[AI Hegemony War Korea's Winning Move] "ChatGPT Opens New Horizons for Humanity... Korea Must Become a Partner"

OpenAI, Positive on Collaboration and Investment in Korea
Regulatory Easing and Perception Change Are Key

"The best scenario for future industries is for OpenAI, which is creating a sensation with ChatGPT, to join hands with Korea and contribute to the advancement of humanity worldwide."

Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI, who recently visited Korea, expressed a special attachment to the country. During a hectic 2-day schedule, he sought ways to collaborate with Korean companies and emphasized the importance of the Korean government's role. From the 9th for two days, he met with President Yoon Suk-yeol, Minister Lee Young of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, representatives from large corporations and startups, as well as cryptocurrency entrepreneurs.

◆ Emphasis on AI semiconductor production... Discussions on corporate investment= Altman CEO is touring major countries worldwide under the name "OpenAI Tour." One reason for the tour was that he "wanted to get out of the bubble in San Francisco." What made this visit special was the full attendance of executives, including OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, who is married to a Korean woman. Brockman, who rarely shared his opinions in official settings, actively expressed his thoughts. He conveyed his vision of "wanting to contribute to humanity by utilizing AI technology." He also said, "Korea is leading the changes happening worldwide and is a leader technologically," and predicted that "it will be able to realize its potential in the future."

Altman CEO asked President Yoon to increase system semiconductor production capacity and to play a role in creating international norms to prevent side effects arising from AI technology development. At the same time, Altman CEO offered a 'carrot' by saying he would look for ways to cooperate with Korean startups. He also met with Choi Seong-hwan, President of SK Networks Business Division, to discuss investment plans in AI companies. Despite it being his first visit, there was considerable progress in the relationship between Korea and OpenAI.

◆ Startups that met OpenAI share their impressions= Kim Jin-woo, CEO of Riner, who attended the meeting with OpenAI, said, "It was good that they mentioned both the benefits and risks of AI technology," adding, "The best scenario is for OpenAI to closely cooperate with Korea and contribute to human progress." Another startup representative said after attending the event, "Many startups were reluctant and afraid to compete with OpenAI, but this opportunity seemed to clearly draw the line and give the impression that 'we are helpers supporting your business.'"

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (right), and Greg Brockman, co-founder of OpenAI.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Entrepreneurs who saw the 'father of ChatGPT' in person felt a mix of excitement and concern. While focusing on the hyper-personalization features AI technology will bring, they saw various regulations and changes in perception, such as personal information protection, as challenges to be solved. Jang Hyung-soon, director of Wincube Marketing, a mobile coupon specialist company, said, "Ahead of entering overseas markets, we partnered with AI companies to advance our technology," adding, "We promoted the introduction of hyper-personalized services that track users' movements and remember lifestyle patterns through smartphones to offer the most suitable mobile coupons." As user data accumulates, operational efficiency improves and costs can be reduced. However, he said, "Financial institutions such as banks and card companies are sensitive to personal information issues, so commercialization was not easy."

Director Jang diagnosed, "Technology is advancing rapidly, but culture and society are not keeping pace with that speed. The areas and possibilities AI can reach are enormous, but we are still at a stage where we cannot fully feel the power of the technology and thus cannot apply it quickly." He predicted that humanity, encountering new technology through OpenAI, will naturally integrate AI into all aspects of society and culture. Director Jang said, "I think the next generation will hold the key to infinitely expanding OpenAI's domain."