Key facts
- Three South Korean companies, SK Telecom, KT Corp., and Kakao Corp., presented plans for a government-led AI initiative.
- The project, named "AI for all," aims to make AI services accessible to everyone using domestic models.
- The government has allocated 250 billion won (US$184.6 million) for the initiative.
- Companies must use domestic AI models for at least 50 percent of their systems.
- Services are expected to launch by the end of the year.
- Kakao targets 5 million monthly users for its chatbot and AI agent by December.
Three South Korean technology firms — SK Telecom Co., KT Corp., and Kakao Corp. — have unveiled their strategies for a government-backed initiative aimed at developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) services accessible to all citizens. The companies presented their blueprints on Friday in Seoul, following their selection by the Ministry of Science and ICT last month.
The "AI for all" project is designed to enhance public access to AI models, with a requirement that developers utilize domestic AI models for at least half of their systems. The initiative is supported by government funding and graphics processing unit (GPU) resources. The science ministry has proposed a budget of 250 billion won (US$184.6 million) for the project in the upcoming year.
Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon stated that the project's ultimate goal is to integrate new, homegrown AI services into people's daily lives and to foster a new domestic AI market. He urged the participating companies to collaborate and launch their services by the end of the year to improve convenience and create business opportunities.
The consortium led by Kakao plans to introduce a universal chatbot and an AI agent focused on public services, leveraging its Kanana AI model and LG AI research's Exaone model. Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a indicated a target of 5 million monthly users by December, with an expansion goal of 30 million by 2030.
KT's consortium presented a real-time search-based AI agent and a platform that connects approximately 10 specialized AI services across various sectors, including public services, education, finance, and shopping.
The SK Telecom-led team is developing an agentic AI service that can not only answer user queries but also perform tasks such as identification, applications, and purchases. SK Telecom CEO Jeong Jai-hun emphasized the critical importance of securing sovereign AI models, highlighting the competitive advantage of local companies in creating AI trained in the Korean language and tailored to local lifestyles.