Samsung readies $648 billion bet, report says, as AI boom reshapes South Korea
Samsung Group intends to pledge 1,000 trillion won ($648 billion) in investments over the next decade, targeting AI data centers, batteries, displays and a potential 300 trillion‑won chip‑fab project in the southwest of South Korea. The plan will be presented to President Lee Jae Myung and is framed as part of a broader effort to leverage the AI boom for national growth and balanced regional development. Critics argue the initiative is politically motivated and raise concerns about the availability of skilled workers for the new facilities.
- ▪Samsung announced a 1,000 trillion‑won investment plan spanning ten years, with a focus on AI‑related infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing.
- ▪The proposed chip‑fab component could involve up to 300 trillion won to build factories outside the Seoul region, addressing regional development goals.
- ▪Opposition lawmakers claim the investment is driven by political pressure to favor the ruling party’s southwestern stronghold ahead of upcoming elections.
- ▪Experts warn that securing a skilled workforce in the southwest will be crucial for the success of the chip‑fab project.
- ▪Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix declined to comment on the investment details.
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window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-top-billboard" ); window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "oop" ); window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-oop" ); Samsung Samsung readies $648 billion bet, report says, as AI boom reshapes South Korea Jun 26, 2026 2:56 PM PHT Reuters Listen to this article Upgrade to listen Powered by Speechify Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism. SUMMARY This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article. SAMSUNG PLANT. A view shows Samsung Electronics' chip production plant at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on September 7, 2022.
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