South Korea: New Technology

In advance of South Korea's first AI Act taking effect in January 2026, a recently published draft presidential decree has clarified the regulatory framework, resolving some initial uncertainties. The law seeks to balance innovation and safety, with the government explicitly stating its commitment to a "minimum regulation" approach.

Under Korea's Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, cross-border payments with dollar stablecoins are currently illegal. However, with their use expected to surge, the law may be revised to allow such transactions as a prior-reporting exception, limited to licensed operators.

In June 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Copyright Commission released two guides related to the intersection of artificial intelligence ("AI") and copyright law.