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South Korea Kicks Off State-Backed Effort to Build Homegrown AI Foundation Models

A new presidential committee is setting policy toward a top-three AI goal with an action plan due by November.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during the launching ceremony of the National AI Strategy Committee at Seoul Square in central Seoul on Sept. 8, 2025. (Yonhap)
President Lee Jae Myung announces a plan to create a private-public fund worth 150 trillion won (US$120 billion) during a public presentation in Seoul on Sept. 10, 2025. (Yonhap)
This image provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT on Sept. 9, 2025, shows certification logos provided to designated state-funded consortiums developing homegrown artificial intelligence foundation models. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Finance ministry launches specialized AI training program for public officials - 1

Overview

  • The science ministry held a Sept. 9 kick-off for five consortia to develop domestic foundation models led by Naver Cloud, Upstage, SK Telecom, NC AI and LG AI Research.
  • President Lee Jae Myung launched the 50-member National AI Strategy Committee on Sept. 8 to oversee policy, chairing a body that includes 13 ministers and 34 private-sector leaders.
  • Committee principles emphasize human-centered and inclusive AI, a public‑private “one team” approach, AI‑friendly system overhauls and a negative‑regulation framework.
  • The model‑building consortia will receive government support, including access to resources such as GPU assets reported at 157.6 billion won (about $113 million).
  • Officials are preparing a national AI action plan by November and discussed a national AI computing center dubbed an “AI highway” along with potential AI‑related legislation.