"Nation's Fate Hinges on AI... Committee as a Driving Force"
'National AI Computing Center' Established through Public-Private Joint Investment
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 26th, "The National Artificial Intelligence Committee will take the lead and serve as a driving force in the AI transformation that determines the fate of our country," adding, "We will establish and thoroughly implement meticulous strategies across all areas including research and development (R&D), infrastructure, and laws and systems to propel South Korea into one of the top three AI powers by 2027."
President Yoon presided over the 'National Artificial Intelligence Committee Launch Ceremony and 1st Meeting' held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, saying, "As AI becomes the core of national capabilities and economic growth, and a key factor in economy and security, major countries around the world are fiercely competing to secure AI technology and leadership in the digital hegemony race." The Four Seasons Hotel is where the historic Go match between Lee Sedol 9-dan and the AI program 'AlphaGo' took place eight years ago.
President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the inaugural ceremony and the first meeting of the Presidential Commission on National Artificial Intelligence held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the 26th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
In his opening remarks, President Yoon said, "We are currently experiencing a civilizational transformation where AI is completely changing human life," and added, "Whether we lead this change or follow behind will determine the future and fate of our nation." He continued, "We will build the 'National AI Computing Center' through a public-private joint investment and promote AI transformation across industries and society to drive private sector investment in AI," announcing the vision of becoming one of the 'Top 3 AI Powers' and declaring a 'national all-out effort' to achieve this goal.
He also expressed his commitment to proactively reform regulations so that copyright and personal information protection regulations uphold core values without becoming obstacles to innovation.
Yoon: "AI, the Most Critical Game Changer"
The event was organized to widely publicize the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Committee, the central hub for national AI policy formulation, and to present the national AI vision and blueprint. President Yoon had previously announced the 'AI and Semiconductor Initiative' at a semiconductor issue review meeting in April and revealed plans to establish the presidential-level 'National Artificial Intelligence Committee.'
President Yoon emphasized, "Whenever I meet heads of state worldwide, they cite AI, advanced biotechnology/bio, and quantum as the three major game changers," adding, "Among these, AI is considered the most critical game changer."
He noted, "AI itself holds immense industrial value, but as a key foundational technology, it has significant upstream and downstream effects across industries," and said, "If AI is successfully introduced across manufacturing, healthcare, finance, administration, and society at large, it will generate tremendous economic value."
President Yoon Suk-yeol is taking a commemorative photo with Yeom Jae-ho, President of Taejae University and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee on National Artificial Intelligence, at the appointment ceremony for private members of the committee held on the 26th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. [Photo by Yonhap News]
The newly launched National Artificial Intelligence Committee, chaired directly by President Yoon, will oversee the national AI strategy. The committee consists of 30 private sector experts, 10 minister-level government members from key ministries, the presidential office’s chief of science and technology, and the third deputy director of the National Security Office, serving as a public-private one-team hub to unify nationwide AI innovation capabilities.
The vice-chairman is Yeom Jae-ho, president of Taejae University. The committee appointed the following subcommittee chairs: Cho Sung-bae, professor of computer science at Yonsei University, for Technology and Innovation; Ko Jin, former chairman of the Digital Platform Government Committee, for Industry and Public Sector; Kim Sun, professor of computer engineering at Seoul National University, for Talent and Infrastructure; Kang Min-gu, CEO of the law firm Doul, for Law and Systems; and Oh Hye-yeon, professor of computer science at KAIST, for Safety and Trust.
"With Public-Private Cooperation, Becoming a Top 3 Global AI Power Is Possible"
President Yoon stated, "Currently, AI experts worldwide recognize the AI powerhouses as the United States, China, Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea," emphasizing, "With more effort, entering the top three is not impossible and is a challenge worth pursuing." He added, "South Korea became the world's strongest IT power through joint efforts of the private sector and government," and said, "With the DNA of the information revolution, if the public and private sectors unite once again, becoming a top 3 AI power is achievable."
He also pledged, "I will do my best to ensure that our citizens, companies, and people worldwide can enjoy AI innovation," and promised, "I will design and realize the next 30 years of an AI-led future together with you."
President Yoon introduced, "Since April, we have been promoting the AI and Semiconductor Initiative to dominate the future AI semiconductor market, and as a result of the Korea-US summit, we have launched the 'Korea-US AI Working Group' and opened the 'Global AI Frontier Lab' for joint Korea-US AI R&D." He expressed concern, saying, "There are emerging side effects such as fake news threatening liberal democracy, human rights violations caused by misuse of deepfake technology, and digital divides," and added that active measures are being taken to prevent the negative impacts of deepfake technology.
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