South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced a plan for his country to invest 9.4 trillion won in artificial intelligence by 2027, with an additional 1.4 trillion won fund to support AI semiconductor firms. This initiative is aimed at maintaining South Korea’s position as a global leader in semiconductor chips, especially as other countries like the United States, China, and Japan are also investing heavily in strengthening their semiconductor supply chains.
Semiconductors are crucial to South Korea’s export-driven economy, with chip exports reaching a two-decade high in March at $11.7 billion. Yoon emphasized the intense competition in the semiconductor industry, referring to it as an “industrial war” and a battle between nations. By increasing investments in AI chips, such as artificial neural processing units and high-bandwidth memory chips, South Korea hopes to boost research and development in this sector and expand its capabilities.
The South Korean government plans to promote the development of next-generation artificial general intelligence and safety technologies, going beyond existing models. Yoon has set ambitious targets for the country to become one of the top three countries in AI technology, especially in chips, and to secure a 10% or more share of the global system semiconductor market by 2030. He aims to establish South Korea as a dominant force in AI chips, similarly to how the country has excelled in memory chips over the past three decades.
Yoon also addressed the recent earthquake in Taiwan, a key player in semiconductors, noting that the impact on South Korean companies was limited so far. However, he emphasized the importance of being prepared for any uncertainties that may arise in the future. The announcement of significant investments in AI reflects South Korea’s commitment to staying ahead in the semiconductor industry and maintaining its competitive edge on the global stage.
Overall, the South Korean government’s plan to invest heavily in AI chips and semiconductor technology demonstrates its determination to retain its position as a leader in the industry. The focus on developing next-generation technologies, such as artificial general intelligence, reflects a long-term vision for South Korea to excel in cutting-edge semiconductor innovations. By setting ambitious targets and earmarking significant funds for research and development, President Yoon aims to ensure that South Korea continues to dominate in the semiconductor market for years to come and writes a new semiconductor myth with AI chips in the next three decades.
