Seoul: SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has called for efforts to develop a sustainable business model for artificial intelligence (AI), saying massive investment in the technology must ultimately generate returns to sustain investment and growth. Chey made the remarks Friday at Ulsan Forum 2026, the group's annual gathering in Ulsan, a southeastern industrial city where SK is developing a large-scale AI data center with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chey stressed the importance of establishing viable business models for AI, highlighting the necessity of profits to create a self-sustaining investment framework. He pointed out speed, scale, and safety as critical components of SK's AI strategy, warning of a potential investment bubble if the sector fails to produce sufficient returns.
Chey emphasized achieving economies of scale in the manufacturing sector, noting that the vast data needed for industrial AI requires a nationwide effort. He cautioned that individual companies or regions cannot secure such volume alone, underscoring the need for comprehensive collaboration.
The capacity of SK's AI data center in Ulsan has expanded to nearly 900 megawatts, with further partnerships with global technology companies planned as the project advances. This center, developed with AWS at an estimated cost of 7 trillion won (US$5.2 billion), is set to begin operations in the second half of 2027.