SK Hynix CEO identifies memory as essential foundation for AI industry

At the Global Forum 2026 in California, SK Hynix CEO Noh-Jung Kwak stated that the artificial intelligence industry cannot exist without memory. While GPUs are often viewed as the center of the AI boom, Kwak emphasized that memory is the essential foundation, as processors require massive amounts of data to be delivered at high speeds to reach full capacity.

As AI models expand and require higher data processing capabilities, the demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and next-generation DRAM is increasing. SK Hynix, one of the world's three largest memory manufacturers alongside Samsung and Micron, is expanding its global production, research infrastructure, and investment in new technologies to maintain its competitive edge.

The company's latest HBM4 technology has already been integrated into Nvidia's Rubin AI accelerators. Looking forward, SK Hynix is developing HBM4E to increase capacity and speed, while also preparing for next-generation memory standards such as LPDDR6 and DDR6 for use in smartphones, personal computers, and servers.