Yoo Sang-im "AI Computing Center Construction Strategy, 2030 Is Too Late... Investment Needed Within 2 Years"

Regarding AI support budget cuts, "We will look into it"

Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "The government has announced plans to establish an AI computing center through a public-private partnership with an investment of up to 2 trillion won by 2030, but personally, I think 2030 is too slow."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 25th, during the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee’s audit, Minister Yoo responded to a question from Lee Jung-heon of the Democratic Party asking, "Do you think bold investment is necessary for AI infrastructure?" He added, "I think investment should begin within two years."

Previously, the government announced plans to increase AI computing infrastructure to 15 times the current level by 2030, investing up to 2 trillion won to establish a "National AI Computing Center."

Lee also pointed out the reduction in the government’s AI support budget. He said, "According to the 2013 AI project survey, more than half of respondents said 'AI infrastructure is insufficient,' and I heard that many companies rely on overseas AI data centers because they cannot handle the rapidly increasing AI computing demand."

He continued, "While Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is actively supporting generative AI development programs, Korea is also promoting AI high-performance computing support projects. However, the project budget increased from 19.7 billion won in 2020 to 32.5 billion won in 2022, but dropped to 13.2 billion won this year."

Minister Yoo responded, "I will look into the specific details further."