Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by South Korean companies, particularly Naver, in developing indigenous AI models, highlighting the reliance on foreign code, particularly from Chinese sources, which undermines the goal of technological independence [1][2]. Group 1: Competition and Development - The South Korean government initiated a competition to create a new, independent AI model using local technology, aiming to reduce reliance on US and Chinese tech giants [1][2]. - The competition, lasting three years, has seen three out of five finalist companies using parts of foreign AI models' open-source code, including Chinese models [1][2]. Group 2: Controversies and Allegations - Upstage, one of the finalist companies, faced allegations from a competitor that its AI model contained modules similar to those of Chinese company Zhizhu AI, even retaining copyright markings [3]. - The controversy has led to increased scrutiny of other finalist models, with Naver's visual and audio encoders being compared to products from Alibaba and OpenAI, and SK Telecom's model being criticized for similarities to DeepSeek's code [4]. Group 3: Responses and Clarifications - Upstage held a live verification session to demonstrate that its model was developed from scratch, although it acknowledged using open-source elements widely adopted globally [4]. - Naver and SK Telecom defended their use of external encoders as a strategic decision, emphasizing that the core engine of their models was developed independently [4]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The competition rules did not clearly state whether the use of foreign open-source code was permissible, and the Korean Ministry of Science has not issued new guidelines since the controversy arose [5]. - The Minister of Science welcomed the debate surrounding AI technology, viewing it as a positive sign for the future of South Korea's AI industry [5].