Expectations are growing that Naver could take center stage in the global artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure race. Following the recent disclosure of Nvidia's large-scale AI collaboration plans with Korean companies, attention is focusing on Naver's role.

Reflecting these expectations, Naver's shares finished trading on the 8th at 279,000 won, up 9.20% from the previous trading day. During the session, the stock climbed to as high as 294,000 won, driven by strong buying momentum.

Market attention is directed toward the recent moves of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who visited South Korea. During his visit, he held consecutive meetings with key domestic business executives to discuss AI industry collaboration measures. In particular, CEO Jensen Huang presented a vision to build a global-scale AI infrastructure together with Korean companies. The industry interprets this as an 'AI ecosystem building project' aimed at securing next-generation national competitiveness, going beyond mere technological cooperation.

The currently discussed cooperation structure takes the form of a division of labor based on the core capabilities of each group. • SK Group: AI semiconductors, memory, and data center sectors • Hyundai Motor Group: Autonomous driving and future mobility technologies • LG Group: Competitiveness in electronics, vehicle components, and robotics • Doosan Group: Integration of industrial robots and automation systems

In this context, Naver is evaluated to take charge of the core 'software axis' based on its hyper-scale AI models, cloud services, and data platform capabilities. In particular, analysts suggest that its large-scale data processing capabilities and experience in operating AI services could become a crucial competitive advantage in the future expansion of the AI infrastructure business.

The industry believes that if Nvidia's platform is combined with the technological prowess of major domestic companies, it is highly likely to expand into various future industries such as AI data centers, robotics, smart manufacturing, digital twins, and autonomous driving. While South Korea has traditionally played a central role in the semiconductor supply chain, expectations are rising that it could develop into a comprehensive AI hub encompassing AI services, cloud, and data center operations.

The securities sector evaluates that Naver's AI service competitiveness and cloud infrastructure operation experience could act as positive factors in the future expansion of related businesses. However, some point out that since large-scale AI infrastructure construction projects are long-term endeavors, it is necessary to continuously verify the actual investment size, business performance, and whether the scope of cooperation will expand. The market projects that if specific cooperation plans between Nvidia and major domestic companies are disclosed in the future, growth expectations for the entire domestic AI industry could further increase.

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