Issue AI infrastructure shortfalls in power, sites, data and talent could slow Korea's ICT growth

Summary

KISDI concludes that Korea's ICT industry has secured a strong growth engine in the spread of AI, but that several constraints could limit medium and long-term growth. It names US tariff increases, the rising cost of restructuring global supply chains and shortages of AI infrastructure, including electricity and skilled people, as the main concerns. The institute characterises 2026 as a period in which opportunities and constraints are mixed. On the opportunity side, growing use of AI by individuals, companies and government is expected to trigger demand for AI servers, AI PCs and AI phones, spreading growth to components such as semiconductors and displays. On the constraint side, shortages in power supply, data centre sites, high-quality data and specialist workers remain a standing risk that could slow the pace of investment.