Korea AI Framework Act
Korea proves the EU is not alone — a major AI-producing economy chose binding comprehensive law with a promotion-first design. Its compute-threshold trigger for frontier duties and light penalty regime offer a distinct 'third way' model.
What it is
The second comprehensive national AI law globally (after the EU): obligations for 'high-impact' AI in sectors like healthcare, energy and recruitment, generative-AI labeling requirements, safety duties for models above a compute threshold, and domestic-representative requirements for foreign providers.
Who is affected
AI providers serving the Korean market, including foreign providers above thresholds
Key obligations
- High-impact AI: prior notification to users, risk management, human oversight
- Generative AI output labeling
- Safety measures and reporting for models above presidential-decree compute thresholds
- Foreign providers above revenue/user thresholds must appoint a domestic representative
Compliance dates
South Korea AI Framework Act in effect
The world's second comprehensive national AI law took effect: high-impact AI duties, generative-AI labeling, and safety obligations for large-scale models.
Recent signals
South Korea's AI Framework Act takes effect
The second comprehensive national AI law worldwide becomes operative, with high-impact AI duties and generative-AI labeling.
South Korea's National Assembly passes the AI Framework Act
Korea becomes the second jurisdiction with a comprehensive AI law, effective January 2026.
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