AI Services with Domestic Models: Telecom Giants and Naver-Kakao Join the 'AI for Everyone' Project (Comprehensive)

'AI for Everyone Project' Open Call
Free AI Service for All Citizens
Kakao and LG Uplus Join... Platform and Telecom Operators Also Consider Participation

The government is set to develop a nationwide AI service based on domestic artificial intelligence (AI) models, making it accessible to all citizens without restrictions. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign AI models and services, while revitalizing the local AI ecosystem. Major telecom operators, along with AI and platform companies, have officially announced their participation in the project.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on July 13 that, starting with the 'AI for Everyone Project' open call, it will drive the development of nationwide AI services based on Korean AI models.

Background Hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, delivered a welcoming speech at the first presentation of the "Independent AI Foundation Model" project held on the 30th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

'AI for Everyone' is a project led by private companies with experience in service development, designed to deliver AI services that reflect public demand. The government plans to select two or three private companies to participate in this project.

The Ministry of Science and ICT is launching the AI for Everyone Project so that all citizens can benefit from Korean AI services. According to the ministry, as of last year, there were about 23 million generative AI users in Korea, but roughly one-third of the population still does not use AI. Most users of generative AI services rely on free versions of foreign AI services such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

Companies selected for the AI for Everyone Project must use domestic AI models that meet the independent foundation model criteria for at least 50% of their service. In addition, they must utilize domestic AI models from other companies for at least 30% of their service. If it is necessary to use foreign AI models for certain service requirements, limited use will be permitted, but the portion utilizing foreign models will be excluded from government support.

Based on this, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to provide a universal AI chatbot service. This service will be available to all citizens without cost or usage restrictions. In addition, a public AI agent will be offered through the AI for Everyone platform, allowing users to receive information about public services in advance and submit applications. After 2027, the government plans to further enhance these AI agents.

The government will provide support for necessary resources, such as graphics processing units (GPUs), to drive the project forward. This year, it will offer access to 512 units of NVIDIA's B200 GPUs owned by the government, and from next year, it will provide financial support for the costs required to deliver nationwide services through the government budget. Companies, in turn, will be required to establish their own revenue models, for example, by utilizing user prompt data collected during service operation.

Kakao, LG Uplus Officially Join... Telecom Operators and Platform Companies Consider Participation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Haeun Bae is announcing policies at the National Report on the Three Major Megaprojects held at the Blue House on the 29th, presided over by President Jae-myung Lee. Photo by Yonhap News

With the AI for Everyone Project open call about to launch, domestic companies, including platform providers and the three major telecom operators, are either officially joining or considering participation. Kakao announced its intention to apply, stating, "Based on our experience in planning and operating KakaoTalk services, we aim to realize 'AI services closely integrated with daily life' that everyone can enjoy without barriers." Kakao is expected to leverage its proprietary AI model, 'Kanana,' along with KakaoTalk.

NAVER is also weighing the possibility of participating in the project through Naver Cloud. NAVER has recently strengthened its efforts to build an AI agent platform, such as by officially launching its AI Tab. A Naver Cloud official explained, "The final decision will be made after reviewing the request for proposals."

The three major telecom operators are also highly likely to participate. SK Telecom, which owns the AI models 'A.Dot X' (A.X) and the 'A.Dot' platform, is positively reviewing participation in the project. KT is also internally assessing whether to join the project.

LG Uplus has officially announced its participation in the project in collaboration with LG AI Research. It is expected to utilize LG AI Research's model 'Exaone' and LG Uplus's AI platform 'IXIO.' An LG Uplus official commented, "We plan to promote the project based on the 'One LG' collaborative framework with LG AI Research," adding, "LG Group will bring together its capabilities across AI models, service delivery, and platform operations, and, through partnerships, introduce AI services that are convenient for everyone."

Upstage, which owns the proprietary 'Solar' series of AI models, is also considering joining the project. Upstage recently acquired AXZ, the operator of the Daum portal site.

After about a month-long open call, the Ministry of Science and ICT will select the service providers for AI for Everyone through document and presentation evaluations by August. The goal is to launch the AI for Everyone service within this year, following a beta service at the end of September.

Hee-Woon Bae, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "AI for Everyone is more than just a service; it is the calculator and computer of the AI era, supporting our citizens as they work, learn, and live alongside AI. It is a platform that ensures everyone can benefit equally in the new economic structure created by AI. I urge not only companies and the government, but also citizens to actively use and help further develop our AI with great interest and support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.