KISDI Publishes Report on “The Current State of AI Policy in Korea and Policy Directions for Its Development” (detail)

※ URL (Korean): https://www.kisdi.re.kr/bbs/view.do?bbsSn=114757&key=m2101113055776&pageIndex=2&sc=&sw=

KISDI Publishes Report on “The Current State of AI Policy in Korea and Policy Directions for Its Development”

Reviews Korea’s AI policy based on the OECD AI Principles and presents policy implications -

The Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI, President Sangkyu Rhee) recently published a report titled “The Current State of AI Policy in Korea and Policy Directions for Its Development” (KISDI Perspectives 25-09-02).

The OECD Council Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence (OECD AI Principles), announced in 2019, provides policy guidelines that take into account the social and economic impacts of AI technologies. The principles have influenced AI policymaking not only in OECD member countries but also in many other countries. Reflecting technological developments such as the emergence of generative AI, the principles were revised in 2024 and are regarded as one of the most authoritative international references currently available.

The report adopts the five government recommendations of the revised OECD AI Principles as its analytical framework. It compares and evaluates Korea’s AI policy and indicators with those of major countries using OECD statistics, reviews relevant Korean policies, and presents policy implications for the future direction of Korea’s AI policy.

According to the report, Korea ranks among the top countries surveyed in key factors supporting AI development, including telecommunications infrastructure, digital government, and the use of public data. Specifically, Korea ranks first in 5G download speed, second in fixed broadband subscriptions (47.3 per 100 inhabitants), first in the Digital Government Index (DGI) with a score of 0.94, and first in the OURdata Index with a score of 0.91. Korea also ranks third in generative AI patent holdings, following China and the United States.

From a policy perspective, Korea has adopted an approach that pursues both innovation and trust through its national AI strategy, multiple initiatives, regulatory sandboxes, the AI Safety Institute, and the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence. However, the report notes that further legal and institutional adjustments emphasizing promotional measures are needed to facilitate innovation.

In terms of international cooperation on AI, the report finds that Korea demonstrates strong quantitative engagement through multiple channels but recommends establishing a comprehensive AI diplomacy strategy to enhance qualitative outcomes.

The report presents the following policy directions for Korea to build on its strengths and address challenges: expanding the use of AI in the public sector while strengthening public–private partnerships; establishing a long-term roadmap for international AI cooperation and enhancing expertise; developing an AI support ecosystem by expanding infrastructure, increasing R&D investment, and attracting talent; and improving AI laws and regulations to balance safety and innovation while promoting data utilization.

The report is available for download on the KISDI website (www.kisdi.re.kr)

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KISDI Publishes Report on “The Current State of AI Policy in Korea and Policy Directions for Its Development”