Kyobo Book Centre has received bulk purchase inquiries from approximately 10 overseas companies, primarily based in the United States and the United Kingdom, seeking one copy each of around 100,000 different Korean-language book titles. The unusual purchasing pattern has raised suspicions that the books may be used as AI training data. As the companies declined to disclose the final recipients or intended use of the books, Kyobo suspended negotiations over potential risks to the publishing industry.
Similar cases involving AI companies purchasing physical books have emerged overseas, prompting the Korean publishing industry to consider a coordinated response. The Korean Publishers Association plans to investigate similar purchasing attempts and strengthen cooperation among industry organizations. The case highlights growing concerns over copyright protection, author consent and compensation, and transparency in AI training data collection.
1. Bulk Purchase Requests for 100,000 Korean Book Titles
2. Suspected AI Training Purposes and Kyobo's Response
3. Overseas Cases and the Korean Publishing Industry's Response
4. Copyright Protection and Transparency in AI Training Data
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