Nvidia, SK hynix announce deals | Analysts deliver report card on Lee's first year

It's Monday. I hope you've had a great weekend, and you're all ready for the week ahead. Here are the stories you need to know in Korea. 

First things first — we launched our new look website today! Check it out here at koreajoongangdaily.com. 

In today's news, Nvidia and SK hynix announced an expansion on their partnership on AI memory. Analysts review President Lee Jae Myung's performance in his first year. And we are introduced to a North Korean defector who is retelling her story in the form of a webtoon series.

Top 5 stories

Hyundai, Nvidia outline 'AI Valley' vision for 9 trillion won Saemangeum project

Revote protest in Seoul shifts toward conservative 'election fraud' stance

President Lee stresses phased approach to North Korean denuclearization

Many dream of striking out on their own in Korea. These three did it.

Kim Soo-hyun to return to public activities with new ad campaign

What's happening here?
Nvidia and Korean chipmaker SK hynix are expanding their partnership to develop memory chips to power Nvidia's AI infrastructure. SK's Telecom, the company's telecommunication arm, is also set to operate its first AI factory based on Nvidia's platform in 2027. The deals were announced Monday morning after a meeting between the Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won.

What does this mean for the two companies?
Under the partnership, the companies will develop memory for a wide range of AI products, including supercomputers and personal PCs. "Beyond service delivery, we will jointly tackle challenges around GPUs, memory and energy — and emerge as a leading AI cloud provider driving AI ecosystem development across Asia," said Chey.

What else has Huang been up to during his trip?
Alongside business meetings, Huang has had a packed schedule. The Nvidia chief threw the ceremonial pitch before a KBO game and also spoke at Seoul National University. Huang is also a fan of Korean food and has managed to fit in some time for fried chicken and Korean barbecue on this trip.

What are analysts saying about Lee's first year?
While President Lee began his term by promising to govern as a "president for all," experts and analysts have given mixed reviews. Some have said that the June 3 local elections reflect that some are unconvinced that the president has kept to his word.

What happened at the local elections?
The ruling Democratic Party won 12 of the 16 races that were up for grabs but lost the Seoul mayoral race to the People Power Party (PPP). While some are saying that Lee's efforts in pursuing unity, pragmatism and communication have been positive, others say that he has yet to deliver on his goal of the "restoration of politics."

How has he attempted this "restoration"?
Lee has gained praise for his efforts to try and foster relationships with the opposition, extending his hand to lawmakers from the PPP. He has also tried to increase transparency through dialogue with the public, utilizing broadcasts and social media, albeit to mixed success. "The volume of communication has grown, but the president's messages are rough and overly political," said Kim Hyung-joon, a political science professor at Pai Chai University.