CSOAI - South Korea

South Korea Basic AI Act

South Korea's Basic Act on AI entered into force in January 2026. It applies extraterritorially where AI systems affect users in Korea and introduces duties for high-impact and generative AI.

Approach: Binding framework law, extraterritorial (in force Jan 2026)

Key points

+Applies extraterritorially where AI affects Korean users
+Duties for 'high-impact' AI: risk management, human oversight, documentation
+Transparency + labelling for generative-AI outputs
+Overseen by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT)

Questions, answered

Is South Korea's AI Basic Act in force?

Yes - South Korea's Basic Act on AI entered into force in January 2026 and applies extraterritorially where AI systems affect users in Korea. Verify the current grace periods and implementing rules, which continue to develop.

Who does the Korean AI Basic Act apply to?

Providers and deployers of AI - including overseas ones - whose systems affect users in Korea, with heightened duties for 'high-impact' and generative AI.

What does it require?

Risk management, human oversight, documentation and transparency, plus labelling of generative-AI outputs; oversight sits with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).

AI regulation worldwide is evolving fast. This reflects the position as of June 2026 and is not legal advice - verify current law for your jurisdiction.

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Ask the Council assistant — South Korea Basic AI Act — obligations, who must act, and the first move
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