An On-the-Ground AI Expert with Close Ties to Government and National Assembly
Emphasizing Sovereign AI... Hopes for Stronger Reflection of Private Sector Voices
"Don't you think he's even cooler than the actor Ha Jungwoo?"
At an artificial intelligence (AI) conference last year, a minister-level cabinet member praised Ha Jungwoo, Head of the AI Innovation Center at Naver Cloud, who was attending the event with him. The official added with a hearty laugh, "You have to give this level of compliment if you want someone to work hard." This anecdote illustrates the significant contributions Ha has made as an AI expert.
After the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, Ha was unexpectedly appointed as Chief of AI Future Planning at the Presidential Office, a newly created position. Born in 1977, Ha is the youngest chief in the current administration. An industry insider commented, "Chief Ha is a practical strategist who has commercialized AI in the private sector and understands exactly where government policy faces obstacles," and added, "This appointment is seen as a signal of a shift toward field-driven AI policy." Another source said, "Chief Ha is the key figure who put the concept of 'Sovereign AI' on the policy agenda," expressing hope that, with his move to the Presidential Office, the voices of the private sector will be more strongly reflected in policy.
He has not only been a technological leader but has also served as a prominent spokesperson for the industry. He was a regular guest at various seminars, forums, and lectures hosted by the government and National Assembly, sometimes attending more than 40 events a month, earning him a reputation as a 'celebrity.' He conveyed the industry's perspectives to the government without embellishment and was unafraid to offer candid criticism. This is how he came to be seen as the 'industry's representative voice,' equipped with coordination skills in technology, policy, and ethics.
With someone who understands the field now serving as chief, expectations are rising that the government's AI strategy?which has so far lagged behind global trends?will shift in a more practical direction. Going forward, Chief Ha will be responsible for major AI policies, including propelling South Korea to become one of the world's top three AI powers, achieving 100 trillion won in AI investment, and establishing a national AI computing center. As new industries based on AI emerge as future growth engines, the weight of his responsibility is considerable.
Chief Ha is from Busan and majored in computer engineering at Seoul National University. He joined Naver Labs in 2015 and began his career in AI research. From 2017, he led Naver Clova AI Research for three years, and from October 2020, he served as head of Naver AI Lab, overseeing mid- to long-term advanced AI technology research. He contributed to Naver achieving sixth place in the world in terms of global AI research influence.
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