South Korea Ascends to Global AI Leadership Ranks with 5 Key Models

According to the 'AI Index 2026' report recently released by Stanford University's Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute, South Korea was evaluated as having the world's third-highest AI competitiveness, holding five notable AI models, placing it behind the United States and China. South Korea's number of noteworthy AI models increased from one last year to five this year, a result reflecting various evaluation metrics beyond the models' inherent performance, such as academic citations and actual usage. The U.S. possesses 50 models and China has 30. While there is a gap between South Korea and the top-ranked U.S. and second-ranked China, its rapid development is evident when compared to other countries that only have one model.

According to the same report, South Korea ranked first globally for two consecutive years in AI patents per 100,000 people, and its AI adoption rate increase was also the fastest among the 30 surveyed countries.

Professor Jeong Yu-chae of the Department of AI Convergence at Korea Cyber University stated that South Korea is moving from being a 'follower' to a 'leading global position,' noting that 'unique Korean AI foundation models differentiated from existing ones have been developed.'

The AI Basic Law, enacted this year, was highlighted as an example pursuing both the growth of South Korea's AI industry and a trust-based foundation. The 'AI Data Center Special Act,' aimed at building AI data centers, has also passed a National Assembly standing committee, with expectations for streamlined permit procedures.

However, with private investment in AI reaching $1.7 billion, placing it 12th globally, expanding power and data infrastructure to support technological achievements and attracting private capital remain key challenges for South Korea to solidify its position among the top three AI powerhouses.