OpenAI Targets South Korea in Push for Global AI Leadership

OpenAI is preparing to launch its first office in South Korea, signalling a strong commitment to one of its fastest-growing markets.

South Korea now ranks second globally in paid ChatGPT subscriptions, just behind the United States.

The company has formally established a legal entity in the country, underscoring its view of South Korea as a key hub for AI innovation and adoption.

OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, said in a statement:

“South Korea’s full-stack AI ecosystem makes it one of the most promising markets in the world for meaningful AI impact, from silicon to software, and students to seniors.”

Kwon is currently in Seoul to advance international expansion efforts.

Demand for AI in South Korea is booming, with use cases expanding rapidly across education, software development, entertainment, and public services.

OpenAI has begun hiring local talent to support product localisation, strategic partnerships, and market operations.

Further details on its plans for the South Korean market are expected in the months ahead.

AI Garners Political Support

OpenAI’s growing footprint in South Korea is not only a corporate milestone—it is also beginning to intersect with the country’s political landscape.

In a recent meeting in Seoul, OpenAI executives sat down with representatives from the presidential campaign of Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party of Korea’s candidate, to explore opportunities for collaboration in AI development.

The conversation, which took place at a local hotel, marks Lee’s first formal engagement with an international AI firm and reflects his broader vision of making artificial intelligence central to South Korea’s economic strategy.

Lee has positioned AI as a cornerstone of his economic agenda, pledging to invest 100 trillion won (approximately $73.5 billion) to transform South Korea into one of the top three AI leaders globally.

His initiative, branded “AI for All,” includes plans to create a government-backed AI platform—comparable to ChatGPT—that would be universally accessible at no cost.

Lee envisions state-run AI investment funds and proposes sharing profits with the public through targeted tax incentives.

As public interest and political will around AI continue to surge, the environment is increasingly favourable for OpenAI’s strategic expansion in the region.

The company’s early engagement with political stakeholders could position it as a key partner in shaping South Korea’s AI future.

OpenAI Forging Strategic Partnerships in South Korea

OpenAI reaffirmed its commitment to South Korea earlier this year by announcing a strategic partnership with Kakao, the country’s dominant chat app platform.

Together, the two companies are developing AI products customised for Korean users—a move that underscores OpenAI’s focus on localisation and everyday usability in one of Asia’s most tech-savvy markets.

Kakao’s widespread presence in Korean digital life positions it as an ideal partner for integrating AI into daily communication and for scaling data-driven solutions.

As part of his visit, Kwon is expected to meet with leaders from both the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party.

These bipartisan discussions indicate that South Korea’s ambitions in AI are likely to enjoy cross-party backing—laying the groundwork for a politically stable environment that could support OpenAI’s long-term goals in the region.