Key facts
- OpenAI Korea General Manager Kim Kyung-hoon believes the AI-driven memory chip boom will continue.
- He emphasized the importance of advanced semiconductors for AI processing.
- OpenAI plans to prioritize partnerships with South Korean semiconductor companies.
- The company highlighted substantial growth in ChatGPT enterprise and general-purpose user numbers in South Korea.
- OpenAI is expanding its cybersecurity project and preparing to scale its local advertising business.
Kim Kyung-hoon, the general manager of OpenAI Korea, expressed confidence in the ongoing AI-driven boom in the memory chip market and affirmed the company's intention to continue prioritizing partnerships with South Korean firms within the semiconductor supply chain. These remarks were made during a press conference in Seoul marking the first anniversary of OpenAI Korea's establishment.
Kim highlighted the critical role of advanced semiconductors in enabling faster and more intricate AI processing, aligning with market optimism following the recent unveiling of OpenAI's latest AI model, GPT-6 Astra. The announcement led to share price increases for major South Korean chipmakers, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Regarding South Korea's efforts to develop its own frontier AI models, Kim viewed the initiative positively, stating it broadens user choices and supports the nation's entire AI ecosystem, from semiconductors to talent development. OpenAI also reported significant user growth for its ChatGPT services in South Korea, with enterprise-grade users increasing 28-fold and users of ChatGPT Work and Codex jumping 14-fold in recent periods. Weekly active users for general ChatGPT models saw a 35 percent year-on-year rise.
OpenAI anticipates this growth trend will accelerate with GPT-6 Astra's deployment. The company is also focused on expanding its cybersecurity project 'Daybreak Partner' with local companies and is preparing to scale its advertising business team in South Korea, having launched an ad-supported service in mid-June.