South Korea's government introduces a free nationwide AI agent to assist citizens and bridge the digital divide.

South Korea is launching a free AI service for every citizen in the country. The government-backed program, called "AI for Everyone," will give all citizens access to an AI chatbot and a personal public-service agent at no cost, according to UPI.
The government has already begun accepting proposals from companies to build the platform. The goal is to cut the digital divide — the gap between people who can and cannot access modern technology — and give every South Korean personalized help with government services, according to Mahoning Matters.
The program is designed to work like a personal assistant for each citizen. Users will be able to ask questions and get help with public services — think applying for benefits, finding local programs, or getting answers from the government — all through a single AI-powered chat interface, according to Ledger Enquirer.
The AI agent will be personalized, meaning it will tailor its help to each individual user. This goes beyond a basic chatbot. The system is meant to act on behalf of users when dealing with government agencies, making public services easier to navigate for everyone, The Bradenton Herald reported.
South Korea is not building the platform itself. Instead, the government has started accepting proposals from private firms. Companies will compete to design and run the "AI for Everyone" service. This public-private model is meant to speed up development and bring in top AI talent, according to Kansas.com.
The proposal process signals that the government is serious about moving fast. South Korea has been investing heavily in AI technology and sees this project as a key step in keeping the country competitive globally, UPI reported.
Not all South Koreans have equal access to technology or the skills to use it. Older citizens, people in rural areas, and lower-income households often struggle to use digital government services. The "AI for Everyone" program is directly aimed at those groups, according to Mahoning Matters.
By making the service free and easy to use through a simple chat interface, the government hopes to reach citizens who currently fall through the cracks. The AI agent could replace the need to visit government offices in person or navigate complex websites, The Bradenton Herald reported.
South Korea is not alone in exploring government-run AI tools. Countries around the world are testing how AI can improve public services. But a nationwide, free AI agent offered to every single citizen is a bold and rare move, according to Ledger Enquirer.
South Korea's tech sector is already home to major AI players. The country ranks among the top globally in internet speed and smartphone use. Launching "AI for Everyone" puts the government at the center of the country's AI push and sets a model other nations may watch closely, Kansas.com reported.
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