S. Korean gov't pledges to develop its own ChatGPT with elite AI task force

AI ambitions are heating up globally one being China's introduction of DeepSeek.

South Korea is also jumping into the AI race with a goal of developing its very own AI model.

Our Moon Hye-ryeon has more.

The South Korean government is launching an elite AI task force to develop a world-class large language model like ChatGPT or DeepSeek, aiming to compete with global leaders like the United States and China.

"The global AI race is intensifying, but this is our opportunity. Now is the time for the public and private sectors to unite and fast-track South Korea's rise as a top-three AI powerhouse."

On Thursday, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok announced the "AI Computing Infrastructure Expansion Plan" as he hosted the third AI committee meeting, outlining a three-pronged strategy: advancing next-generation AI models, expanding AI computing infrastructure, and accelerating AI-driven transformation.

As part of the initiative, the government will establish a "World Best LLM" project, which will bring together top experts and provide high-performance computing resources to develop a world-class LLM within a short time frame.

To support AI growth, the government is expanding computing infrastructure, with plans to acquire 18 thousand graphic processing units by next year and increase the use of domestic AI semiconductors in national AI centers by 2030 to 50 percent.

One trillion Korean won – around 700 million U.S. dollars – will be committed to AI research to secure core technologies, and a global AI competition will be launched to attract talent.

Beyond research, AI will be applied across a wide range of sectors, with the government planning to boost AI adoption among small businesses by 2027.

To further encourage AI innovation, the government will offer tax credits for investments in research and development and AI infrastructure.

Additionally, incentives will be provided for building AI data centers outside the Seoul metropolitan area, including priority access to power grid evaluations and diversified site options such as port and airport facilities.

Acting President Choi stated that the government is committed to making South Korea a global AI powerhouse – and the country has the potential to be one.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.