#South Korea #Seoul #AI Model #SK Telecom #A.X K1

SK Telecom Unveils A.X K1: Korea's First Hyperscale AI Model

On December 27, 2025, SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) proudly announced the launch of A.X K1, a groundbreaking hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) model featuring a whopping 519 billion parameters. This state-of-the-art model stands as a pivotal milestone in South Korea's quest to solidify its status as a formidable player in the global AI arena, particularly positioning the nation among the top three AI powers globally, alongside the United States and China.

The Significance of the A.X K1 Model

The A.X K1 model is not just another AI model; it functions as a 'Teacher Model', a unique classification that allows it to share knowledge with smaller, specialized AI models, typically those with fewer than 70 billion parameters. By serving as a foundational framework for AI development, A.X K1 enhances the overall capabilities of Korea's AI ecosystem. This innovative approach allows for knowledge transfer, promoting the evolution of smaller models and driving technological advancements across various sectors.

A.X K1's immense processing power enables it to perform complex mathematical reasoning and multi-language comprehension tasks more effectively than previous models. Its capabilities extend to high-complex coding and agent-based executions, showcasing potential applications in industry-focused solutions like manufacturing, real-time character dialogue in games, and humanoid robot functionality.

Focusing on Accessibility and Public Benefit

A critical aspect of the SK Telecom consortium's strategy revolves around promoting AI as a public good. The A.X K1 model will be accessible to the public through the A. (A-DoT) platform, which already boasts over 10 million subscribers. This initiative aims to make AI accessible to everyone, allowing users to utilize various interfaces such as phone calls, text messages, and apps for seamless interaction.

Alongside the A. platform, another consortium member, Liner, offers expert knowledge search services that have proven reliable for more than 11 million global users. With the power of A.X K1, the expectation is to enhance accuracy and reliability across multiple languages, thus enriching user experience and accessibility.

Driving Industrial Innovations

Moreover, A.X K1 is set to play a crucial role within international industries by directly contributing to the AIX (AI Transformation) sector. It will develop bespoke solutions tailored for various industries, enhancing productivity and innovation. The ambitious plans include integrating A.X K1 into gaming systems developed by Krafton, which will utilize AI for character dialogues and autonomous behaviors.

A significant focus is also laid upon the competitive landscape of Korea’s semiconductor industry. A.X K1, by operating on a non-standard scale, can vividly demonstrate performance benchmarks essential for proving the efficiency of memory bandwidth and GPU communication speeds.

A Collaborative Effort towards AI Excellence

The A.X K1 initiative is a collaborative effort comprising eight organizations, including SK Telecom, Krafton, 42dot, Rebellions, Liner, SelectStar, Seoul National University, and KAIST. Together, they are creating a full-stack sovereign AI platform leveraging proprietary technologies, covering everything from AI semiconductors to services.

Since 2018, the consortium has been diligently developing large language models, with each partner contributing unique strengths: Liner enhances accuracy through expert data retrieval, SelectStar ensures data reliability, Krafton expands scalability through global R&D, and Rebellions boosts efficiency with domestically developed NPU technology.

The consortium’s drive is already attracting interest from over 20 institutions, including notable affiliates such as SK hynix, SK Innovation, and the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies. These institutions are keen to collaborate in field tests, validating the A.X K1 model's application in real-world settings, and transforming it into a centerpiece of AI development in Korea.

Open Source and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the SK Telecom consortium is committed to open-sourcing A.X K1, granting access to various companies within Korea's AI ecosystem. Various developer communities and SK Telecom platforms are set to provide open-source APIs, creating an inviting environment for AI agent development. They will also support AI model development through integrated frameworks and make training data accessible through both public and private platforms.

As SK Telecom puts it, this development marks a new turning point in Korea's ambition to ascend the ranks as one of the world’s leading AI nations amid fierce global competition. With their commitment to deliver AI solutions for everyone, the future appears bright for SK Telecom and the broader South Korean tech landscape.