SK Telecom Launches A.X K1, South Korea's First Hyperscale AI Model with 519 Billion Parameters
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 29 2025
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Source: Benzinga
- Domestic AI Breakthrough: SK Telecom's launch of A.X K1, South Korea's first hyperscale AI model with 519 billion parameters, signifies a major step in domestic AI innovation, aiming to reduce reliance on dominant technologies from China and the U.S.
- Full-Stack AI Environment: Serving as a foundational 'Teacher Model', A.X K1 not only provides knowledge for smaller models (sub-70B) but also aims to enhance the overall development of South Korea's AI ecosystem, elevating technological capabilities.
- AI Service Accessibility: By deploying A.X K1 through the A. (A-Dot) service, SKT intends to make advanced AI a utility for its 10 million subscribers, supporting the government's 'AI for Everyone' vision, with expected improvements in Liner's global search engine accuracy.
- Semiconductor Industry Testbed: Additionally, A.X K1 will act as a high-stakes testbed for South Korea's semiconductor industry, integrating the entire value chain from AI-specific semiconductors to end-user services, with commitments for real-world testing from over 20 major institutions.
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About SKM
SK Telecom Co Ltd is a Korea-based company primarily engaged in the provision of wireless communication services. The Company operates the business through three segments. The Wireless Communication Business segment provides mobile phones, wireless data, information communication business. The Wireline Communication Business segment offers telephones, high speed Internet, data and network rental services. The Other segment is involved in the product sales type data broadcasting channel use business and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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