OpenAI CEO Sam Altman held intensive discussions with roughly 50 Samsung leaders spanning electronics, finance, and biotechnology to explore business integration and technological operations. The trip also reportedly included a high-level lunch meeting with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won focused on AI chips, data centers, and high-bandwidth memory supplies. These engagements follow a July conference between Altman and Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee in San Francisco. Together, the visits advance prior agreements where Korean manufacturers pledged to boost production of advanced memory components.
Key points
OpenAI is prioritizing alliances with South Korean firms due to the nation's high global…: OpenAI is prioritizing alliances with South Korean firms due to the nation's high global AI readiness and substantial public-private funding.
Both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have outlined strategic plans to increase the produ…: Both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have outlined strategic plans to increase the production of advanced memory chips for AI systems.
High-level leadership engagements between OpenAI and major Korean conglomerates have been…: High-level leadership engagements between OpenAI and major Korean conglomerates have been steadily accelerating since mid-2025.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made an unannounced visit to South Korea over the weekend, meeting with Samsung executives and reportedly holding talks with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, building on existing partnerships with the country's leading chipmakers.
Samsung said Saturday that Altman met with around 50 executives from its affiliates spanning electronics, finance and biotechnology in Yongin, south of Seoul.
The discussions covered AI developments, potential business opportunities and the technology's impact on corporate decision-making and operations, Samsung said.
Altman also met with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won over lunch Saturday, with senior executives from SK Hynix and SK Telecom in attendance, according to South Korean media reports.
The two sides may have discussed cooperation on AI chips and data centers, including existing plans for high-bandwidth memory supplies and AI data center development, according to local media reports. The participants didn't provide details of the discussions.
SK Hynix told CNBC it was unable to confirm the reported meeting.
Altman also visited South Korea in October 2025, when he met with President Lee Jae Myung, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y.…
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