[Reporter's Notebook] President Lee Jaemyung Should Not Focus Only on AI

The Era of Quantum Computers Is Approaching Rapidly
Full-Scale Adoption Expected Within President Lee's Term
Korea Must Find Ways to Leverage Quantum for Scientific, Industrial, and Economic Growth

The Asia Future Enterprise Forum held on the 11th was bustling with participants from all walks of life who showed great anticipation and interest in quantum computing. It was clear that attendees were eager to internalize the insights shared by the speakers. The skeptical atmosphere surrounding quantum technology?typified by the question, "Will this really work?"?which persisted until early last year, is now hard to find.

Let us recall the past. At his retirement ceremony, former Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jongho expressed his greatest concern not about artificial intelligence (AI), but about quantum technology. Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sangim also checked the status of quantum research during her first field visit to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Minister Yoo stated, "Quantum is important and I am interested in it." The fact that both the former and current ministers, who are scientists, have expressed concern and closely examined the quantum sector clearly indicates there is a reason. This is an implicit warning that quantum is such a crucial technology that Korea cannot afford to fall behind.

The previous administration also identified AI semiconductors, quantum, and advanced biotechnology as the "three major game-changing technologies" and pledged to foster them. However, the quantum sector still suffers from a lack of resources. Although the preliminary feasibility study, which screens government R&D investments, was waived for quantum projects, securing budgets for the field remains difficult. Some in the field even claim that the exemption has made the screening process more stringent.

Like AI, the quantum sector is advancing rapidly amid competition between major big tech companies and countries. Compared to the United States, China, and even nearby Japan, the gaps in Korea's quantum ecosystem appear significant. Nevertheless, the argument that quantum still presents an opportunity for Korea?especially when compared to AI?is worth noting. Baek Hanhee, IBM Director and keynote speaker at the Asia Future Enterprise Forum, stated, based on experience in the US and Japan, that Korea has many favorable conditions in quantum compared to AI. She assessed that Korea can contribute to the overall quantum ecosystem, not just hardware, thanks to the accumulated experience from developing its semiconductor industry.

The scientific community has high expectations for AI investment under the Lee Jaemyung administration. However, there are concerns that this alone is not enough. There is a growing demand for the government to swiftly declare its commitment to supporting the quantum sector. This is because AI and quantum will advance together, opening new breakthroughs in future industry and technology development.

AI and quantum are mutually complementary fields within future advanced technology. Both sectors offer Korea a path to upgrade its relatively weak basic science capabilities. Conversely, without investment in AI and quantum, it will be difficult for Korea to maintain its technological edge in the future.

Quantum technology is expected to see full-scale utilization before the end of the 2020s, which coincides with President Lee Jaemyung's term in office. President Lee must seize the opportunity to become a leader who contributes to the advancement of Korean science and industry, not only through AI but also by prioritizing quantum technology. Baek Jongmin