South Korea Prepares Groundbreaking AI Regulations Amid Industry Pushback
South Korea's artificial intelligence sector faces a pivotal moment as the government prepares to implement its comprehensive AI Framework Act in January 2026. The legislation establishes a national AI committee, mandates three-year strategic planning cycles, and imposes transparency requirements on high-risk AI systems—a move that WOULD make Korea the first nation with end-to-end AI governance.
Industry pushback has intensified, with startups warning the rules could disproportionately burden smaller firms. The phased rollout contrasts with the EU's fragmented approach, where key provisions won't take full effect until 2027. This regulatory sprint occurs as global competition for AI dominance accelerates, leaving companies scrambling to adapt.
