Working alongside major American technology firms, while simultaneously enhancing our own capabilities is crucial. Without this approach, our future will be uncertain.
On June 26 (local time), Ryu Young-sang, Chairperson of the SK Supex Council AI Committee, expressed this viewpoint at the ‘Startup·Venture Campus’ (SVC) in Menlo Park, California, discussing the reasons behind the organization’s backing of AI startups. He mentioned, “Although NVIDIA and AMD chips are available, domestic chips are also essential, which is why we support AI semiconductor companies,” highlighting the importance of working with international technology leaders while strengthening South Korea’s own capabilities.
The SK Group organized the annual event ‘Unite 2026’ for the ‘K-AI Alliance,’ a group of AI companies under its leadership. During his opening speech, Chairman Yoo said, “We hope the companies involved in the K-AI Alliance will serve as a key driver in Korea’s advancement to become one of the top three global AI powers.”
The K-AI Alliance, a “Korean AI startup coalition” headed by SK Group, seeks to enable Korean AI firms to enter international markets together instead of competing separately, promoting the local AI environment through technology and business cooperation. Established under SK Telecom’s initiative in 2023, it was moved to the SK Supex Council this year to encourage collaboration with different group companies, such as SK Hynix. To become a member, at least one person among the CEO or founder must have Korean heritage.
At a press conference, Chairperson Yoo stated, “The AI sector has reached a phase where no individual company can achieve complete competitive advantage on its own,” and highlighted, “True innovation can only happen when the entire AI stack—covering semiconductors, data centers, models, and services—is seamlessly integrated.”
He stated that Korean AI startups hold considerable promise when compared to those in other nations. “I think Korea’s startup environment is stronger than Japan’s or Taiwan’s,” he mentioned. “If a third country, not the U.S. or China, needs to partner, Korean startups will be the preferred option.”
Presenting the alliance members, he mentioned, “Numerous companies are transforming their operations through AI, even without offering AI products.” For instance, the online education platform ‘Weavers Brain’ has substituted 15% of its instructors with digital systems, while ‘Brain Commerce,’ a recruitment agency, extensively uses AI and robots to enhance productivity. Chairperson Yoo stated, “I think companies that are innovating their business models through AI, rather than just being AI providers, have significant potential.”
SK intends to grow the K-AI Alliance to include 100 corporate members, increasing from the present 50. “We will be able to work with a large number of AI startups in South Korea,” he stated.
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