Science ministry to inject 4.7 tln won to develop frontier AI model

Seoul, September 8 - The South Korean science ministry has announced plans to allocate 4.7 trillion won (approximately $3.49 billion) for the development of a domestically produced artificial intelligence (AI) model that aims to match the capabilities of leading global AI systems, according to government officials. The ministry intends to establish an independent fund dedicated to this project, as disclosed by the officials.

This substantial funding will be incorporated into the ministry's proposed AI budget of 9.4 trillion won, which will be presented in its request for the fiscal year 2027. The specific details of the project are yet to be determined, stated an official from the science ministry. The initiative comes at a time when there is increasing demand for greater governmental support in the creation of a homegrown frontier AI model, as the global competition to develop highly advanced AI intensifies due to significant financial investments and substantial enhancements in AI reasoning.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon has emphasized the importance of establishing a sovereign frontier AI model to prevent South Korea from becoming dependent on other nations, particularly in the context of the escalating geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China.