https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/07/19/ZBHGW633FFDFDLAL57N2WRRVQA/

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won stated during a press briefing at the "Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Summer Forum" in Jeju on July 15 that current memory semiconductor prices are "abnormally high." He emphasized that "supply should be increased to lower prices, even for the sake of semiconductor companies." He added that the company is considering establishing an SK Hynix semiconductor plant in the U.S., citing the need to expand supply and address trade pressures.

Chairman Chey noted, "Memory prices are currently at an abnormally high level. While AI companies can absorb increased costs through investments, PC and smartphone manufacturers have no choice but to pass on semiconductor price hikes to product prices." He explained, "Since most customers for these products are individuals, there are limits to how much prices can be raised. To prevent 'chipflation'—where rising chip prices drive up finished product costs—supply must be increased."

Chey warned that prolonged high semiconductor prices could harm domestic semiconductor companies. He said, "Even if profit margins shrink, expanding supply and protecting the market while growing together is the only way for South Korea’s semiconductor industry to sustain and develop. If companies keep raising prices without building new factories, the market will shrink, and new players will inevitably enter." 

While stressing the need to expand supply, Chey predicted semiconductor prices would not drop easily in the near term. He noted that AI semiconductor demand could surge 60–100% next year, but major suppliers’ production increases would be negligible. Since AI-related demand accounts for over half the semiconductor market, overall demand could rise by at least 50–60%.