Bae Kyunghoon, Born in 1976 and Head of LG AI Research Institute, Nominated as Science Minister... Private-Sector AI Expert

Following the Appointment of Chief of AI, Science Minister Also Selected from Field Experts
Presidential Office: "Breaking Down Barriers Between Public and Private Sectors to Overcome Crisis"

On June 23, President Lee Jaemyung nominated Bae Kyunghoon, head of LG AI Research Institute, as the candidate for Minister of Science and ICT. Born in 1976, Bae is one of the few ministerial nominees in their late 40s among major government ministries and is recognized as an expert with experience in the private AI sector. Following the appointment of Ha Jungwoo, head of Naver Cloud AI Innovation Center, as the Presidential Office's Chief of AI Future Planning, there is a growing trend of recruiting private-sector AI experts for high-level government positions.

Bae graduated from the Department of Electronic Physics at Kwangwoon University and earned both his master's and doctoral degrees in electronic engineering from the same university. He later completed an MBA at Columbia Southern University. Bae has held positions such as Director at SK Telecom’s Institute of Advanced Technology, AI Advisory Committee Member at LG Economic Research Institute, and Head of the AI Initiative at LG Electronics, before being appointed as the inaugural head of LG AI Research Institute, a position he currently holds. He also served as a member of the Presidential National Science and Technology Advisory Council. During his tenure at LG AI Research Institute, he oversaw the development of the large-scale AI model 'EXAONE,' solidifying his reputation as an AI expert.

Nominated as the new head of the Ministry of Science and ICT, Bae is regarded as an 'execution-oriented leader' who is well-versed in field-based AI research and development strategies and understands the realities of the industry. Industry insiders have expressed expectations that he is the right person to oversee the nation’s research and development (R&D) strategy at the intersection of AI and semiconductor technology.

Since his candidacy, President Lee has emphasized strengthening policy capabilities in advanced technology sectors such as AI and semiconductors. In particular, he has been increasing the proportion of 'practitioner experts with field experience' in both the Presidential Office and the Cabinet. Last month, the appointment of Ha Jungwoo, formerly of Naver, as Chief of AI further strengthened the AI policy coordination function within the Presidential Office.

Kang Hunsik, Chief Presidential Secretary, explained the background of the nomination, stating, "Bae is both an AI scholar and entrepreneur who received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit for commercializing large-scale AI. We expect that, together with Ha Jungwoo, Chief of AI Future Planning, he will enhance the nation’s AI competitiveness."

Regarding the continued recruitment of private-sector experts, an official from the Presidential Office commented, "The active entry of corporate professionals is an extraordinary measure to break down barriers between the public and private sectors and to revitalize the Korean economy." The official added, "This personnel decision also reflects concerns about the current economic crisis and fears that there may be no new growth engines for the next five or ten years."

An industry official remarked, "There is a growing trend of 'bridge-type' talent, who not only come from academia but also connect industry and government, taking center stage in the science and technology sector." The official added, "There are new expectations, not only for the establishment of AI policy but also for coordination with the private sector and for execution capabilities."