Framework for Free National AI Service for All Citizens: Development Period, Operating Costs, Revenue Model Remain Challenges

The Ministry of Science and ICT, along with the Information and Communications Technology Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), held a briefing in Seoul's Mapo District on the 'All People's AI Service' project, detailing requirements including GPU allocation methods, free service scopes, and participation criteria. The initiative aims to provide a domestically developed AI service accessible to all citizens, encompassing a universal AI chatbot, public AI agents, and specialized AI services. Selected companies must launch a beta service by September and a formal launch by December. The ministry emphasized that the project focuses on utilizing existing domestic AI models rather than developing new ones, ensuring feasible timelines. Participating companies must use at least 50% domestic AI models and 30% third-party domestic models, with flexibility to use APIs or open-source solutions. The ministry clarified that foreign models may constitute up to 20% but emphasized prioritizing domestic models. Evaluation will assess model tiering and routing design, with post-project audits to verify compliance. 512 government-owned B200 GPUs will be allocated to up to three companies, with 256 units per company if two are selected. Services must be launched as separate apps or platforms, not merely integrated into existing systems. While core services will be free, advanced features may be paid, with advertising policies and operating costs to be determined through further consultations.