TLDRs;
- OpenAI appointed Kim Kyoung-hoon, former Google Korea chief, as general manager of its new Korean subsidiary.
- Kim will lead partnerships and AI ecosystem growth in Korea, one of the fastest AI adopters worldwide.
- OpenAI Korea aims to collaborate with government, academia, and industry to drive responsible AI adoption.
- The move strengthens Korea’s ambition to become a global AI powerhouse while advancing OpenAI’s presence in Asia.
OpenAI has appointed Kim Kyoung-hoon, a former country director of Google Korea, as the first general manager of its Korean subsidiary.
The move underscores OpenAI’s commitment to strengthen its presence in Asia and position South Korea as a hub for AI innovation.
Kim brings more than 20 years of experience in global IT, consulting, and digital policy. His career spans leadership roles at Bain & Company, where he managed strategic projects across ICT and manufacturing, to Google Korea, where he served as both head of marketing solutions and later as country director.
His extensive network in both business and policy circles is expected to play a crucial role in establishing OpenAI’s footprint in Korea.
South Korea’s Rapid AI Adoption
OpenAI’s decision to launch OpenAI Korea reflects the nation’s growing influence in artificial intelligence. South Korea is already recognized as one of the fastest adopters of new AI technologies, with strong government support, active academic research, and a tech-savvy population.
The new subsidiary will work closely with local stakeholders to promote responsible AI adoption while advancing Korea’s ambition to become a top-three global AI powerhouse, often referred to as “AI G3.” According to OpenAI’s international managing director Oliver Jay, the appointment of Kim is meant to accelerate Korea’s transformation into a global AI leader.
“Kyoung-hoon’s experience is exactly what Korea needs to seize this opportunity,” Jay said. “OpenAI Korea will be pivotal in expanding AI’s role in industry and education while driving innovation responsibly.”
Kim’s Vision for OpenAI Korea
In his first statement as general manager, Kim emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in building Korea’s AI future. He said he plans to leverage OpenAI’s cutting-edge tools including ChatGPT and its API platforms, to empower local businesses, startups, and researchers.
“By combining Korea’s innovation capabilities with OpenAI’s technology, I aim to contribute to shaping Korea’s leadership in the AI era,” Kim stated. “We will work closely with developers, academia, and government to create impactful, sustainable AI use cases across Korean society.”
With increasing demand for AI-powered solutions in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education, Kim’s role will be central to ensuring OpenAI’s tools are effectively integrated into Korea’s digital ecosystem.
Strengthening AI’s Role in Society
That said, under Kim’s leadership, the subsidiary is expected to develop programs that encourage responsible AI usage, provide training opportunities, and support startups working with generative AI.
The collaboration will likely extend into public policy and education, aligning with South Korea’s national digital strategy.
By integrating OpenAI’s advanced models into real-world applications, the new unit aims to accelerate the country’s transition into a global leader in artificial intelligence, while also addressing challenges such as ethics, regulation, and societal trust in AI technologies.
