[Reporter’s Notebook] Rare Energy Fills Samsung Seocho Headquarters

A Historic Gathering at Samsung Seocho Headquarters
Korean, American, and Japanese Business Leaders Unite in Korea
AI and Semiconductor Collaboration and Investment Expected
Samsung Must Regain Confidence After Overcoming Successive Risks

On the afternoon of the 4th, despite the biting cold wind, the lobby on the first floor of Samsung Electronics' Seocho building was filled with intense energy. News spread that key figures holding the global artificial intelligence (AI) hegemony were gathering in one place, drawing reporters and industry insiders from early hours.

That morning, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was visiting Korea and carrying out his schedule. When rumors circulated that he would personally meet Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, the atmosphere became even more charged. Earlier, at a developer workshop held in Jung-gu, Seoul, Altman had briefly met with several company representatives, so whether he would come directly to the Seocho building was the main focus. Not only Altman but also Masayoshi Son, Chairman of SoftBank Group, made a surprise visit to Korea, further spotlighting the Seocho building.

In a situation where the US and China are competing for AI supremacy, the meeting of global AI giants holds special significance. This gathering suggested that it would go beyond a simple meeting and lead to strategic cooperation that could shape the future landscape of the AI industry.

However, what stood out even more at the meeting was the atmosphere inside the Seocho building. With Chairman Lee Jae-yong recently acquitted in the appellate trial, resolving his legal risks, and the influx of influential figures, the building was bustling. This meeting is seen as a momentum that strengthens his global management activities.

Samsung Electronics is currently facing a 'crisis theory' due to deteriorating semiconductor performance. The AI industry is emerging as a new breakthrough, and if Samsung participates in the US’s large-scale AI project alliance, 'Stargate,' it is expected to regain influence in the semiconductor and AI fields.

However, the atmosphere in the Seocho building does not represent all aspects of Samsung. A cautious mood still remains. Although the meeting could be viewed positively, Samsung maintained a prudent stance without prior notice or publicity. Yet, as the global AI hegemony competition accelerates, there is growing demand for Samsung to pursue bold strategies to seize AI supremacy beyond mere cooperation.

Samsung Electronics has recently appeared somewhat stagnant. The loss of semiconductor leadership, once characterized by a super-gap, to competitors has had a significant impact. There is a need to seek solutions with a more proactive approach. Since a leading AI technology company representative, who attracts worldwide attention, has requested cooperation, it seems to be an opportunity for Samsung to change the atmosphere. Global alliances will play an important role in securing leadership in the AI era. Expectations are rising that Samsung will accelerate the restoration and strengthening of semiconductor technology competitiveness. The AI industry is a race against time, and technological prowess determines competitiveness. Focusing on technology and strengthening core capabilities is the only way for Samsung to overcome the crisis and secure the future.