Minister Bae Hoon: "Korea Must Accelerate AX in Specialized Sectors Like Manufacturing"

"Building an AI Market Ecosystem Together with Companies"

On August 22, Science and ICT Minister Hoon Bae stated, "We need to accelerate the AI transformation (AX) by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our specialized sectors such as manufacturing and bio."

Science and ICT Minister Hoon Baeghak is conducting a joint briefing with related ministries on the new government's economic growth strategy at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 22nd. 2025.8.22 Photo by Yongjun Cho

At the joint briefing on the 'New Government Economic Growth Strategy' held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Minister Bae said, "Our goal is to become one of the top three AI powerhouses, but the reality is that there is a gap between us and the United States and China."

He emphasized, "China is where it is today because it invested heavily in AI and digital technologies in the past. If we want to survive in the competition for technological supremacy, we must develop our AI technology to a level that is close to or on par with the United States and China."

However, rather than trying to excel in every field, the plan is for Korea to first build an ecosystem in areas where it already has strengths.

Minister Bae explained, "If AX is achieved in manufacturing and other sectors, know-how and data will accumulate, and an AI market ecosystem will be created through services. The government will play a priming role in infrastructure, data, and talent to ensure this ecosystem is established quickly."

He added, "Companies will definitely generate tangible results, and our top priority is to create a comprehensive AI market ecosystem together."