Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources formally denied online rumors that Seoul sent letters to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix urging them to form a government-led think tank for channeling chipmaker profits. The denial is notable context for AI hardware supply chain watchers: it came two days after President Lee Jae Myung unveiled a sweeping $576B+ chip and AI investment plan, and follows Lee's Economist interview remarks suggesting a basic income grant to distribute chipmakers' 'excess profits to the general public.' The ministry called the rumors 'completely false' and said it would refer the matter to investigators. The presidential office clarified Lee's remarks were not directed at specific companies but reflected a broader societal challenge Korea faces amid the AI transition.
Gov't denies rumors over new think tank on utilizing chipmakers' huge profits