On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history as the first human to orbit Earth aboard Vostok 1. More than 60 years later, the threshold for launching a human into space remains high. Only three countries—Russia, the United States, and China—have successfully sent people into orbit using their own launch vehicles and crewed spacecraft.
While dozens of countries have produced astronauts, most have purchased 'tickets' to ride on foreign rockets. The difference between hitching a ride and holding a ticket for a self-launched mission is significant.
This distinction has persisted. The three nations that first crossed the threshold of self-sustained launches remain at the forefront of the space power competition. Historically, those who pass through the door first in a new era often lead the way for decades to come. Simply crossing the entry barrier qualifies a nation to lead in the next era.
Now, that door is opening again, but this time for artificial intelligence (AI).
The U.S. nonprofit AI research organization EpochAI has recognized all four elite teams involved in the South Korean government's 'Independent AI Foundation Model' project as 'notable models' developed in the first half of 2026. This recognition serves as a key indicator of national AI competitiveness, as it is included in the annual 'AI Index' report published by Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute (HAI).
Notably, the list of 'notable models' is exclusive. Only three countries— the United States, China, and South Korea—have had two or more models recognized in 2025 and have continued to have their names included in 2026. Just as the countries that achieved self-sustained launches in space, these three nations have now etched their names at the forefront of AI with their own technologies.
As with space, there is a significant difference between 'using foreign technology' and 'creating technology from scratch.' South Korea has demonstrated this difference.
By open-sourcing its independently developed foundation models, the country has simultaneously pursued technological independence and the establishment of an open ecosystem. Each team has shared its independently developed technologies as open-source, aiming for a virtuous cycle where they build upon each other's achievements.
This approach is significant as it moves beyond a few teams monopolizing results, fostering a collaborative growth of the entire AI ecosystem. By sharing open-source technologies, it lowers the barriers for emerging AI companies and startups, creating an environment where new challengers can continue to emerge, thereby broadening the foundation of national AI competitiveness.
The challenge now is the validity of this qualification. History shows that achieving 'self-sufficiency' serves as a starting point for leading the way for decades. However, as seen in the space race, the door does not remain open indefinitely. Those who have entered the door now will write the rules for the next era, while latecomers may find themselves relying on foreign technologies once again. South Korea has just begun to step through that door, but time is of the essence.
Simply being in that position does not guarantee an advantage. Bold investments, the development of next-generation technologies, infrastructure expansion, and talent cultivation must support this qualification to translate it into actual leadership.
It is now time to continue this momentum. We must establish a robust institutional foundation to support the dynamism and competitiveness of the domestic ecosystem, ensuring that our achievements lead to the next stage of challenges. The AI era is characterized by rapid advancements, where yesterday's technology can quickly fall behind.
At this moment, complacency could quickly widen the gap, making it crucial to maintain our current level of vigilance. We expect the government to play a strong guiding role in ensuring that our achievements translate into tangible results that the public can feel.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.