NewsPulse: South Korea AI Digest

Samsung Expands Galaxy AI to 200M Devices, Pioneering Next-Gen Mobile AI Features

Samsung Electronics has achieved its goal of equipping over 200 million devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, with “Galaxy AI.” Initially set at 100 million devices, the target was revised in July to 200 million. The company aims to introduce even more advanced mobile AI capabilities next year.

Samsung unveiled the world’s first AI-powered phone with its Galaxy S24 series earlier this year, followed by expanding Galaxy AI features to mid-range devices, tablets, and laptops. The recently announced “One UI 7” beta program enhances AI functionality, integrating generative AI tools like text summarization and grammar checks at the framework level. The “Naubar” notification system is an advanced AI-powered platform that provides real-time updates on various aspects of a user’s life, including schedules, music preferences, and health activities. This system represents a cutting-edge approach to personalized AI experiences, offering timely and relevant information tailored to each individual user’s needs and interests.

The “Naubar” notification system, offering real-time updates on schedules, music, and health activities, exemplifies the personalized AI experience. Samsung also strengthens user privacy with features like the Personal Data Engine and the Samsung Knox Vault, ensuring secure storage of biometric data and device activity. Looking ahead, the Galaxy S25 series is expected to set a new benchmark for mobile AI innovation.

South Korea’s National AI Commission Prepares for Official Launch Amid Challenges

The National Artificial Intelligence Commission (AI Commission), set to officially launch next year, is accelerating its preparations with a new office and operational groundwork. Established under the AI Basic Act, the commission aims to serve as the central authority for AI policymaking in the country.

The commission has finalized a five-committee structure—covering technology, industry, talent, legislation, and safety—but faces hurdles like budget cuts and the absence of President Yoon Suk-yeol, currently suspended from duty. Stable funding remains its biggest challenge as opposition parties scrutinize budget allocations.

Passage of the AI Basic Act on November 30, 2024 could solidify its legal foundation, requiring the Ministry of Science and ICT to create a national AI strategy every three years with the commission’s approval. Despite its ambitions for a comprehensive AI strategy, uncertainties around leadership and funding cast doubt on its smooth launch.

Updated!

South Korea’s AI Basic Act, the world’s second such legislation, was passed by the National Assembly on December 26, 2024. Set to be implemented in January 2026 after a one-year grace period, the law aims to foster AI-based industries and establish a foundation for trustworthy AI use. Key aspects include creating a national AI committee and AI safety research institute, supporting R&D and AI data centers, and promoting AI industry growth. The law focuses on developing AI, creating a trust-based framework, and ensuring safety measures for high-impact and generative AI.

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South Korea Explores Expanding On-Device AI with Domestic AI Semiconductors

The Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea announced on the 20th that it discussed strategies with industry leaders to increase the use of domestic AI semiconductors in the on-device AI sector, where AI models and services operate directly on devices.

During a meeting in Seoul, officials outlined the “K-On-Device AI Flagship Project,” which will launch public-sector trials in areas like CCTV, smart homes, and autonomous driving with a budget of KRW 9 billion starting next year. The ministry also shared updates on its National AI Computing Center initiative, aiming to meet demand for large-scale AI computations.

Industry representatives, including Naver Cloud, KT Cloud, and Puriosa AI, discussed ways to integrate domestic chips into the computing center, which is designed to support academia and industry with advanced GPU and AI chip infrastructure. Next-generation technologies, such as neuromorphic semiconductors from KAIST and Seoul National University, were also showcased.

Additionally, tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix exhibited their latest intelligent semiconductor prototypes, emphasizing innovation in processing-in-memory (PIM) technologies. The event concluded with a presentation from Sungkyunkwan University’s award-winning team on maximizing neural processing unit (NPU) efficiency for AI models.

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