Jeong Dongyoung: "North Korea Operating Three Semiconductor Factories... Efforts to Develop 'North Korean Version of ChatGPT'"

Answer at the National Assembly Confirmation Hearing on July 14

Jeong Dongyoung, nominee for Minister of Unification, stated on July 14 that he had received a report from the Ministry of Unification indicating that there are currently three semiconductor factories operating in North Korea. He also mentioned that North Korea is making efforts to foster talent in computer engineering and is attempting to develop a "North Korean version of ChatGPT."

At the National Assembly confirmation hearing that day, Jeong cited science and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), as potential areas for inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, and made these remarks in response to questions.

He explained that the locations of North Korea's semiconductor factories are "presumed to be Pyongyang, Pyongsong, and Wonsan," and added, "In these three places, they are using semiconductors imported from abroad?likely smuggled?to produce mobile phones domestically."

He further stated, "As the entire world is now entering the midst of the AI revolution, North Korea is likely feeling anxious as well," and added, "I believe that science and technology cooperation centered on AI will become an important area for inter-Korean collaboration in the future."

Jeong Dongyoung, nominee for Minister of Unification, is responding to questions from lawmakers at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on July 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He analyzed that for North Korea to cooperate with South Korea or the international community in the field of AI, improving North Korea-U.S. relations is key, and said, "Chairman Kim Jongun also has a strong demand for a summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump."

Jeong added, "North Korea is focusing on nurturing talent at institutions such as the Department of Computer Engineering at Kim Il Sung University, and it appears that these individuals are at a considerable level," and continued, "I have heard that North Korea is trying to create a 'North Korean version of ChatGPT.'"