Koo Yoonchul: "AI Koreanization Project to Launch Early Next Year"

Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yoonchul Continues AI Field Visits on the 1st
"We Will Continue to Discover and Support AI Talent Development Institutions"
Support for AI Autonomous Ships and Drones Detailed
30 Billion Won Pilot Project for New Ship Technologies Launched

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoonchul stated on the 1st, "We will thoroughly prepare the 'AI Koreanization Project' so that young people, who are the main players of the AI era, can use AI as comfortably as they use the Korean language," adding, "We will launch the project at the beginning of next year."

Deputy Prime Minister Koo made these remarks during a meeting with trainees and instructors at the Samsung Youth Software (SW) and AI Academy (SSAFY) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, saying, "We will create high-quality jobs preferred by young people through a grand transformation toward AI and a super-innovative economy."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoonchul visited the Samsung Youth Software (SW) and AI Academy (SSAFY) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 1st, holding a meeting with trainees and instructors and giving a speech. Ministry of Economy and Finance

Prior to the full-scale implementation of the 'Nationwide AI Koreanization Project' announced in the new government's economic growth strategy in August, Deputy Prime Minister Koo visited SSAFY, which has completely revamped its curriculum this year to focus on AI. He inspected the AI job training site to develop tailored policies that reflect the voices of trainees.

Attending this event were not only Deputy Prime Minister Koo, but also Kim Wanpyo, President of Samsung Global Research, Park Seunghee, President of Samsung Electronics, other Samsung executives, and officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the National AI Committee.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo said, "To cultivate top-level AI professionals, we will establish a top-tier AI convergence program and strengthen AI education for military personnel so that they can prepare for employment during their service period." He also mentioned, "We will continue to discover and support capable institutions like SSAFY that nurture talented AI professionals."

Deputy Prime Minister Koo listened to an explanation about "Todak," a borderline intelligence life assistant service project carried out by SSAFY graduates, and commented, "This is a warm example of AI innovation that can provide real help to vulnerable groups." He added, "The government will actively support the commercialization of innovative ideas that incorporate AI."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol is taking a commemorative photo with officials during his visit to Samsung Youth Software (SW) and AI Academy (SSAFY) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 1st. Ministry of Economy and Finance

Meanwhile, on the morning of the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Koo visited the HD Hyundai Global Research and Development (R&D) Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where he held a relay on-site meeting regarding the AI transformation. He stated, "AI-based innovations in ships and drones are game changers that will reshape the existing industrial ecosystem and are essential strategies for survival," and detailed support measures for related sectors.

As the government pursues 15 major AI transformation projects, it has set a goal to develop autonomous navigation technology for AI-powered ships that will not require crew members by 2030. To achieve this, the government plans to develop a collaborative system involving AI, shipbuilding, and shipping companies.

Additionally, to demonstrate new technologies, a large-scale pilot project for domestic coastal vessels will be conducted from next year through 2029, with a budget of 30 billion won. The designated operational waters for autonomous vessels will be determined in the second half of the year. AI intelligent autonomous navigation technology will also be newly designated as a national strategic technology in the second half, with enhanced tax incentives for R&D and facility investments.

In the AI drone sector, the government aims to develop fully autonomous flight technology by 2031 and is promoting five major AI drone projects. In the five key areas with high drone utilization-aviation, firefighting, agriculture, logistics, and construction/facility management-the government plans to develop mission-performing AI drones and provide comprehensive support from testing to commercialization.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo explained, "If we combine our world-class capabilities in IT, semiconductors, and shipbuilding with AI technology, we can lead the global market." He announced, "The government will mobilize all available resources to actively support the development of the shipbuilding and drone industries."