The 'Everyone's AI' initiative, which aims to provide free artificial intelligence (AI) services to all citizens, has officially launched. The government emphasized the importance of fostering an ecosystem where independent AI models, domestic AI semiconductors, and AI agents can grow together, rather than focusing on competition among SK Telecom (SKT), KT, and Kakao.
On September 4, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a signing ceremony for the Everyone's AI project at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hwan, SKT CEO Jeong Jae-hun, KT CEO Park Yoon-young, and Kakao CEO Jeong Sin-a.
Deputy Prime Minister Baek described Everyone's AI as the most challenging project of the year, stating, "By the official launch in December, it must reach a level that will make citizens say 'wow.'" He stressed the need for safety and reliability, as well as differentiated strengths that surpass foreign AI services. Baek noted, "We need a new service structure that connects public services, private services, payments, and communications, rather than simply creating a domestic chatbot similar to ChatGPT. This will help reduce AI disparities based on social class or usage environment and serve as a starting point for a foundational AI society."
During the event, each consortium, including SKT, KT, and Kakao, presented their strategies for Everyone's AI. They set a goal of achieving 5 million monthly active users (MAU) by the end of the year and plan to launch beta services by October.
Kakao Leverages KakaoTalk: 'AI Accessible from Chat List'
Kakao highlighted its platform, KakaoTalk, as a key entry point for AI. Kim Se-woong, Kakao's Vice President and AI Performance Leader, stated, "We will make KakaoTalk the entry point for AI so that citizens do not need to learn or install a new AI app. Users will be able to discover AI in their friend or chat lists and summon agents within chat rooms to handle tasks."
Kakao also outlined a collaboration strategy with LG Group, aiming to enable AI access not only on PCs but also via phones through LG Uplus.
Specialized agents will expand into areas such as healthcare, finance, public services, job placement, life care, and senior care. Kim added, "Initially, we will provide one personal agent, but in the future, users will be able to combine or customize multiple specialized agents, evolving into a 'one-person, N-agent' structure." The goal is to secure 5 million MAU by the end of this year and reach 10 million by the end of 2027. Jeong also mentioned plans to reach 30 million users by 2030.
KT Focuses on Expanding AI Ecosystem: 'Connecting Diverse Domestic Service Providers'
KT emphasized its commitment to expanding the domestic AI ecosystem. Lee Jin-hyung, head of KT's AX Business Division, stated, "The core of our project is 'Eum Inside.' Rather than creating all services ourselves, we aim to connect various domestic service providers to make Everyone's AI accessible to citizens."
For example, the next portal will feature an AI mode alongside the existing search interface, while shopping services like Danawa will incorporate AI agents to assist with product searches, comparisons, and recommendations.
KT is also diversifying its models. Lee explained, "We will apply 'multi-model routing' to select the most suitable model based on requests, combining our Upstage proprietary AI foundation model, KT's trust model, and Saltlux's public model."
Additionally, KT plans to utilize domestic AI semiconductors, specifically Rebellion, to enhance model service efficiency. Lee noted, "We will process incoming AI requests like a factory, ensuring speed, accuracy, economic viability, and stability."
SKT Promotes Actionable AI Agents: 'From Job Listings to Resume Writing'
SKT is focusing on its 'actionable AI agents.' The company aims to develop AI agents that not only provide information but also facilitate actual actions following searches.
For instance, if a user searches for job information, the AI will recommend similar job postings and assist in creating resumes. SKT also introduced a phone AI agent known as '114,' which will have a phone number to make it accessible for the elderly and digitally vulnerable populations.
SKT is committed to expanding the domestic AI ecosystem by orchestrating multiple domestic models rather than relying solely on its 'A-dot X K2.' Kim Ji-hoon, head of SKT's AI Business Division, stated, "We are testing a mix of models, including K2, Upstage, Motif, and LG AI Research's models, tailored to real usage scenarios."
Deputy Prime Minister Baek defined Everyone's AI as a project aimed at nurturing the domestic AI ecosystem rather than fostering competition among individual companies. He stated, "This is not a competitive landscape among SKT, KT, and Kakao. We will not encourage competition as a unified brand identity is needed. The key is for each to secure users while growing the AI market based on domestic models, NPUs, and AI agents."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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