Korea Tech Daily — 2026-07-26
Samsung and SK Hynix are set to announce $950 billion in major chip supply deals with leading U.S. tech companies during President Lee Jae Myung's Silicon Valley visit, marking a pivotal moment for Korean chipmakers in the global AI race. Meanwhile, Korea is rolling out new government support for overseas startups and AI-powered K-Culture initiatives. SK Hynix and Samsung shares recovered slightly as top investors view recent market slides as buying opportunities.
Korea Tech Daily — 2026-07-26
Top Story
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are poised to announce massive supply agreements worth approximately $950 billion with leading U.S. technology companies during President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Silicon Valley. The partnership includes $750 billion in long-term memory chip supplies from SK Hynix and $200 billion from Samsung to Broadcom, according to Kim Yong-beom, the president's policy adviser. This move represents a strategic effort by Korea's semiconductor leaders to secure their position in the intensifying global AI boom and demonstrates the country's determination to meet surging demand from American tech giants competing in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Samsung · SK Hynix · LG
SK Hynix and Samsung Recover as Top Investors Buy the Dip — Top 1% investors at Mirae Asset Securities net bought SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics on July 24, viewing a 6% market slide as a buying opportunity and signaling confidence in the chipmakers' long-term prospects.
SK Hynix, Samsung Face Critical Earnings Test Amid AI Volatility — SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are set to report earnings while South Korea's stock market grapples with violent swings driven by leveraged chip bets, with investor appetite for memory chips becoming a key bellwether for global AI sentiment.
Naver · Kakao · LINE
Naver and Kakao Expand AI-Driven Advertising Reach — Naver launched "Boost Up" for Instagram and Threads, while Kakao grew advertising revenue 16% year-on-year and expanded into commerce-based advertising, as both platforms accelerate their AI-powered marketing initiatives.
Startups & Investment
Korea Launches 100 Billion Won K-Founder Fund for Overseas Entrepreneurs — South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced a new 100 billion won K-Founder Fund to support overseas Korean entrepreneurs, with plans to nurture 80 global founders as part of expanded efforts to strengthen Korea's startup ecosystem internationally.
President Lee's Silicon Valley Visit Energizes K-Startups — Korean startups based in Silicon Valley are gaining momentum in attracting U.S. venture capital investment, with President Lee's visit spurring calls for expanded government support for Korean-founded firms operating overseas.
Joint Korea-Japan Fund Targets Jeju Island Tech Startups — A new cross-border investment fund is positioning Jeju Island as a tech incubator, partnering Korean and Japanese investors to develop the island's emerging technology startup ecosystem beyond its traditional tourism sector.
Policy & Industry
South Korea Launches $102M K-Culture Value-Up Fund Combining AI and Media IP — Korea unveiled a new $102 million fund to merge artificial intelligence technology with media intellectual property, targeting growth in gaming, music, and screen exports as part of a broader strategy to boost K-Culture competitiveness globally.
Han Seong-sook Faces Test of Turning Korea's AI Policy into Competitive Companies — As Korea's new administration takes office, the focus shifts from policy announcements to execution, testing how government investment, venture capital, and industry coordination can produce globally competitive AI companies.
What to Watch
- Upcoming earnings reports from SK Hynix and Samsung — Both chipmakers' Q2 results will be closely watched for signs of memory chip demand recovery and profitability amid ongoing market volatility driven by leveraged retail positions.
- Confirmation of $950B U.S. chip supply deals — Official announcements expected during President Lee's Silicon Valley meetings will set the tone for Korea's semiconductor strategy and validate the scale of AI infrastructure demand.
- K-Founder Fund and K-Culture Value-Up Fund disbursements — The rollout and first investment allocations from Korea's new 100 billion won startup fund and $102M culture-AI initiative will signal government commitment to supporting innovation beyond traditional chipmaking.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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