South Korean firms deploy AI for youth education and mental health

South Korean technology companies are expanding the application of artificial intelligence in education and mental health services for youth.

At the 2026 Kids AI Summit held in Incheon, iPortfolio Leadingn presented its AI-driven educational models. CEO Kim Seong-yun emphasized that as AI becomes more capable of summarizing and generating information, human skills such as reading, thinking, and questioning become more critical. The company showcased its LISA™ growth report, a stealth assessment system that analyzes reading and learning data to track English proficiency without traditional testing.

In Chungcheongbuk-do, DeepBrain AI is testing an AI avatar-based psychological counseling service designed to lower the barrier for adolescents seeking help. During a recent festival in Jincheon, the company demonstrated how AI avatars can engage teenagers in casual conversation to help them gradually express emotions and concerns. The goal is not to replace professional counselors but to serve as an accessible first point of contact that can bridge the gap between needing help and requesting professional assistance.