South Korea launches nationwide AI service, sparking tech giant competition

South Korea is set to roll out a nationwide artificial intelligence service, dubbed 'Modu-ui AI,' offering free access to conversational chatbots and a public AI assistant for administrative tasks. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency (NIA), aims to embed AI technology into the daily lives of all citizens, irrespective of cost or usage limits.

This ambitious project has sparked a competitive race among the country's leading tech giants. SK Telecom, Kakao, and KT are reportedly forming alliances to vie for the contract. Unlike initiatives focused on developing large AI foundation models, 'Modu-ui AI' prioritizes practical application and accessibility for the general public.

Industry observers believe the success of 'Modu-ui AI' hinges on its ability to reach and engage citizens who are less familiar with technology. Data from the NIA's 2025 Digital Information Gap Survey highlights a significant disparity: while 59.4% of the general population has used AI services, only 30.2% of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, low-income individuals, farmers, and people with disabilities, reported similar experiences. Bridging this digital divide will be crucial for the program's widespread adoption and impact.