Simular CEO and co-founder Ang Li, a former Google DeepMind researcher, said in an interview in Seoul on Thursday that Korea’s next AI opportunity may hinge on devices becoming the “bodies” for AI agents that operate computers, shifting from chatbots to “autonomous computers.” Simular, founded in 2023, has raised about $27 million from investors including Felicis, NVentures, South Park Commons and Samsung NEXT. Its first product, Sai, is an always-on AI agent that automates workflows by controlling local and cloud computers. Li stated Korea is an important long-term market and potential partner ecosystem, and while Simular has not announced a Korean office or local commercial rollout, he said entering Korea is “definitely a yes” and “it’s just about what’s the right time.” The company already has a Korean connection through Samsung NEXT, which invested in Simular’s seed round and has helped the startup understand Korea’s technology ecosystem. Simular also held a public event Friday with the Artificial Intelligence Institute at Seoul National University.