Seoul to host forum on regulating agentic and physical AI

Moving beyond generative AI

The landscape of artificial intelligence is shifting from systems that simply generate content to systems that can act independently. This transition toward agentic AI—models capable of performing multi-step tasks autonomously—is creating new questions for lawmakers. The upcoming seminar in Seoul aims to address these specific regulatory hurdles.

While generative AI has been the primary focus of public attention, agentic AI represents a step toward greater autonomy. These systems are designed to interact with software and environments to achieve specific goals. Because they can make independent decisions, they require more nuanced oversight than standard chatbots.

The forum will examine how these capabilities impact corporate practices. As Chosunbiz reported, the event seeks to identify how the current legal environment can be improved to accommodate these more active AI types. The goal is to move from reactive rules to a proactive framework that anticipates autonomous behavior.

The rise of physical AI

In addition to software-based agents, the seminar will focus on physical AI. This refers to artificial intelligence integrated into hardware, such as robotics and automated machinery. When AI gains a physical presence, the risks and requirements for safety and liability become significantly more complex.

Integrating AI into physical systems means that errors can have real-world consequences beyond digital screens. Regulators must consider how to manage the safety of machines that move, interact with humans, and operate in public spaces. The seminar will explore the specific legislative tasks required to oversee these physical interactions.

The discussion will involve looking at the challenges of applying existing frameworks to these new technologies. Because current laws may not have been designed for autonomous physical movement, experts will look for ways to bridge those gaps. This is a critical step for companies looking to deploy robotics in industrial or consumer settings.

Legal frameworks and policy

The seminar takes place as the AI Framework Act begins to take effect this year. This act provides a baseline for AI governance in South Korea, but the rise of agentic and physical AI has heightened the need for clearer, more specific rules. The event serves as a venue to review current trends and identify remaining legal issues.

Attorney Kang Ji-won will analyze the regulatory issues under the AI Framework Act and their impact on business operations. The focus is on finding a balance that supports innovation while ensuring public safety. This involves creating a system that allows companies to develop new tools without facing unpredictable legal barriers.

The event is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Korea Information & Communication Law Association and the Korea Data and Artificial Intelligence Law and Policy Association. By bringing together these groups, the forum hopes to create a unified approach to AI policy. This collaborative effort is intended to ensure that the rules are practical for both the government and the private sector.

Who is shaping the rules

The seminar features a diverse group of participants from government, academia, and the private sector. Key speakers include Vice Minister Ryu Je-myeong of the Ministry of Science and ICT and representatives from the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party. This bipartisan involvement suggests a high level of importance for AI policy in the national agenda.

The discussion will also include voices from the private sector, such as a vice president from Kakao. Including industry leaders helps ensure that the proposed regulations are technically feasible and do not hinder economic growth. They will work alongside researchers from the Korea Information Society Development Institute to evaluate the current landscape.

Other participants include heads of policy research offices and directors from the Korea Media and Communications Commission. These roles are essential for understanding how AI affects different sectors, from media to user protection. Their collective input will help shape how the government manages the transition to more autonomous AI systems.

Balancing safety and growth

A central theme of the forum is the search for a regulatory approach that balances innovation with safety. The organizers want to ensure that South Korea remains a leader in AI development while protecting its citizens from potential harms. This requires a delicate touch in how laws are written and enforced.

The seminar will provide a space for general discussion chaired by a professor from Korea University. This academic oversight helps ensure that the conversation remains grounded in legal theory and practical reality. The goal is to move toward a system that provides clarity for developers who want to push the boundaries of what AI can do.

Looking ahead, the seminar will help set the stage for how Korea handles the next wave of AI technology. By identifying legislative tasks now, the government can prepare for a future where AI is not just a tool for generating text, but an active participant in the physical and digital world. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence how the AI Framework Act is implemented in the coming years.