Republic of Korea: Ministry of Science and ICT released guidelines on AI impact assessment

On 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Science and ICT released the artificial intelligence (AI) impact assessment guidelines following the entry into force of the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act. The guidelines provide methodological guidance on the conduct of artificial intelligence impact assessments, with a primary focus on high-impact artificial intelligence systems. They define the concept and objectives of impact assessments as procedures for identifying, analysing, and managing potential impacts on human dignity, fundamental rights, and safety prior to the provision of products or services. The guidelines set out recommended assessment timing, assessment subjects, and responsible entities, including artificial intelligence developers and artificial intelligence users, and describe the relationship between artificial intelligence impact assessments and other assessment frameworks. They structure the assessment process into preparatory, execution, and follow-up stages and include annexes with standard assessment templates, illustrative risk scenarios by system function, and practical implementation guidance.