South Korea Ranks 3rd in AI Models as Only 16% Express Concern
Updated
Updated · MIT Technology Review · Jun 15
South Korea Ranks 3rd in AI Models as Only 16% Express Concern
3 articles · Updated · MIT Technology Review · Jun 15
Summary
South Korea now ranks third globally in notable AI models, while just 16% of people say they are more concerned than excited about AI—the lowest share among 25 countries surveyed by Pew.
Lee Jae-myung’s government has pushed AI as an economic growth engine, backing domestic models, expanding computing power and supporting Samsung and SK Hynix with tax credits and low-interest financing.
That strategy leans toward rapid deployment over strict oversight: a 2024 AI Basic Act set light-touch guardrails, and 70% of South Koreans say AI-driven advances in science and medicine matter more than regulation.
The enthusiasm has exposed blind spots, including backlash in 2025 over error-ridden AI textbooks and labor fears after Hyundai said in January it would deploy Atlas humanoid robots in car factories.
Even with broad daily use of chatbots and AI tools, 64% of South Koreans still fear job displacement and wider inequality, underscoring tension between national ambition and social risk.
Korea's AI dream relies on global tech. Can it survive being caught between the US and China?
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South Korea’s AI Ascent: Global Ranking Gains, Pioneering Regulation, and Workforce Diversity Hurdles (2025-2026)
Overview
South Korea has rapidly climbed the global AI rankings in 2025-2026, driven by impressive results in international assessments and strong investment in research and development. This progress has created an environment where advanced AI solutions can thrive and compete worldwide. However, a major challenge remains: a pronounced gender imbalance in the AI workforce, with men making up 81% and women only 19%. Addressing this gap is crucial for building a more diverse and innovative AI ecosystem, which is essential for sustaining South Korea’s momentum and ensuring robust problem-solving capabilities in the future.