SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won commits to rapid chip fab construction

SK Group: SK Group is a major South Korean conglomerate with core operations in energy, chemicals, telecommunications, and semiconductors via its SK hynix subsidiary. The group is actively advancing plans for new semiconductor fabrication facilities in the Honam region to support AI-related production needs. Chairman Chey Tae-won recently toured a planned Gwangju site to evaluate infrastructure readiness ahead of construction. Chey Tae-won: Chey Tae-won serves as chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, overseeing the conglomerate's push into AI infrastructure and semiconductor capacity expansion. In early October 2026, he visited the Gwangju military air base site to inspect conditions for a new SK hynix chip fab, focusing on power, water, and permitting issues. He has emphasized the need to build facilities quickly where infrastructure supports rapid development. Expansion Focus: SK hynix is targeting the southwestern region for additional memory chip production sites to complement existing clusters and address persistent supply constraints. Site Assessment: SK Group leadership is conducting on-site reviews of potential fabrication locations to confirm infrastructure availability before proceeding with new chip plant construction. Infrastructure Readiness: Local authorities in the Honam region are advancing plans to relocate military facilities and coordinate power and water supplies for upcoming semiconductor cluster developments.