President Lee Calls for Increased GPU Supply Amid Budget Discussions

President Lee Jae-myung addressed the ongoing shortage of graphics processing units (GPUs), essential components for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, during a meeting on June 26. He suggested that while it is uncertain whether a supplementary budget will be enacted, there appears to be additional funding available.

During the 'Future Security Innovation Companies Fostering Strategy' meeting at the Blue House, President Lee inquired about the current status of GPU procurement. He expressed concern, stating, "Isn't the pace of securing GPUs too slow? I've heard that the Gwangju National Computing Center is not being utilized properly due to system issues."

He emphasized the need to secure relevant funding if a supplementary budget is to be organized. With the semiconductor boom expected to generate excess tax revenue this year, his remarks hinted at the possibility of a second supplementary budget, separate from next year's budget proposal.

However, the Blue House clarified in a media announcement that "no decision has been made regarding the supplementary budget" and characterized President Lee's comments as general remarks about the necessity of increasing investments to enhance growth potential, particularly in GPU procurement.