When OpenAI opened its Korea office in September 2025, it named 12 domestic partner companies to showcase collaboration opportunities. Among tech giants like LG, Kakao, and SK Telecom, only one startup was selected at this OpenAI Korea launch: Artue, a Seoul-based AI art platform. The choice signals both recognition of Korea’s creative AI capacity and questions about how Korean startups can secure global relevance in a market still dominated by scale players.
OpenAI Korea Launch Introduces Prominent Korean Partners
On September 11, 2025, at the OpenAI Korea launch event held at Pi Factory in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap announced 12 domestic partner companies.
Global conglomerates including GS, LG Electronics, LG U+, Krafton, Kakao, KT, Yanolja, Cafe24, Tving, and SK Telecom were named. And among these giants, Artue, operated by art-tech firm Habitus Associate, stood out as the only Korean startup on the list.
Lightcap described Artue as a representative case of how ChatGPT can be applied to reshape the art market, highlighting it as an example of “AI and art convergence” that is leading global innovation.
Artue: AI-Art Fusion Model
Artue combines an AI-based personalization engine with digital twin technology to act as a platform for art search and transactions. By integrating ChatGPT, it introduced a conversational search service that interprets emotional queries in natural language — such as “a heartwarming painting” — and recommends suitable artworks.
Founded in 2023, Artue has positioned itself as a pioneer in digital transformation within the global art ecosystem. Its current roadmap includes upgrading AI recommendation models, developing digital asset authentication, expanding via smart TV channels, and pursuing entry into the North American market.
Voices from OpenAI Korea Launch
“AI and the art industry are no longer just experimenting with technology — they are setting a new global standard,” said Song Bo-young, CEO of Habitus Associate. “Artue being featured at OpenAI’s Korea launch proves that a Korean-born technology company can hold leadership on the global stage.”
Brad Lightcap, COO of OpenAI, emphasized the broader ambition:
“We want more Korean startups to use our tools to turn bold ideas into innovative products that reach global markets.”
Lee Joon-pyo, CEO of SBVA and a close associate of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, added:
“Collaboration between startups and OpenAI will accelerate the growth of Korea’s AI ecosystem. SBVA will actively support Korean startups in playing leading roles globally.”
The Recognition at OpenAI Korea Launch: Expanding Korea’s AI Exports
Artue’s selection highlights a rare case of a Korean startup standing alongside global-scale corporations in a partnership spotlight. Beyond market validation, the recognition illustrates how Korea’s startup ecosystem is beginning to export not just deep tech but also cultural innovation powered by AI.
The partnership demonstrates that Korean startups can leverage global AI platforms to strengthen credibility, particularly in sectors like art-tech where creativity and technology converge. More broadly, it underscores the need for startups to move past domestic survival models and position themselves within global-scale ecosystems to achieve sustainable growth.
Breaking Out of Domestic-First Mindset
The Seoul launch signals that OpenAI views Korea as a key node in the global AI ecosystem. While Artue is unique in representing the startup community, its presence sets a precedent for how cultural applications of AI can attract international attention.
For Korea’s venture ecosystem, the endorsement offers both opportunity and challenge: scaling more startups to the level where they can join global partnerships will require not only capital and policy but also bold innovation models. The trajectory of Artue will be closely watched as a case study in how Korean startups can break out of a domestic-first mindset and claim a share of global AI markets.
– Stay Ahead in Korea’s Startup Scene –
Get real-time insights, funding updates, and policy shifts shaping Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
➡️ Follow KoreaTechDesk on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky, Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Channel.
