The global race for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy is solidifying the United States and China as the world’s top two players. Meanwhile, South Korea, despite its declared intention to join the ranks of the world’s three leading AI nations, still finds itself in a position of playing catch-up.
According to a recent report released byEpoch AI, OpenAI generated $2.33 billion in revenue from AI model sales in the second half of last year. While Epoch AI included companies from China, France, and Canada in its analysis, South Korean AI models were notably absent.
The 2025 AI Index report, recently published by Stanford University, also gave a less-than-stellar evaluation of South Korean AI. Last year, American institutions developed 40 noteworthy AI models, and Chinese institutions created 15, but South Korea produced only one.
In terms of private investment, South Korea lags behind not only the U.S. and China but also other AI competitors. The U.S. leads with a staggering $109.1 billion in private investment, followed by China with $9.3 billion. South Korea ranked 11th with $1.3 billion. While the absolute figures remained similar to last year’s report, South Korea’s ranking dropped from 9th to outside the top 10.
Global tech giants are doubling down on building AI infrastructure to maintain their competitive edge. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, plans to invest $75 billion in data center construction this year. Microsoft and Meta have announced plans to invest $80 billion and $65 billion, respectively, in AI infrastructure.
Despite South Korea’s declared ambition to join the global AI G3, it has yet to close the gap with the U.S., China, and global tech giants. As a result, there is significant interest in the visions that presidential candidates will present regarding AI and other science and technology fields in the upcoming presidential election in South Korea.
Candidates who have announced their intention to run have emphasized the importance of the AI race and pledged to strengthen South Korea’s scientific and technological competitiveness.
Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party and a candidate for the 21st presidential election, expressed his commitment on Friday to build the strongest soft power and lead global civilization through K-science and technology in this era of infinite competition in artificial intelligence.
Lee stated that it is too challenging for individual companies to handle technology investment, research, and development, talent cultivation, or to start new businesses and compete globally. It’s necessary to provide national-level support, investment, and collaboration.
Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party and another presidential candidate, articulated his ambitions at a campaign launch event on Thursday, asserting that South Korea must become a leader in the AI revolution.
Han described the AX (AI transformation era as a period of upheaval even greater than the Industrial Revolution. He promised to foster the big five sectors, including robotics, semiconductors, energy, and biotechnology, to elevate South Korea to the status of an AI G3 nation with robust government support.
Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, declared his candidacy on Tuesday, stating that if they cannot make South Korea one of the top three AI nations, there will be no future for our country.
Ahn pointed out the substantial investments that companies and governments in the U.S., China, and Japan are making in AI. He emphasized that in the future, the government and businesses must collaborate to invest hundreds of trillions of won in the AI industry to catch up with advanced countries. He stated that he will cultivate 1 million AI talents through education and corporate innovation.