[K-Tech] LG challenges OpenAI, Alibaba with new hybrid AI model, EXAONE 4.0

Courtesy of LG

SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - LG AI Research on Wednesday unveiled what it calls South Korea’s first hybrid artificial intelligence model, EXAONE 4.0, a system that fuses large language processing with advanced reasoning capabilities.

The release marks LG’s fourth major AI launch in as many months, as the company escalates efforts to compete with global players like OpenAI, Anthropic, Alibaba, and Google.

EXAONE 4.0 integrates two distinct AI functions — a large language model for fast, knowledge-based responses and a reasoning engine for complex problem-solving — within a single architecture. LG claims the hybrid system addresses a fundamental shortcoming in current AI models: language models excel at fluency and speed but struggle with logic and reasoning, while reasoning-focused systems often lack versatility and responsiveness.

“By bridging the gap between language fluency and cognitive reasoning, EXAONE 4.0 marks a new chapter in Korea’s AI capabilities,” said an LG spokesperson.

To demonstrate its performance, LG reported that EXAONE 4.0 passed written exams for six Korean national professional licenses, including those for medical doctors, dentists and traditional Korean medicine practitioners.

The company released two configurations of the model: a 32-billion-parameter expert version designed for specialized tasks, and a lighter 1.2-billion-parameter on-device model aimed at high-efficiency use cases.

According to LG, the compact version surpasses OpenAI’s GPT-4o mini in mathematics, coding, and science benchmarks, while operating with half the parameters of its predecessor, EXAONE 3.5.

In a move toward openness and collaboration, LG released the model with open weights on the Hugging Face platform, enabling academic and research use. With this step, LG joins a growing group of global tech firms — including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Alibaba — embracing transparency in AI development.

The company plans to embed EXAONE 4.0 across its product ecosystem, from home appliances and smartphones to automotive systems and robotics.

LG will present additional details and future plans at its upcoming “LG AI Talk Concert 2025,” scheduled for July 22 at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul.
Candice Kim 수습기자 candicekim1121@ajupress.com

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