[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] Kakao(035720)has been selected as the final implementer of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Support for Universal Adoption of AI Services for All Citizens (AI for Everyone)” project, in partnership with 14 companies and institutions, including LG Uplus(032640).

Led by Kakao, with LG Uplus serving as a key participant, this consortium includes LG AI Research, LGELECTRONICS, LG CNS, Kakao Enterprise, Seoul National University Hospital, Shinhan Bank, Lunit Inc., Wonderful Platform, Worksphere, XAVIS CO., Ltd., CrowdWorks, Inc., and FuriosaAI.

The participating companies plan to deliver AI services to the public by combining their self-developed AI models, telecommunications and DEVICE infrastructure, and capabilities for integrating with public systems with domain-specific expertise in areas such as healthcare, finance, taxation, education, employment, caregiving, data, and semiconductors.

The consortium will lower barriers to service access by utilizing KakaoTalk and phone-based AI as entry points. The service will consist of general-purpose AI chatbots, public Agent AI, and sector-specific Agent AI, which will be integrated into a single workflow to help users complete everyday tasks thoroughly.

The technology will be powered by in-house AI models such as LG Corp. AI Research’s “K-EXAONE” and Kakao’s “Kanana.” While undergoing verification of service quality and safety, the consortium plans to ensure accessibility so that digitally vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, can use the service without discrimination.

The schedule calls for launching a beta service this September to gather and incorporate user feedback, followed by the release of the official service by the end of the year based on verified features.

Kim Se-woong, AI Synergy Performance Leader at Kakao, stated, “The key is to make it easy for users to access AI through the familiar KakaoTalk platform and to seamlessly complete everyday tasks,” adding, “We will collaborate with participating companies to build a foundation for AI services for the general public.”

Ko Jin-tae, Head of Enterprise Strategy at LG Uplus, said, “We will provide an environment where users can access AI with a single phone call, without having to install an app or sign up, and we will extend these benefits to vulnerable groups through offline stores and telecommunications infrastructure,” adding, “We will contribute to revitalizing the domestic AI ecosystem.”