Industry ministry launches AI data center alliance with SK Telecom

The industry ministry on Wednesday launched the AI Data Center Alliance, a public-private body designed to accelerate South Korea's strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The new organization brings together approximately 400 companies and institutions.

SK Telecom will lead private sector efforts through CEO Jung Jae-heon, who serves as the inaugural private co-chair alongside the government. The alliance includes major technology firms such as Naver Cloud, LG Electronics and Kakao.

The initiative executes the national strategic industrialization plan revealed on June 29, encompassing the buildup of computing power, export-oriented growth of related supply chains and the creation of large-scale testbeds.

The alliance operates through three specialized divisions focusing on demand, supply and foundational ecosystem support. Naver Cloud leads the demand division, while LG Electronics heads the supply division. Kakao chairs the foundation division.

Deputy Prime Minister Bahk Jong-ho described the alliance as the core driver behind the government's ambitious plan to industrialize AI data centers, emphasizing that support would extend beyond simple construction to cover design, operation and cloud technologies.

"The AIDC Alliance marks the beginning of a solidarity that will lead the global market in the AI era and serve as a cornerstone for South Korea to rise as an indispensable AI data center industrial powerhouse," said Jung Jae-heon, the private co-chair.

Park Dong-il, an official at the industry ministry, said the government intends to build a support system connecting technological innovation with market entry.