Kicking Off South Korea's 'Token Economy' with 'Everyone's AI'

The South Korean government is launching a major project to enable all citizens to access AI services without cost, aiming to realize a domestic 'token economy' model. The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on foreign AI services like ChatGPT and Claude by expanding AI token production through domestic infrastructure, ultimately providing economic benefits to citizens. Officials plan to significantly scale AI token generation via infrastructure projects like AI Data Centers (AIDCs), targeting the creation of an 'AI basic society' where citizens experience benefits across daily life and economic activities. The project emphasizes transforming AI tokens into tangible usage rights, allowing individuals to earn credits for contributions to AI-driven activities, with full implementation expected by 2027. The ministry highlighted efforts to position South Korea as a token-producing nation and empower individuals as producers rather than mere consumers in the AI economy.