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September 16, 2025

SK Telecom Partners with OpenAI to Offer Free ChatGPT Plus Trial

SK Telecom Partners with OpenAI to Offer Free ChatGPT Plus Trial

South Korea's leading mobile carrier SK Telecom has announced a groundbreaking promotional partnership with OpenAI, offering customers their first taste of premium AI services at a significant discount.

What's the Deal?

SK Telecom is providing discount coupons to new ChatGPT Plus subscribers that unlock two months of free service with just a one-month subscription purchase. This marks OpenAI's first promotional collaboration with a South Korean mobile carrier, signaling the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the Asian market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Historic Partnership: This is OpenAI's first promotional collaboration with a local South Korean mobile carrier
  • Strategic AI Investment: SK Telecom continues its "two-track strategy" of developing homegrown AI while partnering globally
  • Government Support: In August, SK Telecom's consortium was selected for state funding to develop domestic AI foundation models

Building on Existing Relationships

This partnership isn't SK Telecom's first collaboration with OpenAI. The companies previously co-hosted a hackathon in 2023 and jointly participate in the MIT GenAI Impact Consortium alongside six other businesses.

"By bolstering the two-track strategy of seeking global ties and self-empowerment, we plan to expand a customer-oriented AI ecosystem," said Lee Jae-shin, who heads SK Telecom's AI strategy division.

The promotion reflects South Korea's broader ambition to become a global leader in AI development, combining international partnerships with domestic innovation initiatives.

🔗 Read the full article on Yonhap News