South Korea advances AI integration in public administration

South Korea is advancing the integration of artificial intelligence into public administration to enhance efficiency and service quality. The ‘Act on the Promotion of AI and Data-Based Administration’ is set to take effect on August 28, providing a legal framework for public institutions to utilize AI in policy-making and decision-making processes.

Key initiatives include the introduction of conversational AI to the ‘e-People’ (Kookmin Sinmungo) portal by the second half of next year. This system aims to automate the assignment of civil petitions to appropriate departments and provide faster responses. Additionally, a system to predict and forecast regional disaster and safety risks using big data is planned for 2027.

Despite these advancements, experts and legislative researchers have raised concerns regarding accountability and technical safeguards. While the new law mandates that final responsibility for AI-driven decisions rests with the respective public institutions, critics highlight gaps in data sharing, quality control, and continuous monitoring of AI bias. There are calls for robust legal procedures that allow citizens to appeal or request reviews of decisions influenced by AI to ensure transparency and protect fundamental rights.