The business domain of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin is expanding into artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Shinsegae Group is pursuing a domestic AI data center business in partnership with U.S.-based Reflection AI, and attention is also focused on the Korea-U.S. advanced industry cooperation that Chairman Chung has emphasized.

AI Data Center Business in Partnership with Reflection AI... Joint Venture Establishment and Site Selection Underway

The two companies signed a partnership in March for a large-scale AI data center business in Korea. According to materials released by Shinsegae Group on September 4, the two sides are working on practical steps including establishing a joint venture (JV) and selecting a site. The group, which has grown centered on retail, is thus extending its cooperative ventures into the AI infrastructure field.

U.S. Visit... Attended 'Foundry School' at the Invitation of Vice President JD Vance and the State Department

Chairman Chung's visit to the United States in September is another example of this business direction. On September 3 local time, he attended the launch ceremony of the 'Foundry School' held at the Trump Peace Institute in Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. government officials and technology company figures. According to Shinsegae Group, his attendance was arranged at the invitation of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and the U.S. State Department.

The Foundry School is a project to cultivate future talent, including entrepreneurs and engineers who will lead manufacturing and advanced industries. The U.S. State Department and Stanford University participated in its planning, and it focuses on building practical capabilities applicable in real industrial settings through cooperation among government, industry, and academia. The project is also connected to the vision of 'Pax Silica,' a U.S.-led economic security consultative body promoting supply chain cooperation in semiconductors, AI, advanced manufacturing, and energy. The aim is to secure not only technology and production facilities but also the talent to lead them.

'A Milestone in Korea-U.S. Cooperation'... Assessments from CEO Misha Laskin and Under Secretary Jacob Helberg

The partnership between Shinsegae Group and Reflection AI was also mentioned at the event. Reflection AI CEO Misha Laskin expressed gratitude to Chairman Chung and introduced the two companies' cooperation as an example of Korean and U.S. companies pursuing business together. Shinsegae Group said that Jacob Helberg, U.S. State Department Under Secretary for Economic Growth, also met with Chairman Chung and assessed the two companies' partnership as an important milestone in Korea-U.S. cooperation in the advanced industry sector.

'Talent Is the Foundation of the AI Industry'... Data Centers, Cooperation, and Talent Development as Three Key Tasks

Chairman Chung emphasized talent as the foundation for AI industry development. He stated that excellent talent is necessary for advanced industries to grow and expressed Shinsegae Group's intention to gather and develop talent through innovation. He also conveyed his position that cooperation between Korea and the United States can create synergies in advanced industry supply chains.

Chairman Chung's AI initiatives encompass three tasks: the AI data center business, overseas cooperation, and talent acquisition. However, as of the materials released in September, the data center business was described as being at the stage of pursuing the establishment of a joint venture and site selection. The specific scale, schedule, and operating method of the business must be confirmed through subsequent official announcements.

Third Place in the Netizen Awards Businessperson Category... Top-Rank Competition Also Draws Attention

Interest in Chairman Chung as he expands his business domain into advanced industries is also evident in the October Netizen Awards. As of the afternoon of the 7th, Chairman Chung Yong-jin ranks third in the Netizen Awards businessperson category, competing in the top ranks. As netizens' interest in corporate management and key industry figures is reflected in the rankings, the fact that Chairman Chung has made the top three is drawing attention.

With Chairman Chung's management reach expanding from AI data centers to Korea-U.S. advanced industry cooperation and talent development, attention is also focused on future tangible business results. Along with this, how the top ranks shift in the remaining period of the October Netizen Awards, where he currently ranks third in the businessperson category, is another point of interest.

[This article was written with AI assistance. It is provided for informational purposes, and business progress and statements by relevant parties are based on the release date of the cited materials. The latest developments should be confirmed through the company's official announcements.]