Korea Is No. 2 in ChatGPT Use. AI Sovereignty Slips Away

The rapid adoption of U.S. AI models in Korea, evidenced by its ranking as the second-largest market for paying ChatGPT users, points to a strong consumer preference for established foreign AI. This widespread integration of external models could shape the domestic landscape, potentially influencing the urgency and direction of local AI development efforts.

The article draws a contrast with European firms like DeepL and Mistral AI, which are actively pursuing "AI sovereignty" through the development of global models. This push is partly informed by events such as the temporary Mythos export controls, which demonstrated how critical AI infrastructure could be restricted, underscoring the strategic value of independent AI capabilities.

China's approach further illustrates this strategic dimension, with a policy aimed at fostering AI dependence in developing countries by supplying cost-effective models. Gartner projected that adoption of Chinese AI models by global companies could jump to 50% in 2027 from 5% last year. These varied global strategies highlight that while consumer adoption of foreign AI offers immediate benefits, it also raises questions about long-term technological self-reliance.