(LEAD) S. Korean firms unveil plans for gov't-led AI project

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By Kang Jae-eun

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Three consortia each led by SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and Kakao Corp. on Friday unveiled their blueprints for the government-led project to develop artificial intelligence (AI) services accessible to everyone.

The companies presented the details of their envisioned AI services at a press event held in central Seoul, with SK Telecom Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeong Jai-hun, KT CEO Park Yun-yeong and Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a attending.

The presentations came after the science ministry selected the three teams last month to develop services for the government's "AI for all" initiative, as part of its strategy to improve people's access to AI models.

Developers are required to use domestic AI models for at least 50 percent of their system, with government funding and graphics processing unit (GPU) support.

A total of 250 billion won (US$184.6 million) has been earmarked for the "AI for all" initiative in the science ministry's budget proposal for next year.

"The ultimate goal of the 'AI for all project' is to have new, homegrown AI services naturally settle in people's everyday lives," Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said at the event.

"I urge the companies to join forces to launch services within this year, so that we can improve the convenience of people's everyday lives, while opening up a new domestic AI market for businesses."

The companies are expected to launch their services by the end of the year.

At the event, the consortium led by Kakao said it plans to launch a universal chatbot and an AI agent specializing in public services based on its Kanana AI model and the Exaone AI model developed by LG AI research.

Team Kakao targets 5 million monthly users by December, with a goal of expanding the number to 30 million by 2030, the company's CEO Chung said at the event.

KT's consortium unveiled a real-time search-based AI agent and a platform connecting some 10 AI services, each specializing in various areas from public services to education, finance and shopping.

The SK Telecom-led team said it plans to launch an agentic AI service that not only answers questions from users, but can also carry out other tasks, such as identification, application and purchases.

"I cannot stress enough how important it is to secure a sovereign AI model," said SK Telecom CEO Jeong. "Local companies will have a competitive edge in their capability to create an AI model trained in our mother tongue and understanding people's lifestyles."

fairydust@yna.co.kr
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