Global AI Governance Law and Policy: South Korea

This article is part of a series on global AI governance law and policy.

South Korea is a global powerhouse in several industries, including IT, semiconductors and batteries, enabling the country to emerge as a key player in artificial intelligence. The adoption of South Korea’s Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of Trust has been a watershed moment in the development of the nation’s artificial intelligence policy. The AI Basic Act is scheduled to come into effect on 22 January 2026 and will be the world’s second comprehensive AI law after the EU AI Act.

Many of the technical details of the obligations under the act is delegated to the enforcement decrees, which are currently being prepared by the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology. There have also been other regulatory developments relating to AI, including the Personal Information Protection Act, Copyright Act, and Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.

The Lee Jae Myung presidential administration, which came into power on 4 June 2025, views AI as a key driver of South Korea’s economic growth. President Lee announced his vision to position South Korea among the world’s top three players by creating an AI-related industrial innovation ecosystem, building the world’s most advanced AI infrastructure, introducing legislation and governance systems, and developing AI talent. Many experts anticipate South Korea's AI industry to undergo significant transformations, fueled by such technological growth and recent regulatory development.

Approach to regulation