TLDR: SK Telecom has launched a significant national AI project, focusing on developing sovereign large language models (LLMs) and establishing a state-of-the-art AI Data Centre in Ulsan. This initiative is part of Korea’s broader ‘sovereign AI’ drive, aiming to create AI solutions optimized for Korean language and culture, and integrate them into various sectors, including government and finance.
SK Telecom (SKT) is at the forefront of Korea’s ambitious national artificial intelligence (AI) project, driving the development of advanced sovereign AI models and critical infrastructure. The telecommunications giant has officially joined the Ministry of Science and ICT’s ‘AI Foundation Model’ project, a key component of the nation’s strategy to build independent AI capabilities tailored for the Korean language and cultural nuances.
Central to SKT’s efforts is its proprietary A.X series of large language models. The latest iterations, A.X 4.0 and A.X 3.1, are open-source models developed entirely from scratch, encompassing all stages of model design and data training. These models have demonstrated impressive performance on local benchmarks, with A.X 4.0 reportedly outperforming OpenAI’s GPT-4o on Korean-specific tests like KMMLU (78) and CLIcK (83), which assess knowledge and cultural understanding.
SKT is actively integrating its A.X models into real-world applications. The AI assistant platform ‘A.’ already utilizes these models for services such as summarizing customer-service calls, effectively acting as an ‘AI secretary.’ The company plans to further enhance these services with reasoning and multimodal upgrades, eventually offering them as a paid service. Beyond consumer applications, SKT is positioning A.X as a sovereign AI solution for government agencies and financial institutions that prioritize on-premises systems over foreign cloud platforms, emphasizing data security and localized processing.
In a parallel strategic move, SK Telecom has expanded its partnership with Schneider Electric to construct a cutting-edge AI Data Centre (AIDC) in Ulsan. This facility is designed to optimize operations through a digital twin model, moving beyond traditional monitoring tools. The collaboration with Schneider Electric involves the supply of essential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment, including switchgear, transformers, and automated control systems. This significant investment in infrastructure is not only crucial for supporting SKT’s broader AI strategy but also comes in the wake of a major hacking incident, signaling the company’s commitment to bolstering its digital resilience and AI-driven recovery.
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SKT is one of five consortia, alongside entities like LG AI Research, Naver, NC AI, and Upstage, participating in the government’s initiative to deliver a sovereign AI foundation model. This collective effort underscores Korea’s determination to establish technological sovereignty in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
