This article examines how South Korea is seeking to reshape its technological competitiveness amid U.S.-China rivalry and the restructuring of global supply chains. South Korea built its global strength in memory semiconductors and advanced manufacturing through a developmental-state model, chaebol-led industrial organization, and a “fast follower” strategy. However, its heavy dependence on the Chinese market, concentration in a limited number of technological sectors, talent outflows, and weaknesses in original innovation have created growing strategic vulnerabilities. U.S. export controls, Taiwan's advantages in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, China's rapid technological catch-up, and the rising capital and computing requirements of AI have intensified these pressures. In response, South Korea is promoting its K-Semiconductor Strategy, semiconductor clusters, AI infrastructure, domestic AI chips, and high-bandwidth memory. South Korea's future position as a technology power will depend on reforming its talent and innovation systems, shifting from technological catch-up to original leadership, and securing a more resilient position within international technology and supply-chain networks.