South Korean minister compares advanced AI to nuclear weapons

Advanced artificial intelligence models could become a strategic geopolitical asset comparable to nuclear weapons, South Korea’s Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said, stressing the need to develop a world-class sovereign AI model.

The minister added that efforts by individual countries to control advanced AI systems are expected to intensify further, Caliber.Az reports via Yonhap.

“I think the tendency for certain countries to seek control of AI models of this caliber will only grow stronger, as frontier-level AI models are becoming more like a nuclear weapon,” Bae said.

The remarks came after the release of Kimi K3, a new AI model developed by Chinese startup Moonshot, which its creators claim has approached the capabilities of leading models from US company Anthropic. The launch also followed Washington’s decision to restrict foreign users’ access to several Anthropic models over security concerns.

Bae said the South Korean government is preparing a plan to develop its own frontier AI model and aims to transform the country into a provider of comprehensive AI solutions, ranging from foundation models and services to advanced semiconductors.

The minister also noted that many countries view South Korea as a reliable AI partner without concerns over technological dependence. At the same time, he stressed that potential cooperation with China requires a cautious approach due to Seoul’s close ties with the United States.

"China is strongly hoping South Korea could join its AI cooperation network, but considering many relationships with the U.S. government ... we need to make efforts to find the best approach while also strengthening our independent AI capabilities," Bae stressed.

By Jeyhun Aghazada