OpenAI, Kakao to jointly develop AI products for South Korea | U.S. ...
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a recently announced their partnership to develop artificial intelligence products for South Korea. The collaboration aims to leverage OpenAI's cutting-edge technology and Kakao's extensive reach in the country's market.
During a press conference in Seoul on February 4, 2025, Altman and Shin-a highlighted the significance of AI in transforming various industries. Kakao, known for its popular messaging app KakaoTalk, has a dominant position in South Korea, with a 97% market share. The company has been expanding its services into e-commerce, payments, and gaming, with a focus on integrating AI to drive growth.

Strategic Alliances
Altman's visit to Asia also included meetings with other tech giants such as Samsung Electronics, SoftBank, and Arm Holdings. The discussions revolved around potential collaborations and the adoption of AI technologies.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son mentioned the Stargate AI data center project during his meeting with Altman, emphasizing the importance of AI development. The Stargate project, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to enhance AI capabilities in the United States.
Expansion Plans
Altman expressed keen interest in Korea's energy, semiconductor, and internet sectors, citing the country as a crucial market for OpenAI. The demand for AI solutions in South Korea is rapidly growing, presenting significant opportunities for innovation and advancement.

Additionally, Altman hinted at potential collaborations with Korean companies for the Stargate project, signaling a broader engagement with the country's tech ecosystem. The discussions encompassed plans for comprehensive cooperation in AI chip development and ecosystem expansion.
Future Prospects
As South Korea endeavors to establish a national AI computing center, OpenAI is actively considering participation in the initiative. Altman's visit underscores the strategic importance of the region in driving AI innovation and technological progress.
While Kakao's shares experienced fluctuations following the partnership announcement, the long-term prospects for AI development in South Korea remain promising. The synergies between OpenAI and Kakao are poised to reshape the AI landscape in the country, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth.

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