[Heart of Innovation, Corporate Research Institutes ⑩] LG AI Research Institute Becomes the Center of Korean AI in Just 5 Years

Developed "Exaone 1.0" Just Two Years After Launch
"Version 4.0" Released in July This Year
Achieved a Score of 94.5 in the CSAT Mathematics Section
Introduced Korea's First Inference-Based Model in March
Capable of Formulating and Verifying Hypotheses Independently
Distinctive Research Space Design
Low Ceilings but Wide Open Views
Plenty of Secluded Areas for Contemplation
Filled with Features to Inspire Creative Thinking
Unwavering Support from the Group Owner Also Key

The LG Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institute, located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, stands apart from traditional research labs with its caf?, game room, and open meeting spaces. The research environment, featuring personalized desks, a flexible work culture, and a collaborative system with affiliates, is gaining attention as a new model for corporate research institutes. It is in this space, where failure and challenge are part of everyday life, that the large-scale language model "Exaone" was born.

Office space of LG AI Research Institute located in the D&O Gangseo Building, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. PC monitors are arranged in various ways according to the developers' preferences, and desks are also equipped to suit the developers' tastes. Due to the flexible working hours system, empty seats of developers who have not come to work can be seen here and there. Provided by LG

Founded in 2020, the LG AI Research Institute has risen to the forefront of AI research in just five years. After a period of trial and error, the institute released its first achievement, Exaone 1.0, in December 2022. The model has grown with each generation, and the 4.0 version, released in July, drew attention by scoring 94.5 points on the mathematics section of the College Scholastic Ability Test. In March of this year, the institute unveiled "Exaone Deep," Korea's first inference-based model, which reached the stage of independently formulating and verifying hypotheses.

Office space of LG AI Research Institute located in the D&O Gangseo Building, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. PC monitors are arranged in various ways according to the developers' preferences, and desks are also equipped to suit the developers' tastes. Due to the flexible working hours system, empty seats of developers who have not come to work can be seen here and there. Provided by LG

The lounge area of the LG AI Research Institute located in the D&O Gangseo Building, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The space is designed to expand the freedom of thought by incorporating various elements such as sofas, chairs, tables, and whiteboards for conversation and reflection. Provided by LG

Spaces for Contemplation Everywhere... Desks and PCs as Diverse as Their Users

When visiting the LG AI Research Institute earlier this month, the difference was apparent from the moment you entered. The interior, designed by benchmarking world-class research institutes, is filled with features that promote "freedom of thought." Although the ceilings are low, the wide horizontal layout expands the field of vision, and various secluded corners provide ideal spaces for researchers to immerse themselves in contemplation. It is common to see researchers organizing their ideas behind their desks or in the corners of meeting rooms, seamlessly blending into the daily routine of the institute. Colleagues naturally pass by without interrupting, respecting each other's moments of solitude, which leaves a strong impression.

The individuality of developers is evident in their desks and personal PCs. Each developer customizes their workspace and arranges their PC monitors in the way that suits them best, sometimes standing monitors upright or laying them flat. Some developers, who find they generate better ideas while standing, boldly remove their chairs and work on their feet. On the sixth floor, there is a game room where anyone can freely enjoy console and board games, as well as gathering spaces where people can sit together, enjoy drinks and snacks, and have conversations.

Developers are not restricted by time or space. There are no mandatory in-office meetings or designated work hours at the LG AI Research Institute. The institute’s lights are on 24 hours a day, allowing developers to come in even at dawn if inspiration strikes or if there is something they need to check, enabling them to fully dedicate themselves to research at any time.

Meeting space of LG AI Research Institute located at D&O Gangseo Building in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The space is designed to exclude typical rigid meeting rooms and to allow comfortable discussions and sharing of ideas, decorated to feel as if holding a meeting outdoors. Provided by LG

A small meeting space within the LG AI Research Center located in the D&O Gangseo Building, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Developers have access to multiple spaces in various forms where they can gather anytime to discuss and share opinions as needed. Provided by LG

The Owner’s Bold Decision: "If You Are Confident, Move Forward Decisively"

The successful operation of the institute is also thanks in part to the unwavering support of the group’s owner. The development of Exaone was made possible by the bold decision of Koo Kwangmo, Chairman of LG Corporation. Co-President Lim Woohyung recalled that the moment he first presented the Exaone development plan in person to Chairman Koo and the management team was especially memorable. Exaone was the first development project the institute sought to launch immediately after its establishment in December 2020. Recognizing the accelerating pace of the AI market, they identified "language models" as the area to secure first and set out to develop Exaone as a strategic weapon. Lim attended the presentation with the development team members.

He said, "We saw Exaone as a project that required investment at the group level, and Chairman Koo Kwangmo asked, 'Is this the right direction from the researchers’ perspective?' When we answered yes, he said, 'Then it is worth investing in,' and gave us his support." He added, "Even though it was a significant amount of money, the trust and backing gave us the motivation to continue our research and development, even when things got tough."

Recently, LG Group has shown signs of its affiliates coming together around the AI Research Institute. Affiliates are applying AI to their projects with the institute’s support and are sending personnel for training and hands-on experience. The institute addresses challenges raised in the field through research, and then applies the results back to business, creating a cyclical structure. Co-President Lim Woohyung emphasized, "LG’s strength lies in the way affiliates and researchers work together to create a single cycle, connecting real-world problems with research."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.