South Korea Bets Big on Domestic AI Foundation Models

South Korea's AI Ambitions Face Scrutiny Amid Foundation Model Push

The South Korean government is doubling down on its strategy to foster domestic AI foundation models, announcing a new call for an additional development team. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and ICT, aims to cultivate national champions capable of competing on the global stage. The project, which seeks consortia of domestic AI companies and institutions, targets the development of models that can achieve over 95% of the performance of leading international counterparts. The urgency is palpable, with the latest application window closing on February 12, 2026. This marks a significant push to solidify South Korea's technological sovereignty in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The 'Dokfamo' Project: A National Endeavor

The government's commitment to developing proprietary AI foundation models, often dubbed the 'Dokfamo' project, is a strategic move to reduce reliance on foreign technology and cultivate a robust domestic AI ecosystem. The Ministry of Science and ICT's call for a new team underscores the project's ongoing nature and its ambition to scale up development efforts. By opening up another opportunity for participation, the government signals its intent to cast a wider net, potentially incorporating more specialized expertise or addressing identified gaps in the initial development phases. This national effort reflects a broader global trend where countries are investing heavily in sovereign AI capabilities.

Divergent Views Emerge

Despite the government's strong backing, the 'Dokfamo' project is not without its critics. While official announcements highlight the drive for national AI prowess, internal discussions and public commentary reveal a degree of skepticism. Some observers question the feasibility and the projected outcomes of such large-scale, state-led AI development. The requirement for new teams to achieve at least 95% of global model performance is ambitious, and the evaluation process, which mandates passing a majority of the review committee, suggests a rigorous, though potentially challenging, path to success.

"The 'Dokfamo' project, a national initiative to create its own foundation models, is currently the biggest topic in the AI field," notes one analysis, highlighting the project's prominence while also hinting at underlying debates.

The contrast between the government's proactive support and the murmurs of doubt illustrates the complex challenges inherent in fostering cutting-edge AI development. The success of this initiative will likely hinge on balancing national ambition with realistic technological hurdles and market dynamics.

Future Trajectory and Implications

The continuation and expansion of the 'Dokfamo' project signal a long-term commitment from the South Korean government. The immediate future will focus on the selection and integration of the new AI team, followed by intensified development efforts. The performance benchmarks set by the ministry will be critical indicators of progress.

Should these domestic foundation models achieve their ambitious targets, the implications for South Korea's tech industry could be profound. It could lead to greater innovation, enhanced data security, and a stronger competitive position in the global AI market. Conversely, if the project falters, it could represent a significant setback in national AI strategy and a considerable drain on resources. The ongoing debate suggests that the path forward will require not only technological breakthroughs but also adept navigation of public and industry sentiment.

References

• 국가대표 AI 추가팀 2월12일까지 공모..."평가위원 과반 통과해야" - AI Times
• 독파모 프로젝트에 대한 회의론 - 아웃스탠딩