SK Telecom to launch AI data center firm SK Horizon

SK Telecom is restructuring its AI infrastructure business by spinning off the data center and submarine cable operations of its subsidiary, SK Broadband, into a new entity named SK Horizon.

To fund the expansion of this new company, SK Telecom has secured a combined investment of approximately KRW 3.08 trillion ($2.23 billion) from global investment firm KKR and a consortium consisting of IMM Investment and Stonebridge Capital. Following the transaction, SK Telecom will maintain a 51 percent stake and management control, while KKR will hold 29 percent and the IMM-Stonebridge consortium will hold 20 percent.

SK Horizon will manage eight existing data centers in locations including Seocho, Ilsan, Bundang, Gasan, Centum, Yangju, and Pangyo, as well as facilities under construction in Ulsan and Guro, totaling 318 megawatts of capacity. The company will also oversee submarine cable infrastructure. Under the new structure, SK Telecom will direct overall AI data center strategy and global partnerships, while SK Hyper, a subsidiary established in July, will focus on developing gigawatt-scale projects.