SK Hynix denies pursuing Intel’s Ohio site, stating there has been no decision to acquire the Ohio campus, though investors remain focused on the broader strategic question of US expansion for AI memory. The company says it is reviewing various investment opportunities and remains open to expanding overseas fabs, potentially in the US or Korea, as it seeks to meet growing AI memory demand. Intel’s Ohio project has been delayed to 2030–2031, turning a supposed rapid buildout into a longer, capital-intensive timeline that tests demand and execution credibility for the site. Market sentiment showed volatility, with stock moves linked to the perceived likelihood of an acquisition and the potential impact on guidance and capital expenditure. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won underscored the imperative of expanding production capacity in the US if conditions such as power, water, land, workforce, and supply chains are favorable, signaling a broader push beyond a single deal. Even with the Ohio deal off the table, SK Hynix’s strategy appears to pivot toward establishing a robust US memory production base, including ongoing investments like an Indiana HBM packaging facility and potential future wafer fabs.