South Korea announced plans to launch a free artificial intelligence chatbot service powered by domestic technology by the end of 2026, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign AI platforms. The initiative reflects growing concerns over “AI sovereignty,” as nations seek to develop homegrown models that align with their security, privacy, and business priorities.
According to market research firm Wiseapp-Retail, about half of South Korea’s 51 million population used generative AI applications in February, with nearly 23 million users accessing ChatGPT, developed by US-based OpenAI. The government’s new offering, part of its “AI for All” program, intends to provide both a general-purpose AI chatbot and a more advanced AI agent capable of handling complex tasks.
“To persuade users to move away from foreign AI services they already pay for, we need to provide services that are even better,” Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said Monday. He emphasized the government’s goal to rapidly advance into the era of AI agents and foster domestic competition in the field. The program’s initial focus will be integrating AI agent functionalities into public services that are currently unavailable from existing foreign platforms.
The service will be provided free of charge, contrasting with many existing AI models that often require subscription fees. This approach is also designed to address the digital divide by ensuring broader access across the population. Starting in 2027, Seoul plans to broaden the initiative to include personalized AI agents that assist with tasks such as asset management, educational support, and retirement planning.
Senior presidential secretary for policy Kim Yong-beom highlighted the importance of domestic AI adoption in nurturing the local AI market. In a social media post Tuesday, he noted that offering free domestic AI services would attract users to Korean platforms, enabling data accumulation and fostering organic growth within the country’s AI industry. Kim also suggested that a public AI agent could help South Koreans navigate and access relevant government services more efficiently.
The announcement coincides with the implementation of South Korea’s AI Basic Act, which took effect on the same day. This legislation establishes a national legal framework for AI development and use, mandating clear labeling of generative AI content and introducing regulatory oversight for AI tools that may impact physical safety or fundamental rights. The act identifies 10 sensitive sectors—including nuclear power, criminal investigations, loan screening, education, and medical care—that are subject to stricter transparency and safety requirements.
Together, these measures reflect South Korea’s broader strategy to build a secure, competitive, and ethically governed AI ecosystem tailored to the country’s needs.