KT unveils AI strategy, including hyperscale AI commercialization 

South Korea’s second-largest wireless carrier KT Corp. unveiled a set of steps it will take to commercialize the internally developed Hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) on Wednesday.

KT held a press conference at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul to explain the three pillars of its strategy to take its AI business to the next level.

“The AI technology is so deeply embedded across all industries,” the company’s CEO Ku Hyeon-mo said. “AI should be the 'Big Agenda' for all of Korea.” 

The strategy consists of the commercialization of hyperscale AI, infrastructure innovation and nurturing talent. 

Prefacing the limitations of the existing AI systems, Ku stressed that a  hyperscale AI that can be used across different industries is an absolute must going forward. The plan is to use its internally developed hyperscale AI MIDEUM as a tool for industrial innovation. 

The wireless carrier is also pursuing infrastructure innovation. KT has invested in a number of AI startups such as Rebellions, Moreh, and more. 

The company’s AI One Team is researching the latest algorithms in collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Hanyang University, and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). 

When it comes to nurturing future industry talent, it has established an educational program AIVLE School. The program aims to train some 5,000 subject matter experts over the next five years. 

The company also developed the AI certification exam AICE. 

KT recently pinpointed the logistics, consulting and clothing sectors as areas with high potential for AI adoption. 

The wireless carrier plans to lead the digital transformation of the logistics sector through its logistics subsidiary Lolab to generate 500 billion won ($377.5 million) in revenue by 2025.

As for health checkups and telemedicine, KT showed a demonstration of a childcare counseling service featuring an AI version of real-life celebrity psychiatrist Oh Eun-young. The 57-year-old is a household name in Korea.  

Write to Seung-Woo Lee at leeswoo@hankyung.com
Jee Abbey Lee edited this article.