Why do South Koreans love AI so much?

South Korea demonstrates a high level of optimism and daily engagement with artificial intelligence, contrasting with growing public concern in the United States. A Pew Research Center survey indicated that only 16% of South Koreans expressed more concern than excitement about AI, compared to 50% of Americans. This embrace of AI is evident in everyday life, from unmanned immigration checkpoints and AI-powered advertising on subway platforms to robot food delivery services and interactive bus stop kiosks. The Gangnam district, for instance, announced plans to implement an "AI bus stop" with multilingual kiosks. Surveys by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry reveal that a majority of Koreans utilize AI daily for personal assistance or work-related tasks. The nation's status as one of the most technologically connected countries globally fuels a rapid adoption of new technologies, including AI-driven webcomics, virtual K-pop idols, and even AI applications in religious contexts with humanoid monks. Government agencies are also noted as early adopters, integrating AI into public services.