South Korea is a major Asian economy that has made artificial intelligence a national priority, spanning investment, regulation and security. Recent coverage includes weighing use of its AI fund to cut debt sales, approving amendments to AI and data laws, expanding the National Intelligence Service's economic security role to counter technology theft, and planning security guidelines for autonomous AI agents. It also partnered with Kenya on AI in public services and is boosting AI ties with Africa.
South Korea Weighs AI Fund to Cut Debt Sales as Costs RiseWith borrowing costs rising worldwide, South Korea is weighing using a major new source of cash from its AI fund to simply cut back on debt sales. The option is rare among countries seeking relief from higher financing costs.
Kenya pushes responsible military AI, to host 2027 summitKenya's UN mission, on behalf of the Kenya Defence Forces, co-hosted a high-level REAIM side event in New York with South Korea and the Netherlands on responsible military AI, covering human oversight and accountability. The event previews the REAIM Summit on 14-15 April 2027 in Nairobi.
Microsoft: China-linked hackers used AI agents to breach about 2,250 firms via ConnectWiseMicrosoft said China state-aligned hackers breached ConnectWise's cloud backup service, stole app credentials, and impersonated authorized users to reach customers' emails and files. Using the AI framework ARTEX, they targeted about 2,250 organizations at nearly 3,000 sign-in attempts per minute; ConnectWise has paused the service.
US FTC subpoenas OpenAI and Anthropic amid global AI rule pushThe US FTC subpoenaed OpenAI and Anthropic over AI safety concerns. In the same period, Singapore launched new AI safety initiatives and South Korea approved amendments to its AI and data laws, signaling faster regulatory scrutiny of AI companies worldwide.
Kenya Partners With South Korea to Boost AI in Public ServicesKenya has partnered with South Korea to bring artificial intelligence into public services, aiming to improve government service efficiency. Specific projects and cooperation details were not disclosed.
South Korea expands intelligence agency's economic security roleAn amendment to South Korea's National Intelligence Service Act takes effect Dec. 30, making economic security a statutory duty for the first time. The change aims to counter theft of semiconductor, AI and battery technologies, hacking and supply chain risks.
Top Korea Tech Fund Favors Non-Memory AI Hardware StocksA top fund manager focused on South Korea said AI hardware component stocks with promising earnings potential will likely outperform memory chip giants when the market rebounds, so the fund favors non-memory names.
South Korea says AI agents appear to have been used to hack banksSouth Korea says AI agents appear to have been used to hack the country's banks. The incident raises concerns about AI security.
S. Korea Deputy PM Says AI Must Not SlowSouth Korea’s deputy prime minister said on Wednesday that the country must continue advancing AI without pause or delay, taking a clear stance in the global debate over the pace of technological development. This signals government prioritization of AI progress.
South Korea to set autonomous AI agent guidelinesSouth Korea will develop new security guidelines for autonomous AI agents to address risks and regulate their use.
South Korea to Boost AI Ties with AfricaFrance 24 reports South Korea plans to strengthen AI cooperation with Africa, promoting bilateral technology, R&D and exchanges to expand international AI ties and influence.
The A.I. Daily