SK Hynix and Samsung secured roles in OpenAI’s $500bn Stargate supercomputer project, sparking a surge in their stock prices.
SK Hynix shares jumped nearly 10%, and Samsung Electronics climbed more than 3% after the announcement.
Both companies will supply high-bandwidth memory (HBM), powering the AI infrastructure crucial for large-scale machine learning.
Samsung dominates global DRAM and NAND flash production, serving computers, smartphones, and data centers worldwide.
SK Hynix ranks second in DRAM output and leads in HBM production, critical for Nvidia’s AI processors.
Together, they control over half of the global memory market, influencing prices, supply, and technology direction.
High-Bandwidth Memory Drives Supercomputer Expansion
HBM moves massive data at extreme speeds, enabling AI chips to train and deploy large-scale models efficiently.
Stargate will operate AI supercomputers across continents, requiring hundreds of thousands of HBM wafers or stacks each month.
SK Hynix will supply HBM3, while Samsung accelerates its expansion into next-generation HBM4 memory for future demand.
This massive AI initiative will fuel unprecedented capital spending across the semiconductor and technology supply chains.
The project could reshape global semiconductor capacity and elevate Korea’s role in advanced memory production.
Industry analysts predict Stargate will set a new benchmark for AI infrastructure deployment worldwide.
South Korea Strengthens Regional AI Leadership
Hosting Stargate reinforces Seoul’s ambition to become a regional technology and AI hub beyond hardware manufacturing.
OpenAI’s investment strengthens U.S.–Korea ties while reducing reliance on China-sensitive technology links in AI.
Korea’s export-driven memory sector offers scale and political reliability, aligning with Washington’s strategic technology goals.
By anchoring one of the largest AI infrastructure projects, South Korea positions itself as a critical node in global AI development.
The initiative highlights Seoul’s strategic importance in the emerging international AI supply network.
The project signals a shift toward politically aligned, high-tech partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
