In a significant move to bolster its AI capabilities, South Korea has initiated a ₩530 billion (approximately $390 million) investment aimed at developing large language models that cater specifically to its language and cultural context. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Science and ICT, has selected five local companies—LG AI Research, SK Telecom, Naver Cloud, NC AI, and Upstage—to spearhead this effort. The government plans to review progress biannually, funding only the top performers. Each selected company is leveraging its unique strengths; for instance, LG AI Research focuses on efficiency and industry-specific models, while SK Telecom utilizes its telecom infrastructure to enhance AI applications in daily life. Naver Cloud aims to integrate AI into its core services, and Upstage is developing specialized models for various industries. This initiative reflects South Korea's ambition to reduce dependence on foreign AI technologies and strengthen its national security.