The telecom giant and U.S. software firm strengthen their partnership to expand enterprise AI adoption and accelerate Korea’s digital transformation.
The CEOs of KT Corp. and Palantir Technologies met in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss strengthening their partnership and expanding the use of Palantir’s data and AI platforms across Korean industries.
The meeting, which took place at KT’s headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, was the first in-person encounter between KT CEO Kim Young-shub and Palantir CEO Alex Karp since the two companies entered into a strategic partnership in March.
This in-person meeting underscored both firms’ shared ambition to accelerate artificial intelligence transformation (AX) in Korea — integrating data-driven technologies into core business operations across sectors.
The Partnership: A Foundation for AI Transformation
In March, KT became Palantir’s first premium partner in Korea, entering into a strategic partnership designed to:
- Combine KT’s network infrastructure and market understanding with
- Palantir’s data analytics and AI expertise.
The goal is to help Korean enterprises make faster, smarter, and more secure decisions through AI-enabled data platforms. The partnership also aligns with KT’s broader AI Transformation (AX) initiative — an effort to use AI for enterprise-level innovation, from process optimization to predictive analytics.
Expanding the Reach of Palantir’s Platforms
During the meeting, the two CEOs reviewed the progress of ongoing projects and discussed strategies to scale Palantir’s Foundry and Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) across Korean industries.
KT has already implemented these solutions internally, integrating them into its cloud-based work environment. These platforms analyze large-scale enterprise data to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
Based on promising results, KT plans to offer these platforms to clients in finance, manufacturing, and public services, helping more Korean firms transition toward data-centric management.
Leadership Perspectives: Shared Vision for AI-Driven Growth
KT CEO Kim Young-shub emphasized that this collaboration will serve as a model for how AI can reshape industrial operations in Korea.
“KT’s cooperation with Palantir will become a success story leading AI transformation across major industries,” Kim said. “We will continue to expand effective, data-driven decision-making powered by AI across diverse sectors.”
Palantir’s Alex Karp echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-term value of their alliance.
“Our collaboration with KT represents a crucial step toward secure, cloud-based data utilization and industry-tailored innovation,” Karp said.
AI Leadership in Action: AX Leader Summit
Coinciding with Karp’s visit, KT hosted the second AX Leader Summit, a high-level forum bringing together executives from major Korean conglomerates.
Participants included:
- Woo Kee-hong, Vice Chairman, Korean Air
- Kim Yong-beom, Vice Chairman, Meritz Financial Group
- Koo Ja-kyun, Chairman, LS Electric
- Lee Ju-tae, CEO, POSCO Holdings
The closed-door sessions focused on how Korean industries can navigate digital transformation amid global uncertainty and use AI to enhance resilience, efficiency, and innovation.
Behind Closed Doors: Palantir’s Strategic Approach
Industry sources noted that the discreet nature of these meetings reflects Palantir’s characteristic approach — prioritizing confidentiality and tailored implementation.
Rather than public presentations, each corporate leader met privately with Karp to discuss specific AI deployment strategies and data intelligence applications relevant to their business sectors.
This approach mirrors Palantir’s long-standing model of deep integration with clients, focusing on custom solutions rather than off-the-shelf software.
Expanding Palantir’s Presence in Korea
Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel and Nathan Gettings, Palantir is a global leader in data analytics and AI systems used by organizations such as the CIA, Airbus, and BP.
As part of its Korean engagement strategy, Palantir also launched a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, during Karp’s visit. The event showcased limited-edition merchandise inspired by its “ontology” concept — a nod to the company’s data architecture philosophy — and served as a brand engagement initiative to connect with Korea’s tech community.
Outlook: A Cornerstone for Korea’s AI Future
KT and Palantir’s collaboration is expected to become a cornerstone of Korea’s AI-driven digital transformation. By combining KT’s local insights and infrastructure with Palantir’s global technology expertise, the partnership aims to:
- Enhance AI adoption across key industries
- Strengthen enterprise competitiveness
- Position Korea as a leader in AI transformation and data innovation
As both companies continue to expand their cooperation, the alliance between KT and Palantir stands out as one of the most promising examples of cross-border collaboration shaping the next phase of Korea’s digital economy.
