SK hynix has clarified reports surrounding SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won’s remarks in Japan, saying he did not announce that the company was considering establishing a joint semiconductor plant in the country.
The clarification came on Aug. 31 after a series of reports suggested that Chey, who was visiting Sendai for a Korea-Japan business meeting, had said SK hynix was exploring the establishment of a memory semiconductor joint venture in Japan.
According to SK Group, Chey was asked about potential investment plans in Japan and responded only: “We are in the process of studying. As soon as we finish, I’ll let you know.”
The group stressed that Chey did not specifically say SK hynix was considering a joint semiconductor factory, nor did he comment on potential locations, partners or products.
Clarification follows reports of Japan joint-venture plan
Earlier reports interpreted Chey’s remarks as indicating that SK hynix was examining the possibility of building a memory chip production facility in Japan, with some reports also referring to potential joint investment or a joint venture with Japanese partners.
SK Group, however, said such interpretations went beyond what Chey actually stated.
The distinction is significant because the company has not ruled out broader options for expanding its semiconductor production footprint, but no specific investment in a Japanese joint-venture factory has been decided.
On Aug. 21, SK hynix said in a regulatory disclosure that it was reviewing various options, including additional production bases, to strengthen the competitiveness of its memory business, while emphasizing that “nothing has been decided at this time.” The company said it would disclose further information once specific details are determined or within one month.
Japan remains part of broader semiconductor discussions
Chey has previously highlighted Japan’s strengths in the semiconductor supply chain, including its ecosystem of materials, components and manufacturing equipment.
That broader strategic interest, however, should be distinguished from a decision to construct a semiconductor plant in Japan.
SK hynix’s latest clarification leaves open the possibility that the company could examine various investment opportunities as global demand for memory chips expands, particularly amid rapid growth in artificial intelligence infrastructure. At the same time, it makes clear that reports characterizing Chey’s latest remarks as confirmation of a Japanese semiconductor joint-venture plant do not accurately reflect the company’s position.
Chey was in Sendai on Aug. 31 to attend the 15th Korea-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Leaders’ Meeting in his capacity as chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For SK hynix, the key point remains that potential overseas production and investment options may be under review as part of its longer-term strategy, but no specific Japanese joint semiconductor plant was announced or confirmed.
