정부, ‘GPT-6 아스트라’ 수준 프런티어 모델 개발 나선다

The South Korean government plans to advance from a national representative AI (독자 AI 파운데이션 모델·독파모) project to developing frontier models on par with GPT-6 "Astra," according to recent updates. While the initial 독파모 project aimed to achieve 95% performance matching global frontier models, concerns arose regarding potential technology dependency due to export controls imposed by the US and China.

In response, President Park Jae-in emphasized the importance of both developing frontier AI and keeping 독파모 operational. The government intends to pursue frontier model development in parallel with 독파모 in Q2 2025. This strategy includes optimizing 독파모 for domestic industry-specific vertical applications and pursuing global frontier model development independently.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has allocated 4.675 trillion won for frontier AI development in the upcoming fiscal year, primarily for acquiring high-performance GPUs and TPUs. However, rising TPU prices create uncertainty about securing the necessary resources for frontier model development solely through this budget. The government is considering avenues such as government investment and establishment of special purpose corporations (SPC) to secure funding, though specifics have not been disclosed.

Industries must also navigate stakeholder relations among participating companies, as large-scale investment in frontier model development may lead to large firms taking on subcontracting roles. That said, existing major companies like SK Telecom and LG AI Research have expressed positive reviews of participating in the frontier model project.

However, the significant financial burden on companies suggests that future participation conditions will continue to be a matter of discussion between the government and these entities.