Korea Tech Daily — 2026-07-23
Samsung Electronics launches new RX Business Division focused on physical AI, signaling a major strategic pivot in robotics and autonomous systems. Meanwhile, Korean AI chip startups are experiencing explosive valuations—AIO's valuation quadrupled in six months—while the government channels $108 million into AI-powered K-culture initiatives. South Korea's tech sector continues reshaping itself around AI leadership as retail investors absorb sharp semiconductor volatility.
Korea Tech Daily — 2026-07-23
Top Story
Samsung Electronics Establishes RX Business Division, Pivots Toward Physical AI
Samsung Electronics has formally launched its "RX Business Division" to lead the company's push into physical AI—a strategic move reflecting growing conviction that autonomous robots and AI-powered hardware will define the next computing era. The announcement comes as Samsung's share price has stabilized after weeks of volatility following major semiconductor investment announcements. The RX division positions Samsung to compete directly in robotics and embodied AI, moving beyond traditional chip and display manufacturing into systems that interact with the physical world.
Samsung · SK Hynix · LG
SK Hynix, Samsung Rebound as Chip Exports Hit Record High
South Korea's chip exports surged 180.6% year-on-year to a record high, lifting both Samsung Electronics (+2.05%) and SK Hynix as investor sentiment shifted. The export surge reflects sustained global demand for memory chips used in AI data centers and computing infrastructure, offsetting earlier concerns about market cooling.
South Korea's Tech Market Now Sets Tone for Global Stocks
Global investors increasingly see South Korea's AI-heavy tech sector as a bellwether for worldwide equities. Portfolio managers at major international firms note that Korean semiconductor giants' performance now directly influences global market sentiment. The shift reflects South Korea's dominant position in memory chips critical to AI infrastructure.
KOSPI Gains 4% as Samsung and SK Hynix Stage Comeback
South Korea's KOSPI index surged 4% Tuesday as Samsung and SK Hynix rebounded sharply from earlier declines. Analysts at Morgan Stanley suggested the AI chip correction may be nearing its bottom, signaling renewed investor confidence in the sector after weeks of consolidation.
Naver · Kakao · LINE
Naver Partners with Korea Aerospace Industries on Defense AI Platform
Naver announced a partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to develop an aerospace and defense-focused AI platform, expanding the company's AI capabilities beyond consumer internet services. Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon, KAI CEO Kim Jong-chul, and Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yoo-won signed the agreement, marking Naver's entry into the defense technology sector powered by enterprise AI.
Startups & Investment
AIO Chip Startup Valuation Quadruples to 1.2 Trillion Won in Six Months
Korean AI chip startup AIO reached a valuation of 1.2 trillion won ($900 million USD equivalent), quadrupling its valuation in just six months as demand for NAND controllers and AI-specialized chips surged. The company's rapid ascent reflects investor appetite for domestic chip startups positioned to compete in AI infrastructure markets. Multiple Korean AI chip firms are preparing IPOs as valuations accelerate.
K-Startups Win Over Sequoia, Expand Silicon Valley Presence
Top-tier U.S. venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital and Mayfield are backing Korean-founded deep tech startups, while Silicon Valley-born Korean startups like Moloco are repatriating capital to Korea for hiring and R&D. The shift reflects growing confidence in Korean technical talent and AI capabilities, with Korean founders increasingly visible at major U.S. VCs.
Policy & Industry
Government Allocates $108 Million to AI-Powered K-Culture Initiative
South Korea's government announced a $108 million investment program aimed at using artificial intelligence to amplify the next wave of Korean cultural exports. The initiative positions AI as a core tool for scaling K-pop, K-drama, and Korean entertainment globally, continuing the government's strategy of leveraging technology to sustain the country's cultural dominance.
Four Korean Government Agencies Launch Silicon Valley Hub for Startup Support
Four Korean government agencies have converged at SVC Silicon Valley in Menlo Park to establish a "one-stop hub" supporting Korean startups' U.S. expansion. The hub provides funding, government guarantees, and investment matchmaking services, signaling Seoul's commitment to helping domestic tech companies scale globally.
What to Watch
- Chip export momentum: Monitor whether Korea's 180%+ year-on-year chip export surge sustains into August, as it signals continued global AI infrastructure spending
- AI chip startup IPO pipeline: Multiple Korean AI semiconductor firms are preparing public offerings; watch for filing announcements that could reshape the KOSPI's composition
- Samsung RX Division execution: Track product announcements and partnerships from Samsung's newly launched physical AI unit to assess seriousness of robotics push
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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