NHN is accelerating its entry into the AI infrastructure market, leveraging its stable graphics processing unit (GPU) operations and rapid business expansion in the cloud sector.
On August 11, NHN announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 757.9 billion won, with an operating profit of 57.9 billion won, marking increases of 25.3% and 164.1%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. By business segment, game revenue was 139.6 billion won, payment revenue was 394 billion won, and technology revenue was 159.8 billion won, reflecting year-on-year increases of 21.5%, 27.3%, and 52.9%, respectively.
During a conference call on August 11, Kim Dong-hoon, CEO of NHN Cloud, stated, "The AI GPU business has made the most significant contribution to this quarter's performance," adding, "Unlike large hyperscale operators, we are minimizing risks while rapidly expanding our business on a smaller scale."
The growth in the technology sector was driven by NHN Cloud, which saw its revenue increase by 85.3% year-on-year. Depreciation expenses also rose by 13.3% from the previous quarter due to new accounting treatment in the Yangpyeong region.
Kim emphasized NHN Cloud's competitive edge, saying, "We have built GPU operational experience through our AI full-stack brand, and our ability to expand quickly without taking on significant risks sets us apart from large hyperscalers."
He also outlined plans for international expansion, noting, "The GPU business is being prepared with a focus on overseas markets, and we are seeing increased demand from foreign companies, with contracts expected to be finalized soon with some clients." NHN is also preparing to expand services for global customers by securing a data center in Japan.
Domestically, NHN plans to secure an additional 30-megawatt data center, with 20 megawatts to be leased and 10 megawatts to be built in-house, aiming for completion in the second half of next year. Upon completion, it will combine the capacities of the existing locations in Yangpyeong, Pangyo, and Gwangju.
Meanwhile, NHN Cloud's potential separate listing was met with cautious remarks. Ahn Hyun-sik, NHN's Chief Financial Officer, stated, "We are continuing discussions with our financial investor, IMM Investment, but it is a matter that requires shareholder approval, so it is difficult to make a definitive statement. We will be able to provide a concrete answer once the GPU business is fully operational and generates sufficient operating profit."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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