In forceApproach: Comprehensive risk-based act with a light enforcement posture
South Korea's AI Basic Act took effect January 22, 2026, making it Asia's first comprehensive AI law and the world's second after the EU. It pairs a risk-based framework with an innovation-first posture: roughly four-fifths of the act is about promoting the industry. It imposes transparency duties on generative and high-impact AI, adds safety duties for the largest models, reaches foreign providers serving Korean users, and runs a one-year grace period before most fines apply.
Key points
The Act on the Development of AI and Establishment of Trust (AI Basic Act) took effect January 22, 2026.
It defines 'high-impact' AI across sectors such as healthcare, energy, employment, credit, and public administration.
Foreign operators above set thresholds must appoint a domestic representative.
Providers must notify users when they interact with AI and label generative output, especially exported synthetic media.
Fines reach up to KRW 30 million, with a grace period through 2026 except for serious harms.
Laws and instruments
AI Basic Act
Act on the Development of AI and Establishment of Trust (2024)
In force
Comprehensive framework combining industrial promotion with baseline obligations for transparency, safety, and user protection. Technical detail is set by an Enforcement Decree and MSIT guidance.
Grace period during which most fines are deferred.
Who it applies to
AI development business operators and AI utilization business operators, with heightened duties for high-impact and generative AI. Extraterritorial: foreign operators whose AI affects Korean users must designate a domestic representative above revenue or user thresholds. National-defense and security uses are exempt.
Penalties
Administrative fines up to KRW 30 million (about USD 21,000) for failures such as not disclosing AI use or not appointing a domestic representative. The act emphasizes post-market oversight over pre-market approval.
Recent developments
January 22, 2026
Cooley
South Korea's AI Basic Act takes effect, Asia's first comprehensive AI law
The AI Basic Act and its Enforcement Decree came into force. It sets transparency and high-impact duties, reaches foreign providers serving Korean users, and runs a one-year grace period before most fines apply. It joins the EU AI Act as one of only two comprehensive regimes in force.
South Korea has a dedicated AI regime. South Korea's AI Basic Act took effect January 22, 2026, making it Asia's first comprehensive AI law and the world's second after the EU. It pairs a risk-based framework with an innovation-first posture: roughly four-fifths of the act is about promoting the industry. It imposes transparency duties on generative and high-impact AI, adds safety duties for the largest models, reaches foreign providers serving Korean users, and runs a one-year grace period before most fines apply.
What are the penalties for AI violations in South Korea?
Administrative fines up to KRW 30 million (about USD 21,000) for failures such as not disclosing AI use or not appointing a domestic representative. The act emphasizes post-market oversight over pre-market approval.
Who does AI regulation in South Korea apply to?
AI development business operators and AI utilization business operators, with heightened duties for high-impact and generative AI. Extraterritorial: foreign operators whose AI affects Korean users must designate a domestic representative above revenue or user thresholds. National-defense and security uses are exempt.
Artificial Intelligence Regulations, "AI Regulation in South Korea," reviewed July 15, 2026, https://artificialintelligenceregulations.com/jurisdictions/south-korea.html.
Entries state the position as of the review date and link to the primary text for verification.
