AI law set to be implemented in S Korea next month

Seoul: South Korea was to implement a new set of artificial intelligence (AI) regulations next month amid concerns among startups and other businesses that the comprehensive rules could stymie industry growth and burden smaller firms, industry sources said on Sunday.

The AI framework act is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 22, 2026, calling for the establishment of a national AI committee, the formulation of a basic three-year AI plan and the imposition of safety and transparency requirements, including disclosure obligations for some AI systems, according to the sources.

If implemented as planned, South Korea would become the world's first country to enforce a comprehensive AI regulatory framework, reports Yonhap news agency.The European Union was the first to pass AI-related legislation, but it plans to apply most of its rules starting August, with some provisions expected to be delayed until 2027 amid mounting pressure from businesses and intensifying global competition.