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Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, revealed the delivery of 260,000 GPUs, which led to enthusiastic reactions, with some calling it a “critical chance to rise into the top three in AI” and a “catalyst for an AI leap forward.” Experts indicate that NVIDIA has secured HBM supply and selected South Korea as an alternative market to circumvent limited access to China. These observations are valid. In my view, Jensen Huang’s choice also considered the hope that South Korea would offer the “blueprint for the future,” a crucial element for leading in next-generation AI chips.

South Korea is considered the nation where AI is most likely to be implemented effectively. From Samsung’s AI Factory and Hyundai’s self-driving cars and robotic production lines to SK Group’s digital twins, Naver and Kakao’s AI data centers, and defense companies’ simulation systems, the country offers a strong foundation for AI semiconductors to thrive. NVIDIA’s GPUs not only manage real-time computations but also capture all data and records generated when AI interacts with the real world—such as sensor inputs, errors, processing speeds, and limitations. In return for high-cost chips, South Korea will offer valuable insights through technology cooperation agreements. GPUs are “instruments that gather feedback from the physical world to develop the next generation.” Based on this input, NVIDIA is anticipated to create new chips aimed at controlling the physical AI market. Jensen Huang is poised to benefit greatly.

He has previously gained advantages from South Korea. When developing the high-performance gaming graphics chip GeForce, the most intense feedback originated from the South Korean market. No other place had an environment where high-spec games were played continuously throughout the year, as seen in Korean PC arcades. These arcades pushed gaming graphics capabilities to their maximum, offering the toughest test for GPU performance. South Korea’s input was crucial to the success of GeForce.

That recollection is probably embedded in Jensen Huang’s approach to design. The sources offering input have evolved from gamers to self-driving cars, robots, AI production facilities, and virtual replicas. I think if South Korea establishes a “technological shortcut” in AI model creation and industrial use more quickly than international rivals, it could yield benefits that exceed the expense of buying GPUs.

Nevertheless, the partnership with NVIDIA carries certain dangers. International IT experts caution that South Korea might become dependent on NVIDIA’s system. After 260,000 or more GPUs and software are integrated into South Korea’s AI framework, it could prove challenging to transition to more affordable, high-performance chips from other semiconductor firms, even if such alternatives arise.

A more challenging issue arises elsewhere: “What if South Korea’s manufacturing essence is transferred through NVIDIA chips and systems to another nation, like the U.S. industry?” The data produced in South Korea could serve as the basis for an “American manufacturing revival.” Jensen Huang has openly stated his commitment to backing President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring back U.S. manufacturing. Should Jensen Huang’s technology align with Trump’s vision, South Korea could encounter a formidable rival in the U.S., following China, within the manufacturing sector.

The 260,000 GPUs represent a “blessing” that will boost innovation in South Korea. Nevertheless, Jensen Huang’s “South Korea user manual,” which seeks to leverage the country as a market and testing area for AI chips, contains pitfalls that might undermine our technological independence and competitive edge. The sole solution is to create global standards using self-reliant technologies in AI services and applications. Otherwise, South Korea’s position at upcoming “AI Kkanbu meetings” could disappear, resulting in the painful recollection of “cargo cult”—focusing on hardware without grasping the true nature of technology.