SK Hynix and Samsung gained from soaring demand for high-bandwidth memory as OpenAI launched its $500bn Stargate project.
Investors drove SK Hynix shares up nearly 10% and lifted Samsung Electronics more than 3% in Thursday trading.
Both firms secured roles supplying HBM for the supercomputer initiative, cementing their influence in the global chip market.
Samsung leads worldwide DRAM and NAND flash production, powering servers, smartphones, and vast data centers.
SK Hynix ranks second in DRAM output but dominates HBM production, crucial for Nvidia’s AI processors.
Together, they control over half the global memory market, shaping prices, capacity, and innovation across the sector.
Stargate Push Locks in Unprecedented Memory Demand
High-bandwidth memory enables AI chips to transfer enormous data volumes at extreme speeds, far beyond standard memory.
Stargate will build AI supercomputers across continents, requiring hundreds of thousands of HBM stacks monthly.
Industry analysts say such demand could redefine global semiconductor capacity, elevating SK Hynix’s HBM3 dominance.
Samsung aims to expand into next-generation HBM4, leveraging Stargate’s demand surge to challenge its smaller rival.
The massive investment ensures long-term growth across the AI supply chain and cements Korea’s technological leadership.
OpenAI’s project may trigger lasting structural change in chip production and distribution worldwide.
Seoul Emerges as Strategic AI Partner
The initiative strengthens South Korea’s ambitions to evolve beyond hardware into a regional AI hub.
Hosting such vast AI infrastructure deepens Seoul’s role as a key partner for Washington’s technology strategy.
The project diversifies global AI supply chains away from China-sensitive ties while reinforcing U.S.–Korea cooperation.
Korea’s export-driven memory industry offers unmatched scale and political reliability, aligning with Washington’s broader goals.
By anchoring Stargate, South Korea positions itself at the center of next-generation AI development.
This strategic alignment may boost its influence in shaping global AI and semiconductor ecosystems.
