Jeonnam Province and SK Group Lay Blueprint for Global AI Data Center

Governor Kim Youngrok and AI CIC Head Jeong Seokgeun Meet
Discussing Facility Infrastructure and Future Implementation Plans

Aerial view of Haenam Solarsido, one of the candidate sites for the AI data center. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On December 22, Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, met with Jeong Seokgeun, Head of SK Group's AI CIC, at the Jeonnam Provincial Seoul Central Cooperation Office to discuss collaboration on AI infrastructure, including the establishment of a global AI data center, as well as future plans for its implementation.

Jeong Seokgeun, as the inaugural head of SK Group's AI CIC responsible for overseeing the execution of SK Group's AI strategy, has unified the previously dispersed AI-dedicated organizations within the group, serving as a control tower for formulating and implementing group-wide AI strategies.

This meeting was a follow-up to the discussion on global AI data center collaboration held with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won at the 'SK AI SUMMIT 2025' on November 3. It was arranged to discuss specific implementation measures for the OpenAI-SK Group global AI data center construction plan announced on October 1.

During the meeting, Jeonnam Province and SK Group AI CIC reportedly exchanged broad views on infrastructure development focused on building a global AI data center, as well as the necessary administrative support and future cooperation measures required during the project’s implementation.

They also reached a consensus on fostering Jeonnam as an Asia-Pacific AI hub and agreed to conclude negotiations swiftly through regular working-level consultations.

Going forward, Jeonnam Province plans to continue close consultations with SK Group AI CIC on follow-up discussions for establishing the AI data center. The province will actively support the project by promptly providing on-site assistance in areas such as administration, electricity, site selection, and permits, ensuring smooth progress.

Governor Kim Youngrok emphasized, "The global AI data center is not merely a project for a single company, but a large-scale national initiative," adding, "We will establish a tripartite consultative body comprising Jeonnam Province, the central government, and SK Group, and provide active support to ensure Jeonnam develops into a true global AI hub."