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South Korea becomes second after EU to fully implement comprehensive AI law

By Choonsik Yoo ( January 21, 2026, 04:25 GMT | Insight) -- South Korea confirmed Wednesday that its landmark AI Basic Act will enter into force Thursday, alongside enforcement decrees and sub-rules aimed at operationalizing the law. The framework positions South Korea as the second jurisdiction after the EU to adopt a comprehensive AI regime, establishing national AI governance while promoting industry growth, infrastructure, and a safety-and-trust framework. The government will grant a regulatory grace period of at least one year for fact-finding investigations and administrative fines, while setting up an AI Framework Act Support Desk to help businesses prepare for compliance.South Korea confirmed Wednesday that the landmark AI Basic Act will enter into full force on Thursday, as planned, along with the enforcement decree and several sub-rules to complement the law’s main provisions, as the country doubles down on various initiatives to become a global AI leader....

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