Are South Korean Tech Consortiums Ready to Lead in AI Development?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking initiative, South Korea's science ministry has unveiled a mission to develop indigenous AI foundation models, with the aim of positioning the nation as a leader in the global AI landscape. This ambitious project is set to foster innovation and enhance the country's competitiveness in the AI sector.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of domestic AI models aims to position South Korea as a global leader.
- Five major tech consortiums are collaborating on this initiative.
- Government support includes substantial financial resources.
- Focus on creating AI systems that reflect local cultural contexts.
- The initiative is part of a broader national strategy for AI development.
Seoul, Sep 9 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the science ministry in South Korea held a launch ceremony to announce a significant initiative aimed at creating domestic artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models, aligning with the government's vision to position the nation as a global frontrunner in this domain.
This event followed the selection of five local consortiums in August, tasked with developing these AI foundation models, which are extensive systems trained on diverse datasets and designed to execute various tasks, according to Yonhap news agency.
The consortiums include industry leaders such as Naver Cloud, Upstage, SK Telecom, NC AI Co., and LG AI Research, all of which will benefit from governmental support.
Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon urged the companies to embrace the challenge of creating AI that is accessible to all, thereby fostering the growth of South Korea's AI ecosystem.
During the ceremony, Kim Yu-won, head of Naver Cloud, expressed commitment to developing an AI system tailored to the unique social and cultural contexts of South Korea.
Lim Yoo-hyung, leader of LG AI Research, emphasized their dedication to ensuring that the outcomes of this initiative reflect positively on the nation’s AI future.
Additionally, the day before, South Korea inaugurated the National AI Strategy Committee, with President Lee Jae Myung at the helm, aiming to elevate the country to one of the top three global AI powerhouses.
Last month, the science ministry announced the selection of five consortiums, led by prominent AI organizations, to receive government backing for the development of indigenous AI models, a strategic move to enhance competitiveness in the industry.
A foundation model is defined as a large-scale system trained on extensive data capable of undertaking a variety of tasks.
The five consortiums will gain access to governmental resources, including graphics processing unit assets valued at 157.6 billion won ($113 million).
Point of View
I see this initiative as a significant step forward for South Korea. The collaboration among leading tech firms is promising for the future of AI in our country. This mission not only aims to enhance our technological capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of creating AI that resonates with our unique cultural context. It's a bold approach that could position South Korea favorably in the global AI competition.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of South Korea's AI initiative?
The main goal is to develop indigenous AI foundation models to enhance the country's competitiveness and establish South Korea as a leader in the global AI landscape.
Which companies are involved in the AI consortiums?
The consortiums are led by Naver Cloud, Upstage, SK Telecom, NC AI Co., and LG AI Research.
What support will the consortiums receive from the government?
The consortiums will have access to government resources, including graphics processing unit assets worth 157.6 billion won ($113 million).
What is a foundation model in AI?
A foundation model refers to a large-scale system trained on extensive data that is capable of performing a wide range of tasks.
Who is leading the National AI Strategy Committee?
The National AI Strategy Committee is chaired by President Lee Jae Myung.
