A.I. and the Chip Boom: Take a Quiz on New Korean Slang and Memes

A.I. and the Chip Boom: Take a Quiz on New Korean Slang and Memes

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/world/asia/korean-ai-chips-quiz.html

Publish Date: 2026-06-11 00:01:00

Source Domain: www.nytimes.com

• South Korea has become pivotal to the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom due to its dominance in memory chip production.
• The country manufactures over 60% of the world’s memory chips, crucial for scaling up AI systems.
• The booming demand for these memory chips has significantly impacted South Korea’s economy, with its stock market index (Kospi) more than doubling in the past year.
• Semiconductor workers are benefiting from the economic upswing, with some set to receive substantial six-figure bonuses.
• The topic of memory chips has permeated all facets of South Korean society, from casual conversations to online spaces, symbolizing the country’s economic future.