korean Semiconductors?
1-1. The AI Revolution and the Role of Memory Semiconductors
AI technology requires a massive data processing capacity compared to existing technologies. To support this, high-performance memory semiconductors, especially technologies like HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), are essential.
- The Importance of HBM: For AI semiconductors, high-speed data processing and energy efficiency are crucial, and Samsung and SK Hynix possess world-class technology in this area.
- The emergence of low-cost AI models from China, such as Deep Sake, is expected to dramatically increase the demand for customized memory semiconductors for AI.
1-2. Preparation Status of Key Korean Semiconductor Companies
- SK Hynix: Already occupies a leading position in HBM technology. Through this collaboration, SK plans to expand high-performance memory, such as HBM3E, into the AI market by partnering with OpenAI.
- Samsung Electronics: While considered somewhat behind in HBM, it possesses the capacity to provide a 'total solution' through hardware manufacturing and the development of customized AI semiconductors.
2. Sam Altman's Visit to Korea: Key Directions of Collaboration
2-1. Collaboration Discussions with OpenAI
Sam Altman's discussions with Korean companies, including Samsung and SK Hynix, suggest a strengthening of the collaborative framework in the global AI market.
- OpenAI's Needs: OpenAI is developing its own AI-dedicated terminals and customized semiconductors. Korean companies with semiconductor manufacturing and hardware capabilities have emerged as strategic partners.
- Both Samsung and SK aim to advance AI technology and commercialize semiconductors through this collaboration.
2-2. Samsung's Strategic Direction
- Expansion of the Customized AI Semiconductor Market: Samsung emphasizes 'total service,' providing not only semiconductor development but also smartphones and AI-dedicated hardware terminals.
- The Direct Role of Chairman Lee Jae-yong Following Acquittal: Following the partial resolution of legal risks the previous day, Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong is highly likely to directly establish a long-term collaborative framework with Altman through this meeting.
2-3. SK Hynix's Strategic Direction
- Maximizing HBM Technology: SK is expected to focus on customized memory technology collaboration with OpenAI based on its current top-level HBM technology.
- Chairman Choi Tae-won's Leadership: SK has consistently cultivated a network between Chairman Choi and Altman to secure AI technology. This collaboration will deepen their relationship.
3. Future Outlook: A Quantum Leap for Korean Semiconductors
3-1. Growth of Customized Semiconductors
Along with OpenAI's own semiconductor development efforts, the importance of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) is growing. Samsung and SK occupy leading positions in both technology and production capacity in this area, making them likely to lead the market.
- The Rise of ASICs: Increased demand for AI services requiring customized semiconductors will provide Korean semiconductor companies with a greater foothold in the global market.
3-2. The Global AI War and Korea's Position
- While pressure from China, with companies like Deep Sake, is intensifying, the unique technological capabilities and production efficiency of Korean companies still provide a point of differentiation from competitors.
- With the spread of AI, a surge in demand for memory semiconductors is expected, and Samsung and SK have the opportunity to actively utilize this trend.
Conclusion
The collaboration between OpenAI and Korean semiconductor companies will usher in a new era of technological innovation and securing future AI leadership. Samsung Electronics, with its hardware and AI-adaptive semiconductors, and SK Hynix, with its HBM technology, are expected to lead the global market and further enhance the status of the Korean semiconductor industry.
*Source URL:
https://biz.newdaily.co.kr/site/data/html/2025/02/04/2025020400077.html
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