Google's Gemini AI Expands Globally but Faces South Korea Challenges

Google's Gemini Grows Globally but Struggles to Attract Users in South Korea

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Google's Gemini, formerly known as Bard, has been expanding its reach globally. However, despite its global growth, Gemini faces significant challenges in attracting users in South Korea. Let's delve into the reasons behind this disparity and explore the broader context of Gemini's position in the AI market.

Historical Context and Background

Google Gemini, launched as a conversational AI model, was designed to compete with other leading AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Initially introduced as Bard, it was later rebranded to Gemini, signaling a new phase in its development. Gemini's growth has been marked by significant investments in AI technology, aiming to enhance user experience and provide more accurate responses.

Current Developments and Breakthroughs

Global Expansion and User Engagement

As of February 2025, Google Gemini recorded 284.1 million total visits, with desktop visits at 193.3 million and mobile visits at 90.83 million[3]. This substantial traffic indicates a strong presence globally, especially in regions like the United States, India, and Indonesia[3]. However, the platform still lags behind in terms of user retention and engagement for certain tasks, such as entertainment and productivity[3].

Market Share and Competition

In the AI search market, Gemini holds about 13.50% market share, placing it third after ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot[5]. In South Korea, Gemini's market share is significantly lower, with only 2.42% of the AI chatbot market[2]. This disparity highlights the competitive landscape and the challenges Gemini faces in specific regions.

South Korea's AI Landscape

South Korea's AI market is dominated by ChatGPT, which holds an overwhelming 80.42% market share, followed by Perplexity with 13.84%[2]. Gemini's struggle to gain traction in this region can be attributed to several factors, including strong local preferences for established brands and the lack of tailored content for Korean users.

Real-World Applications and Impacts

Gemini's applications span various sectors, including productivity and entertainment. However, its usage is more prevalent among users aged 25-34, who make up 29.7% of its audience[3]. Despite these applications, Gemini's limited adoption in South Korea underscores the need for more localized strategies to increase user engagement.

Future Implications and Potential Outcomes

As AI technology continues to evolve, Gemini's future success will depend on its ability to adapt to regional preferences and improve user retention. The introduction of new models, such as Gemini 2.0, may help increase its market share by offering enhanced features and capabilities[5]. Moreover, collaborating with local developers to create region-specific content could be a strategic move to boost adoption in markets like South Korea.

Comparison of AI Chatbots

Here's a brief comparison of the market share of major AI chatbots in South Korea:

Conclusion

Google Gemini's global growth is juxtaposed with its struggles in South Korea, highlighting the challenges of competing in diverse markets. As AI technology advances, Gemini's future will depend on its ability to innovate and adapt to local preferences. With the right strategies, Gemini could potentially increase its market share and become a more significant player in the global AI landscape.

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"Google's Gemini faces challenges in South Korea despite global growth, highlighting the need for localized strategies to compete in diverse AI markets."

Tags

[google-gemini, ai-chatbots, chatgpt, perplexity, south-korea-ai-market]

Category

[artificial-intelligence]