SK Networks President Sunghwan Choi encounters former UK Prime Minister
SEOUL, South Korea, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Networks, aiming to evolve into an "AI-focused business holding company", is intensifying its initiatives to enhance collaboration and expand its operations through a global network. In this context, Sunghwan Choi, President & COO of SK Networks, who has been steering the tech-focused AI operations of the headquarters and its subsidiaries, reportedly met with former UK Prime Minister Sunak to explore methods for improving exchanges and corporate collaboration between the two nations.
As stated by company representatives, this Tuesday at The Shilla Seoul, President Choi and former Prime Minister Sunak held a breakfast meeting to exchange global trends and discuss AI and other technological collaborations between nations and corporations. SK Networks founded Hico Capital (now SK Networks Americas) in Silicon Valley, USA, in 2020. The company has been concentrating on global investments in and partnerships with technology firms centered around Hicosystem, the human network associated with future expansion sectors. The opportunity for an unexpected in-person meeting between Rishi Sunak, who visited South Korea for an international conference, and Sunghwan Choi is believed to stem from this network.
During this meeting, the pair shared perspectives on the current state of the global economy. They also discussed approaches to enhance relations between the two countries from the viewpoints of a politician and a business leader, as well as the possibilities and examples of AI collaboration at both national and corporate levels. In this context, President Choi presented innovative AI-based cases and global strategies from SK Group and SK Networks, expressing optimism that, in line with current trends, the company's AI endeavors would grow in the UK and across Europe, aiding the advancement of human civilization.
The industry has high expectations for the future potential of SK Networks, which is evolving into an AI company. In particular, NAMUH x held a showcase last month and received a favorable response from participants for its groundbreaking air purification and vital sign monitoring capabilities powered by AI. The brand intends to expand into the international market, including the US and Malaysia, following its official launch in Korea in July. It was established from the resources of SK Magic and is strategically overseen by SK Networks. NAMUH x manages its brand communication independently, emphasizing innovative technologies and services that differentiate it from SK Magic's existing products. PhnyX Lab, an AI startup comprised of Silicon valley talent, introduced a modular RAG (retrieval augmented generation) solution for the pharmaceutical sector named Cheiron at the end of last year and is preparing for market growth by forming tailored partnerships with businesses. The heads of SK Magic and PhnyX Lab attended the meeting alongside President Choi and former Prime Minister Sunak. Former Prime Minister Sunak stated, "AI holds the key to transforming the future of drug development. It promises new levels of speed and precision that could help hundreds of millions of patients around the world." He added, "Phynx Lab's Cherion looks like the kind of technology that has the potential to play an important part in this revolution."
SK Networks' efforts in collaborating and partnering with prominent global personalities and firms are expected to enhance its position as an AI enterprise.
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Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Korea Herald
South Korea must brace for slow growth, invest in AI to survive, experts warn
A financial risk strategist and an AI scholar on Thursday warned that South Korea must brace for a prolonged low-growth era, urging businesses and individuals to prepare for structural changes in the economy — from the fragmentation of global trade to the explosive rise of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Global Business Forum hosted by The Korea Herald in Seoul, Cho Bong-hyun, executive vice president of IBK Insurance, said Korea is entering a structural downturn that may resemble Japan's lost decades and warned that the country can no longer rely on past growth formulas to stay competitive. 'We are not just facing a cyclical slowdown,' he said. 'We are entering a new normal of low growth, and it will be long-term.' Cho pointed to persistent inflation in the US, the likelihood of extended high interest rates and a slowing Chinese economy as external risks. But he emphasized Korea's internal vulnerabilities as even more urgent. 'Domestic demand is weak, household debt remains high and the housing market is unlikely to rebound even with monetary easing,' he said. 'Asset prices are entering a correction phase.' On the structural front, Cho highlighted the looming demographic crisis. "Starting in 2025, Korea will see a steep decline in its working-age population. This will shake the foundations of our pension, labor and financial systems,' he said. 'It may sound pessimistic,' Cho added, 'but preparing for the worst-case scenario is wiser than clinging to outdated assumptions.' To respond to these complex transitions, Cho urged Korean businesses to embrace what he called 'dynamic balancing,' the ability to alternate between outward expansion and internal consolidation depending on global and domestic conditions. 'Now is not the time for blind expansion or excessive risk aversion,' he said. 'We need companies to be nimble, and capable of both advancing outward and consolidating inward, depending on shifting conditions.' Yet flexibility alone, he said, is not enough. 'In a time of low growth, innovation isn't just a choice. It's the only way forward.' Meanwhile, Choi Jae-boong, a mechanical engineering professor at Sungkyunkwan University, said the next three years would be decisive for Korea's future in AI. 'AI development is accelerating like a revolution,' Choi said. 'After three years, the pace will slow. You must act now.' He cited the explosive growth of US-based AI firms, noting that the combined market capitalization of the top seven US AI companies surged from $13 trillion in 2024 to over $17 trillion in 2025. 'In contrast, Korea's largest company is worth only $400 billion,' he said. 'We must ask ourselves — are we part of the future or not?' Still, Choi said Korea has a unique strength: its world-class hardware and manufacturing capabilities. He pointed to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as key suppliers of high-bandwidth memory chips used in AI training, including models such as ChatGPT. 'These firms are already powering the AI engines of today,' he said. 'No AI runs without hardware, and that hardware often starts in Korea.' He added that while countries like China may have scale, they lack the geopolitical trust necessary to be a reliable partner in global supply chains. 'The US needs partners who are both technologically capable and politically aligned. Korea fits both criteria,' Choi said. To seize that opportunity, Choi emphasized, Korea must escape its bureaucratic mindset. 'Too often, innovation is paralyzed by questions like: 'Who will take responsibility if it fails?'' he said. 'But while we hesitate, others are already building.'
