'AI for everyone' gov't initiative faces feasibility questions

The government plans to roll out a general artificial intelligence (AI) service allowing unlimited use for all Koreans without any fees, but the initiative is facing questions about its feasibility, particularly over how it would cover token costs and ensure the operator's financial sustainability.

During a policy briefing with President Lee Jae Myung, Thursday, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will introduce “a ChatGPT-like chatbot service” by using Korea’s proprietary AI model by the end of this year.

The government also plans to integrate public services into the platform, allowing users to search and apply for government services through the AI model.

Once the service gets on track, the government plans to upgrade it, from next year, into AI agents that will offer greater accessibility than chatbots, with the goal of providing every Korean with a personal AI agent.

"In addition to a general-purpose AI chatbot service, we will continue to expand public AI agent services," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon said.

"Starting in 202 ...