Agentic AI Era Begins
AWS Korea CEO Ham Ki-ho declared a fundamental shift in artificial intelligence deployment. "We are entering an era where AI does the actual work while humans supervise," Ham said.
According to IDC data, over 60% of Korean companies have already established complex AI environments. AWS projects that by 2029, five companies could achieve $100 billion (approximately 146 trillion won) in revenue with fewer than 12 employees.
Korea Emerges as Global AI Power
Korea has been recognized alongside the United States and China as one of the "Global AI Big Three" by Artificial Analysis. Korean companies won approximately 220 innovation awards at CES 2026, with startups and mid-sized firms capturing roughly 60% of top honors.
A Korean AI consortium formed around Saudi Aramco's digital AX (AI transformation) project now includes seven companies—Rebellions, FuriosaAI, Upstage, and NC AI among them—seeking global market expansion.
Government Distributes 4,000 GPUs
The Ministry of Science and ICT will distribute 4,000 GPUs to industry, academia, and research institutions this month. The allocation from last year's supplementary budget breaks down to 2,624 units for academia, 1,288 for industry, and 312 for research organizations. Additional applications for remaining units will open this month.
Medical Startup Targets US and EU Markets
Graphy, a medical materials startup, is advancing into US and European markets with the world's first shape-memory transparent orthodontic aligner. The company's proprietary 4D printing resin "Terahertz" responds to body temperature, reducing pain and treatment duration.
Graphy has partnered with Benco Dental, the largest US dental distributor, and Germany's The Scheu Group. The company targets 40 billion won in revenue this year while pursuing profitability.
Hyundai Foundation Launches Impact Startup Program
Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation and UNDP Seoul Policy Centre are recruiting Asia-Pacific impact startups for the "Global Impact Preneur" program until April 4. Twenty selected companies will receive mentoring, impact measurement support, and investor networking opportunities.
Immigration Policy Adopts AI Screening
The Ministry of Justice announced AI and biometric-based immigration management under its "2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy." Companies demonstrating lawful foreign worker employment will receive "K-Trust" incentives, including 20-30% increases in hiring quotas for A-rated firms.
