South Korea’s government announced plans to launch a free, domestically developed AI chatbot and agent service by the end of 2026 to reduce reliance on foreign platforms such as ChatGPT. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said the government must “provide services that are even better” to draw users away from paid foreign alternatives. Starting in 2027, the initiative will expand into personalized AI agents handling tasks like asset management and retirement planning. The rollout coincides with South Korea’s new AI Basic Act, which introduces content-labeling requirements and heightened safety standards for sensitive sectors.
