OpenAI has once again expressed its willingness to cooperate with Korea in artificial intelligence (AI) by releasing a policy proposal report. The company proposed that Korea move beyond the focus on sovereign AI led by domestic companies and pursue parallel global cooperation with leading AI companies, including itself. The government requested that Korea be given top priority in OpenAI’s global AI infrastructure construction project.
OpenAI released a policy proposal report titled ‘AI in South Korea: OpenAI’s Economic Blueprint’ on Oct. 23. The company proposed a ‘dual track’ strategy to the Korean government and others, suggesting it could support Korea in protecting its national interests while securing global competitiveness by implementing sovereign AI and global AI cooperation. At a media roundtable held on the same day, Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer (vice president), emphasized, ‘OpenAI is ready to cooperate to develop Korea as an AI infrastructure hub. This means implementing AI of Korea, by Korea, and for Korea within local data and infrastructure.’
OpenAI’s report positively evaluated Korea’s continued policies and efforts to strengthen digital sovereignty, including the construction of an independent AI ecosystem encompassing foundation models, infrastructure, and graphics processing unit (GPU) supply. However, it also suggested the need to pursue strategic cooperation with global frontier AI developers, including itself, in parallel.
The company argued that this could help with AI transformation (AX) by alleviating the shortage of computing resources and acquiring best practices related to infrastructure operation, accelerating AI adoption through large-scale and stable deployment capabilities of frontier developers, unlike domestic models that may have limited industry-wide deployment, and enhancing AI safety and reliability based on verified frameworks and advanced data governance. It cited examples of cooperation, such as DRAM wafer supply contracts with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Furthermore, the report proposed priority cooperation in areas such as industry and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support, healthcare, and education. It suggested gradually promoting global cooperation starting from areas that can quickly produce tangible effects, laying the foundation for spreading the effects of AI across the economy. The company argued that this strategy could form the basis of the ‘K-AI ecosystem’ and eventually develop into an ‘AI national package’ combining technology, financial, and policy support, expanding Korea’s successful model of exporting complex projects like nuclear power plants and smart cities to AI as well.
Lehane explained, ‘As OpenAI expands its global infrastructure, Korea’s semiconductor companies can expand export opportunities and become the core of the global supply chain. Korea also has clear domain strengths in electronics, shipbuilding, and creator industries. By combining AI with these, leverage effects can be maximized in both domestic and export markets.’
Regarding the construction of data centers in Korea, he said, ‘We are currently reviewing locations, models, and operational methods with the Korean government and private partners. Various options are open, including direct investment by OpenAI or joint operation.’ Concerning NVIDIA’s participation, he added, ‘We are also discussing the possibility of technical collaboration such as GPUs in the Korean project. The deployment and specific roles are still under discussion.’
Meanwhile, on the same day, Vice Minister Ryu Jae-myung of the Ministry of Science and ICT held a meeting with Lehane to discuss follow-up cooperation plans for the MOU signed on Oct. 1. They reviewed the progress of AI data center projects and discussed plans for talent cultivation and industrial cooperation. In particular, Ryu requested that the Korean data center project be given top priority in OpenAI’s global data center construction projects such as ‘Stargate.’ He also urged swift progress in discussions with SK and Samsung, and agreed to explore specific cooperation plans with Korean industries. OpenAI emphasized in its briefing on this report that mutual cooperation would greatly benefit Korea.
Ryu stated, ‘In an era where technology is both economy and security, cooperation with allied countries and key companies will determine the future of the nation. Based on this cooperation, we will make more efforts for Korea to become an AI hub in Northeast Asia.’
Bookmarks
- No Favorites