SK Telecom, KT and Kakao to Start Closed Beta of 'AI for All' on October 16
The three consortia will test the government AI service with affiliates and public institution officials, the Ministry of Science and ICT inspecting each build.
Three consortia led by SK Telecom, KT and Kakao will begin a closed beta of the government's 'AI for All' service on October 16, 2026, according to digitaltoday.co.kr. The trial is limited to affiliates and officials of public institutions.
The Ministry of Science and ICT will inspect each consortium's service development status and operation methods during the beta.
The three operators are taking different technical routes. SK Telecom's version is designed as an 'action-type AI assistant' that can make phone calls on the user's behalf, such as booking a restaurant.
KT is pursuing a strategy it calls 'Eum Inside', embedding AI into existing services such as the price comparison platform Danawa, with plans to link it with Musinsa, Zigbang and Daum.
Kakao is building its AI for All service to be reached through KakaoTalk or a separate web page, and is preparing an 'AI agent marketplace' where external developers can register agents.
Launch timeline
In August 2026, the consortia led by SK Telecom, KT and Kakao were selected as operators for the AI for All project. The service aims for an official launch in December 2026, with a general-purpose AI chatbot to be provided free to all citizens without usage limits.
Quick answers
When does the AI for All closed beta begin?
It starts on October 16, 2026, for affiliates and public institution officials.
Who can use the closed beta?
The beta is limited to affiliates and officials of public institutions, and the Ministry of Science and ICT will inspect each consortium's service during the trial.
When will AI for All launch officially?
The service aims for an official launch in December 2026, with a general-purpose AI chatbot provided free to all citizens without usage limits.