The South Korean government is advancing its 'Everyone's AI' initiative, aiming to provide each citizen with a personal AI agent by the end of the year. Instead of merely integrating AI into existing services, the government plans to create new services and expand the use of graphics processing units (GPUs) for participating companies.
On July 21, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) held a briefing on the 'Everyone's AI' initiative at the Front One building in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Over 100 representatives from companies including LG Uplus, Saltlux, Rebellion, Eastsoft, and AXZ attended the event. Selected companies will develop general AI chatbots and public AI agents using 512 government-supported B200 GPUs.
The Ministry emphasized a preference for companies that implement separate services rather than simply adding AI features to existing platforms. Lee Jong-geun, a senior official at the Ministry, stated, "The government envisions the Everyone's AI service as a distinct offering. Merely adding some AI functions to existing platforms does not align with our planning direction." He added that while the service does not have to be a standalone app, companies can propose specific formats, including apps, websites, or integrations with existing platforms.
NIPA reiterated this stance. Kim Myung-sun, a senior official at NIPA, remarked, "Simply replacing models in existing services does not align with the initiative's purpose and is unlikely to receive favorable evaluations. While we do not prohibit improvements to existing services, the goal of Everyone's AI must be realized for the benefit of the public."
The Ministry also outlined detailed criteria for utilizing domestic AI models, the scope of free offerings, and GPU operations. A key point is that essential functions must remain free, even if they exceed government support limits. Foreign AI models will only be permitted in minimal cases where domestic alternatives are not feasible.
Ko Jin-ho, a senior official at the Ministry, emphasized, "Our goal is to implement essential AI agents for all citizens, with a principle of free provision. The use of foreign models will be allowed only when companies provide unique services." He added that the government does not plan to support the use of foreign models.
GPU operation criteria have also been relaxed. Companies can now use government-supported GPUs during the service development and enhancement phases. Lee noted, "We should allow some flexibility in the development and enhancement processes, including utilizing idle GPU time."
Additionally, the government proposed a plan for opening public data to support the development of public AI agents. This will involve gradually releasing public data in consultation with relevant ministries, considering privacy and security concerns, to assist companies in implementing public services.
Based on this framework, the Ministry plans to hold an agreement ceremony on September 1 and operate a beta service by December. Ultimately, the government aims to select two to three companies to launch official services next year.
Meanwhile, Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, presented the vision for an AI-based society through his social media. He argued that the AI market should be expanded based on public services and emphasized the need for annual evaluations of the Everyone's AI initiative, insisting on a self-sustaining plan from the outset.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.