SK Hynix and Samsung gained after OpenAI tapped them to supply high-bandwidth memory for its $500bn Stargate project.
SK Hynix shares jumped about 10%, while Samsung Electronics climbed over 3% in Seoul trading Thursday.
Both companies secured major roles in providing HBM for supercomputers powering OpenAI’s massive global AI infrastructure.
Samsung leads worldwide DRAM and NAND production, supplying memory for servers, smartphones, and data centers.
SK Hynix ranks second in DRAM output and dominates high-bandwidth memory, powering Nvidia’s AI chips.
Together, the two South Korean firms control over half the global memory market, shaping prices and technological direction.
AI Supercomputers Drive Massive HBM Demand
High-bandwidth memory enables AI chips to process enormous data volumes at ultra-fast speeds for training large models.
Stargate will deploy AI supercomputers across continents, consuming hundreds of thousands of HBM wafers or stacks monthly.
The project reinforces SK Hynix’s HBM3 dominance and supports Samsung’s expansion into next-generation HBM4 technology.
The initiative will trigger unprecedented capital spending across the AI supply chain and reshape global semiconductor capacity.
HBM’s speed and efficiency make it indispensable for large-scale AI workloads, surpassing standard memory limitations.
Industry experts expect sustained demand to boost innovation and investment in memory chip manufacturing worldwide.
Seoul Strengthens Its Role in Global AI
Hosting Stargate elevates South Korea’s position as a regional technology hub beyond hardware production.
OpenAI and U.S. backers strengthen strategic ties with Korea while reducing reliance on China-sensitive supply chains.
Washington favors allied countries for critical AI infrastructure, and Korea’s memory industry offers scale and political alignment.
The project positions Seoul as a key player in shaping global AI deployment and semiconductor technology.
Korea’s export-driven chip sector benefits from both long-term demand and strategic international partnerships.
The Stargate project may accelerate South Korea’s influence in next-generation AI and memory innovation.
