As the United States and China intensify their competition to lead in artificial intelligence, a growing number of countries are taking steps to reduce their reliance on the two superpowers and develop their own homegrown AI capabilities. This movement, often referred to as "sovereign AI," reflects a broader global shift toward technological self-reliance driven by concerns over economic security, national sovereignty, and strategic independence. South Korea is among the leaders in this effort, with the government and private sector working together to strengthen domestic AI infrastructure. Officials in Seoul believe the country’s robust technology sector—boasting global leaders in semiconductors, electronics, and telecommunications—provides a solid foundation for building a self-sustaining AI ecosystem. The government has committed significant funding to support AI research, expand data centers, and train a skilled workforce, aiming to position South Korea as a key player in the global AI landscape. Other nations, including Japan, Germany, France, and India, are also investing heavily in national AI strategies. These efforts are not just about keeping pace with the U.S. and China but about ensuring that critical AI technologies—such as large language models, computer vision systems, and autonomous platforms—are developed under domestic oversight and aligned with national interests. The push for sovereign AI is driven by several factors. First, there is growing concern about supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly in AI chips and software platforms that are currently dominated by American companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. Second, geopolitical tensions have raised alarms about data privacy, intellectual property risks, and the potential for foreign influence over AI systems used in defense, finance, and public services. In response, countries are investing in alternative hardware, open-source AI models, and national data governance frameworks. For example, the European Union has introduced strict AI regulations and is backing initiatives to develop European-made AI tools, while India is promoting indigenous AI startups and expanding access to high-performance computing. Meanwhile, recent earnings reports from tech giants like Nvidia have helped ease some market concerns about a potential AI bubble. Strong financial performance and sustained demand for AI chips have reinforced investor confidence, suggesting that the current AI boom may be more than just hype. This stability has given governments more room to invest in long-term national AI strategies without immediate pressure to deliver short-term returns. As the global AI race evolves, the idea of sovereign AI is no longer just a policy aspiration—it’s becoming a strategic necessity. By building their own capabilities, countries aim not only to avoid overdependence on the U.S. and China but to ensure that the future of AI is shaped by a more diverse and balanced set of global players.