The Lead Department for the Three Major Game Changers: AI, Bio, and Quantum
Current Organizational Structure Is Insufficient
Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, stated on the 7th, "Since the presidential election must be held within two months, I expect my term to last only about two more months," adding, "During the remaining period, the development of South Korea's science, technology, and information and communication sectors cannot stop or face any setbacks." On this day, Minister Yoo spoke at the monthly briefing held at the Sejong Ministry of Science and ICT building, saying, "An unfortunate event occurred with President Yoon Seok-yeol becoming the second president in constitutional history to face impeachment, causing a constitutional suspension," and pledged to do his best during the remaining term.
He said, "Since the Ministry of Science and ICT is the main department leading the three major game changers?artificial intelligence (AI), bio, and quantum?it is insufficient in its current organizational form," and added, "The next government should elevate it to a deputy prime minister level." Regarding the ongoing governance discussions about AI-related ministries amid the recent presidential election climate, he commented, "Since this era is one of AI and digital transformation, it seems natural that such important tasks are being discussed," but also expressed the view that it is not desirable to separate AI alone to form a new ministry, as decisions should be made from multiple perspectives.
Minister Yoo emphasized the need for discussions on an additional supplementary budget related to AI to introduce graphic processing units (GPUs). He said, "There is almost no chance that GPUs will be introduced this year," and added, "I hope the supplementary budget is processed quickly so that this year does not become a difficult period and we do not lose a whole year." He continued, "If nine months pass, it will mean falling three years behind, and it will be almost impossible to catch up by 2030," urging, "Both ruling and opposition parties should not consider this issue as a political dispute but think about the nation's future and promptly hold a ruling-opposition-government council to approve the supplementary budget."
Regarding the cross-ministerial technology commercialization vision that he has been focusing on since taking office, he said, "Although it is difficult to achieve everything during my tenure, I will accomplish as much as possible and create a foundation that the next government can continue." When asked if the vision announcement has been delayed due to opposition from other ministries, he responded, "That is not true," stating that it is progressing without major difficulties and expressed confidence that he will be able to announce the establishment of the information and communication technology (ICT) ecosystem before leaving office.
On the issue of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs, he said, "I understand that civic groups strongly advocate for a reciprocal response, but we cannot look at only one side and must approach it in a way that benefits national interests," adding, "The Ministry of Science and ICT is also dealing with five or six situations including cloud services, and we must be prepared to negotiate properly."
Regarding the U.S. Department of Energy's removal of sensitive country designation, he said, "It is said to be announced on April 15, and the possibility of removal before that is low," adding, "We will first convey the intention that it should be lifted as soon as possible and discuss specific exchanges and cooperation with the relevant departments."
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