Starting in 2027, the South Korean government will allow AI researchers to fulfill their mandatory military service by working at large corporate research institutes. This program, which was suspended for large companies in 2013, aims to retain high-level technical talent within the country's AI industry.
The government has allocated 120 slots for large enterprises for the 2027–2029 period. However, the initial application phase saw only 81 requests from nine research institutions across four companies: LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Medison, and HD Hyundai Robotics.
To participate, companies must meet strict criteria, including investing at least 5% of their revenue in R&D, avoiding direct competition with small and medium-sized enterprises, and demonstrating verifiable research achievements. Some companies failed to qualify due to these requirements.
The Military Manpower Administration will conduct final reviews of the applicants, meaning the actual number of approved slots may be lower than the 81 requested. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that the stringent eligibility rules and the three-year duration of the program may limit its overall impact.
