[Hot Interview] Kwon Chil-seung, Democratic Party Lawmaker Who Proposed the 'AI Basic Act'... "Let's Create Guidelines"

Leading Discussions Based on Experience as Minister of SMEs and Startups
"AI Technology Support and Development Needed... Accompanied by Public Interest Regulations"
"Detailed Industries Should Be Addressed Through Laws Based on the Framework Act"

Discussions on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Basic Act are in full swing in the 22nd National Assembly. The bill focuses on establishing a dedicated government organization necessary for fostering the AI industry and supporting research and development (R&D). As AI technology emerges as a key factor determining national competitiveness, there is a need for an institutional foundation that supports industrial growth while appropriately regulating development and use. In the 21st National Assembly, when interest surged due to the emergence of ChatGPT, the bill failed to reach consensus amid controversies over principles such as 'prior permission and post-regulation.'

Recently, six AI Basic Acts have been proposed in the National Assembly, regardless of party lines. From the Democratic Party of Korea, Representative Kwon Chil-seung (3rd term, Hwaseong-si B, Gyeonggi) has taken the lead by introducing the "Act on the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence." Kwon, who served as the Minister of SMEs and Startups from 2021 to 2022, has shown increased interest in AI technology. He emphasizes that supporting early-stage startups utilizing AI technology is essential for Korea’s technological growth.

Kwon Chil-seung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who sponsored the "Act on the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence," is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 2nd. / Photo by Oh Ji-eun joy@

In which direction will the AI Basic Act be promoted?

Fundamentally, it aims to promote the AI industry, ensure stable private investment, and facilitate business operations. However, there are various concerns associated with AI technology. Regulations will be implemented alongside to address these issues. While the industry agrees with regulations from a public interest perspective, opinions differ on the extent of such regulations. Even if some aspects fall short of expectations from each standpoint, it is necessary to establish guidelines within a broad framework for the sake of a stable industry in the future.

Is the stance to open the door first?

It means removing uncertainty. The unpredictability and uncertainty that arise when there are no regulations or broad guidelines pose a much greater risk than delays caused by minor differences in discussions. We need to create the most reasonable system possible under the current circumstances and be agile in revising it if the situation changes.

The balance between promotion and regulation seems important.

Exactly. To use an analogy, a kitchen knife is naturally an excellent tool for cooking. However, if it is used to stab or threaten people, such use is prohibited. That does not mean the technology to make knives can be controlled. We need to decide how far to allow technological development and for what purposes the developed technology can be used.

Kwon Chil-seung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 2nd. / Photo by Oh Ji-eun

This requires bipartisan agreement. What is the atmosphere within the Democratic Party?

There are quite a few interested lawmakers. Since several bills have been proposed, full-scale discussions can proceed. The person who proposes the most reasonable plan among the ruling and opposition parties will take the lead. They can gather and hold substitute debates. However, political conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties are intensifying, so regardless of the political situation, the ruling party needs to take responsibility for matters that are essential to the nation. Especially since these issues are not something the opposition would outright oppose, I think it would be good to reach a solid agreement.

You introduced the 'Legal Tech Act' to enable the use of AI in the legal field.

This act broadly permits legal consultations using AI. Opinions vary even within the legal community, and various views will be expressed. I understand that hospitals are recently working on consolidating medical data into a single system. In the future, we plan to seek institutional improvements for such detailed industries in a series.