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Korea Herald
SK Networks President Sunghwan Choi encounters former UK Prime Minister
SEOUL, South Korea, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Networks, aiming to evolve into an "AI-focused business holding company", is intensifying its initiatives to enhance collaboration and expand its operations through a global network. In this context, Sunghwan Choi, President & COO of SK Networks, who has been steering the tech-focused AI operations of the headquarters and its subsidiaries, reportedly met with former UK Prime Minister Sunak to explore methods for improving exchanges and corporate collaboration between the two nations. As stated by company representatives, this Tuesday at The Shilla Seoul, President Choi and former Prime Minister Sunak held a breakfast meeting to exchange global trends and discuss AI and other technological collaborations between nations and corporations. SK Networks founded Hico Capital (now SK Networks Americas) in Silicon Valley, USA, in 2020. The company has been concentrating on global investments in and partnerships with technology firms centered around Hicosystem, the human network associated with future expansion sectors. The opportunity for an unexpected in-person meeting between Rishi Sunak, who visited South Korea for an international conference, and Sunghwan Choi is believed to stem from this network. During this meeting, the pair shared perspectives on the current state of the global economy. They also discussed approaches to enhance relations between the two countries from the viewpoints of a politician and a business leader, as well as the possibilities and examples of AI collaboration at both national and corporate levels. In this context, President Choi presented innovative AI-based cases and global strategies from SK Group and SK Networks, expressing optimism that, in line with current trends, the company's AI endeavors would grow in the UK and across Europe, aiding the advancement of human civilization. The industry has high expectations for the future potential of SK Networks, which is evolving into an AI company. In particular, NAMUH x held a showcase last month and received a favorable response from participants for its groundbreaking air purification and vital sign monitoring capabilities powered by AI. The brand intends to expand into the international market, including the US and Malaysia, following its official launch in Korea in July. It was established from the resources of SK Magic and is strategically overseen by SK Networks. NAMUH x manages its brand communication independently, emphasizing innovative technologies and services that differentiate it from SK Magic's existing products. PhnyX Lab, an AI startup comprised of Silicon valley talent, introduced a modular RAG (retrieval augmented generation) solution for the pharmaceutical sector named Cheiron at the end of last year and is preparing for market growth by forming tailored partnerships with businesses. The heads of SK Magic and PhnyX Lab attended the meeting alongside President Choi and former Prime Minister Sunak. Former Prime Minister Sunak stated, "AI holds the key to transforming the future of drug development. It promises new levels of speed and precision that could help hundreds of millions of patients around the world." He added, "Phynx Lab's Cherion looks like the kind of technology that has the potential to play an important part in this revolution." SK Networks' efforts in collaborating and partnering with prominent global personalities and firms are expected to enhance its position as an AI enterprise.
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Korea Herald
22-05-2025
- Korea Herald
[Africa Forum] ‘Ubuntu spirit' guides Korea-Africa cooperation, says Herald CEO
Choi Jin-young, president and CEO of Herald Media Group, expressed hopes for deeper cooperation between Korea and Africa during the Africa Day 2025 Korea-Africa Business Forum held in Seoul on Wednesday. 'Last year, for the first time since the Republic of Korea was founded in 1948, the country welcomed African heads of state and explored ways to strengthen our ties and build a shared vision for the future,' Choi said in his welcoming remarks at the forum, referring to the Korea-Africa summit held in June last year. "Just a year later, we are meeting again in the spirit of South Africa's 'Ubuntu' — I am because we are — to take the next step forward.' Choi highlighted that meaningful progress has already been made since last year's summit, particularly in supporting Korean businesses seeking opportunities in African countries. He pointed to increased investment in infrastructure and growing mutual exchanges as signs of such progress. 'With a population of 1.4 billion, Africa is a continent full of opportunity,' he said. 'As it takes on a leading role in global issues such as (information and communications technology, artificial intelligence), digital transformation, and (environmental, social and governance), Africa is emerging as a key driver of global growth. At this pivotal moment, Korea must strengthen its strategic partnership with Africa — and Herald will be there every step of the way,' he said.
