SK Telecom Bets Big on AI with New In-House Unit

Picture Credit: Panopto

SK Telecom has announced the launch of a new in-house independent company (CIC) dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence, marking a bold step in its long-term growth strategy. The move, revealed by CEO Ryu Young-sang during a town hall meeting at the company’s headquarters in Seoul on September 25, signals SK Telecom’s intention to make AI a central pillar of its future business.

The newly created AI CIC will consolidate all of SK Telecom’s AI-related functions and businesses. By streamlining operations under one structure, the company aims to improve efficiency and accelerate innovation. The group plans to invest approximately 5 trillion Won (about $3.6 billion) into AI over the next five years.

AI CIC will not only focus on enhancing SK Telecom’s internal systems and culture with AI capabilities but also actively participate in government-led projects to help build a broader national AI ecosystem. CEO Ryu, who will serve concurrently as head of the new unit, emphasized that the initiative is designed to make SK Telecom a leader in AI across the entire SK Group.

The company will now operate with two clear growth engines: mobile network operations (MNO) and artificial intelligence. Detailed plans for restructuring under AI CIC are expected to be unveiled by the end of October.

With this new organizational model, SK Telecom is positioning itself at the forefront of Korea’s AI ambitions, betting that heavy investment and focused leadership will secure its role as a major player in the global AI race.