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1h ago

OpenAI Signs Korean Chip Pacts for Stargate as Seoul Moves to Enable AI Buildout

Seoul signals regulatory support, with a planned 150 trillion won fund to help finance the chip and data‑center builds Stargate will require.

Image
OpenAI logo is seen in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes hands with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during their meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Oct. 1, 2025. (Yonhap)
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Federal Reserve's Integrated Review of the Capital Framework for Large Banks Conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Overview

  • OpenAI signed letters of intent with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to supply memory for the $500 billion Stargate program, with Samsung affiliates set to co-develop data centers including floating offshore facilities.
  • The Ministry of Science and ICT entered an MOU with OpenAI to accelerate public-sector adoption, nurture regional AI ecosystems, and support talent and startups.
  • OpenAI’s projected need is about 900,000 DRAM wafers per month for Stargate, with Samsung and SK Hynix expected to provide a large share, according to company and presidential office statements.
  • Presidential adviser Kim Yong-beom said OpenAI plans joint ventures with Samsung and SK Hynix to build two data centers in South Korea with initial 20 megawatts of capacity, alongside a proposed “Stargate Korea.”
  • President Lee ordered reviews of cross-ownership rules to enable mega investments and highlighted a 150 trillion won public‑private fund as a potential financing source for semiconductor and data‑center projects.