STOCKS | Samsung and SK Hynix Closely Monitor NVIDIA Leadership Uncertainty

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are closely monitoring leadership uncertainty at NVIDIA, one of their major customers, company insiders said Thursday. According to Sina Finance, the two chipmakers are assessing potential succession scenarios after reports that NVIDIA's board is considering possible successors to CEO Jensen Huang following allegations of multiple extramarital relationships. Huang's close ties with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won have raised concerns that his departure could affect business relationships. One company insider said his exit could disrupt contact among industry executives and that slower business talks or changes to existing plans could not be ruled out. Other insiders said current supply agreements are unlikely to be affected, noting that the companies have worked with NVIDIA executives, including Senior Vice President Jeff Fisher, on detailed business plans. Reports also said NVIDIA could retain key executives to maintain management stability if Huang were replaced, as there is no clear succession plan. Another company executive said Huang is an iconic figure in the AI industry, but NVIDIA and the broader sector should not be equated with him alone. The executive added that changes in the regulatory environment or NVIDIA's product roadmap could complicate South Korean chipmakers' production and investment plans over the long term, while regulatory risks are currently unlikely to weaken U.S. companies' competitiveness.