The Concerning State of Korea's AI Industry

A Critical Perspective on Recent Developments

The current state of Korea's AI industry is a cause for concern. Recent events have highlighted some troubling trends that warrant discussion and reflection.

The Stanford Survey Controversy

A recent survey paper from Stanford omitted mention of Korean foundation models, causing an uproar in the Korean AI community. This reaction culminated in:

• Public protests against the survey authors
• Media reports of formal complaints being lodged
• The publication of email exchanges with the authors

However, this response raises questions about the industry's priorities and self-awareness.

Misplaced Focus and Lack of Innovation

There seems to be a disconnect between Korea's AI ambitions and its actual global impact:

1. Daily announcements of 'Korean-style AI' developments often appear to be more focused on attracting investment than driving genuine innovation.
2. While post-ChatGPT startups like Mistral, Inflection AI, Together AI, and Anthropic have shown remarkable growth through unique technologies and open-source initiatives, Korean companies have largely failed to make a global impact.
3. The emphasis on publishing papers and achieving high scores on Korean language benchmarks has not translated to international recognition or influence.

The Need for Substantive Progress

To secure a promising future for Korean AI:

• The focus must shift from publicity-driven results to building substantial technological capabilities.
• There needs to be a vision compelling enough to attract top talent, competing with the lucrative offers from global tech giants.
• The industry should aim to contribute meaningfully to global AI advancements rather than engaging in localized competitions.

Conclusion

The Korean AI industry stands at a crossroads. While significant investments are being made, the current approach seems misaligned with global trends and standards. A fundamental shift in strategy and mindset is necessary if Korea hopes to become a significant player in the global AI landscape.