South Korea
Comprehensive framework act balancing promotion and trust obligations
Regulatory posture
South Korea's AI Framework Act took effect in January 2026, making it the first jurisdiction after the EU with a comprehensive binding AI statute — covering high-impact AI notification, generative-AI labeling, and safety duties for large-scale models, with a promotion-heavy design and modest penalties.
Tracked
- In force1
- Signals3
Set last reviewed 16 October 2026
Next review 13 November 2026
Tracked instruments
Signals
Korea's AI Basic Act takes effect with decree, transparency guidelines and a fine grace period
MSIT issued the Enforcement Decree and labelling guidelines alongside the Act, with at least a one-year grace period before fines. The decree was amended on 18 August 2026 to cover impact assessments and domestic-representative thresholds.
ContextSouth Korea's AI Framework Act takes effect
The second comprehensive national AI law worldwide becomes operative, with high-impact AI duties and generative-AI labeling.
South Korea's National Assembly passes the AI Framework Act
Korea becomes the second jurisdiction with a comprehensive AI law, effective January 2026.