Inside KakaoTalk, over a phone call, from a portal search box: the government-backed "AI for everyone" faces its first real test today (Oct. 16). Three consortia led by SK Telecom, KT and Kakao are demoing and starting closed betas, with the public launch set for December.
Three teams, one starting line
"Modu-ui AI" (AI for Everyone) is a Ministry of Science and ICT project to build a service on domestic AI models that any citizen can use. In August the ministry evaluated six bidders and picked consortia led by SK Telecom, Kakao and KT.
This year the government is lending the three teams 512 NVIDIA B200 GPUs. On Oct. 16 each team demos its main features to the ministry, and the closed beta begins.
How the three differ
Kakao uses KakaoTalk as the front door. Its chatbot and AI agent reach into bookings, applications and payments, with LG U+ and LG AI Research on board.
SK Telecom pitches an AI that acts when told: booking restaurants or hospitals, even making calls. It can be reached by app, phone or text, with older and less digital users in mind.
KT ties public services, education, finance and shopping into a single chat window, with links planned to Daum, Musinsa, Zigbang and Genie TV.
"Easy and safe for anyone"
SK Telecom said it is important to build an environment where anyone can use AI easily and safely so that the AI usage gap does not become a new social gap.
The government is on the same page: from next year it plans to cover the cost of serving all citizens from the state budget.
Can you try it yet?
Not yet. Kakao's beta starts with consortium companies and public-agency staff, and it is considering opening to general users later.
The public launch is in December, after the teams fix what the demo turns up and firm up stability.
