SK Hynix and Samsung surged after OpenAI tapped them to supply high-bandwidth memory for its $500bn Stargate project.
Investors drove SK Hynix shares up nearly 10% and lifted Samsung Electronics more than 3% in Seoul trading.
Both companies now supply the ultra-fast HBM chips powering Nvidia’s AI processors, cementing their influence in global memory markets.
Samsung dominates DRAM and NAND flash production, supplying computers, servers, and smartphones worldwide.
SK Hynix ranks second in DRAM output but leads in HBM, essential for AI workloads.
Together, they control over half the world’s memory market, shaping prices, capacity, and technological trends.
Stargate Demands Massive Memory Supply
High-bandwidth memory enables AI chips to move huge data volumes at extreme speeds, powering large-scale model training.
Stargate will deploy AI supercomputers across multiple continents, requiring hundreds of thousands of HBM wafers monthly.
The project strengthens SK Hynix’s HBM3 position and supports Samsung’s expansion into next-generation HBM4 chips.
This unprecedented demand may redefine global semiconductor production, driving a surge of investment across the AI supply chain.
Analysts expect the initiative to accelerate innovation and reinforce South Korea’s strategic role in memory technology.
The project ensures long-term growth for both firms while solidifying AI infrastructure capabilities worldwide.
Seoul Emerges as Strategic AI Partner
Hosting Stargate positions South Korea as a regional AI hub beyond hardware manufacturing.
The project strengthens U.S.-Korea ties while reducing reliance on China-sensitive technology supply chains.
Korea’s memory sector offers scale and political reliability, aligning with Washington’s global technology strategy.
By anchoring such a large AI project, South Korea cements influence over next-generation AI and semiconductor development.
Seoul leverages Stargate to attract further international technology investments and secure a leadership role in AI.
The initiative highlights the strategic importance of friendly nations in global AI infrastructure projects.
