SKT가 그리는 ‘아시아 AI 인프라 허브’ – 정석근 AI CIC장 인터뷰

SK Telecom announced a vision to become an 'Asia AI Infrastructure Hub' in early July, aiming to secure high-performance computing infrastructure amid rising AI model training and inference demands. The company plans to consolidate SK Group’s end-to-end AI capabilities—spanning telecommunications, semiconductors, energy solutions, and data center construction and operation—through a newly established entity, SK하이퍼. The initiative includes a ₩750 billion investment by 2030, with 정석근, SKT AI CIC head, appointed as CEO to oversee AI data center (AI DC) development and integration efforts across the group.

AI data centers differ from traditional facilities by integrating thousands of GPUs, which consume substantial power and generate heat, requiring specialized infrastructure. 정석근 emphasized that AI model quality now hinges on infrastructure scale, as algorithms and data have become commoditized. He noted that AI DC projects are capital-intensive, often requiring tens of trillions of won, and demand cross-sector collaboration in construction, energy supply, and semiconductor supply chains to meet global demand outpacing current supply.

SK Group’s competitive edge lies in its integrated capabilities, including energy generation, construction, semiconductor manufacturing, and data center operations. 정석근 highlighted memory supply as a critical differentiator, as larger memory capacities enable more efficient inference operations. He also underscored SKT’s experience in large-scale infrastructure development and stable operations, positioning the group to address global AI infrastructure shortages and attract hyperscale cloud providers seeking reliable, high-capacity facilities.

To establish South Korea as an 'Asia AI Infrastructure Hub,' SK Telecom plans to leverage stable power supply, SK Group’s infrastructure and memory access, and trusted operational security. 정석근 noted that regional advantages, such as minimal outages and proximity to SK하이닉스의 memory production, could attract global tech firms. He added that the next 2–3 years are pivotal, as demand for AI data centers outstrips supply, offering an opportunity for Korea to become a key player in the global AI ecosystem.