Translation result
[DigitalToday reporter Son Seul-gi] A new survey found that 38.9% of South Koreans have used generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT.
South Korea’s Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission and the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI) released the results of the ‘2025 Intelligent Information Society User Panel Survey’ on the 28th.
The usage rate climbed for a third consecutive year, from 12.3% in 2023 and 24.0% in 2024 to 38.9% this year. Generative AI users spent an average of 49.6 minutes per day on these services, and 68% of users reported using them at least 30 minutes daily.
The leading reason for use was that these tools are efficient for information searches (86.0%). Other common motivations were helping with time management (72.6%), supporting learning activities (68.2%), and assisting with complex problem solving and routine tasks (both 64.8%).
Concerns about harmful effects rose across the board. The largest year-over-year increase was worry about the spread of false information, up 9.6 percentage points. Concerns about criminal misuse rose by 9.0 points, and worries about generating content that is hard to verify increased by 8.9 points. Fears over job displacement, reduced creativity, copyright infringement, and the creation of biased·discriminatory content also grew.
Among those who do not use generative AI, the most cited reason (63.5%) was not knowing how to use it or finding it difficult to learn. Service cost was a barrier for 59.2%; 59.1% said it is hard to choose a service that fits them; and 59.0% cited concerns about personal data, privacy, and ethical issues.
Regarding AI recommendation services, many respondents said these services deliver content tailored to their interests—80.3% for informational content and 84.4% for entertainment. At the same time, sizable shares reported that recommendations lead them to spend more time than planned: 75.4% for informational content and 75.8% for entertainment.
Respondents also expressed clear expectations for providers. For generative AI vendors, 81.3% said companies should implement internal review and reporting procedures to prevent outputs that infringe on others’ personality rights. For AI recommendation providers, 79.3% called for disclosure of algorithmic criteria for selecting content. Majorities also supported government intervention when services run counter to the public interest—75.4% for generative AI services and 74.9% for AI recommendation services.
The survey has been conducted annually since 2018 under the Intelligent Informatization Framework Act and polled 4,324 adults nationwide aged 18 to 72 who regularly use smartphones and the internet. Detailed results are available for download from the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission website, the Statistics Korea website, and the KISDI AI Service User Policy site.
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