News
South Korea Bets Big on AI Through Global Tech Partnerships
Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Published on October 27, 2025
What Happened
South Korea is positioning itself as a major player in the global artificial intelligence landscape. The country's leading tech firms are forging alliances with international giants to drive innovation and economic growth. These strategic partnerships, spotlighted ahead of the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, aim to leverage global expertise and resources to advance Korea's AI capabilities.
Key Partnerships Forged
Samsung and SK Group have recently announced partnerships with OpenAI. These collaborations involve supplying cutting-edge memory chips and developing AI data centers for OpenAI's ambitious Stargate project. KT, another major player, has teamed up with Palantir, integrating Palantir’s AI solutions with KT’s cloud infrastructure. This will deliver tailored AI services to the Korean market and nurture local talent. SK Broadband is also working with Amazon Web Services to build an AI data center in Ulsan.
Samsung is deepening its collaboration with Microsoft by integrating Copilot into its smart TVs, monitors, and Galaxy devices. This allows users direct access via voice or remote commands. Last week, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy XR, an AI-oriented extended reality headset developed with Google and Qualcomm, capturing global attention.
Manufacturing and Internet Giants Join the Fray
POSCO Group is collaborating with AWS to automate steelmaking and logistics using AI-powered engineering platforms. Internet giants Naver and Kakao are also expanding their AI presence through cross-border partnerships. Naver's alliances with Aramco Digital, Intel, and Nvidia focus on sovereign cloud platforms and AI hardware. Kakao has become the first Korean member of the AI Alliance, launched by IBM and Meta, to promote open-source AI development. Kakao will integrate ChatGPT into KakaoTalk, its messaging platform, launching generative AI-powered features soon.
Why It Matters
These partnerships are not just about technological advancement; they're about economic strategy. Korea aims to reshape the future of industry and trade across the Asia-Pacific region. By collaborating with global leaders, Korean companies can accelerate AI development, access new markets, and enhance their competitiveness. This proactive approach could position Korea as a hub for AI innovation and investment.
Our Take
The aggressive push into AI demonstrates South Korea's understanding of future tech trends. However, relying heavily on foreign partnerships carries potential risks. Over-dependence on external technologies and expertise could stifle the development of indigenous AI capabilities. The key is to strike a balance between collaboration and independent innovation, ensuring that Korea doesn't just become a consumer of AI but also a creator.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 APEC CEO Summit will be a crucial platform to showcase these advancements and attract further investment. The success of these partnerships will depend on effective knowledge transfer, talent development, and a clear strategy for long-term sustainability. If executed well, South Korea could indeed become a global AI powerhouse. If not, the country risks being a satellite state in the AI universe.