Jo Incheol Steps Up Vigorous Efforts to Secure AI Funding for Gwangju

Securing 163.8 Billion Won for AI Infrastructure and Demonstration City Projects

As expectations rise following the bipartisan passage of the 2026 budget on December 2, which is set to serve as a catalyst for nurturing future industries, Jo Incheol, a National Assembly member from the Democratic Party of Korea, is drawing attention for his vigorous efforts to secure AI-related funding for Gwangju.

Profile of Assemblyman Jo Incheol. Provided by Assemblyman Jo Incheol's Office

Jo, who serves as the chair of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee’s budget subcommittee, has leveraged his experience to design the blueprint for Gwangju’s “AI Package Project” budget and has utilized his more than 30 years of public service in various ways. As a result, he played a significant role in helping Gwangju secure over 160 billion won in national funding for AI-related initiatives.

According to media reports, the total AI budget for Gwangju that passed the National Assembly’s plenary session on December 2 for 2026 amounts to 163.8 billion won, which is an increase of more than 113.5 billion won compared to the original government proposal. Notably, 127.2 billion won of this amount was allocated to new AI-related projects.

Although the Lee Jaemyung administration has emphasized the development of future industries-presenting the “Leap to Top 3 in AI” as a national policy goal-insiders say that Jo Incheol’s behind-the-scenes efforts were crucial in bringing this national funding to Gwangju.

Jo has maintained close communication with Gwangju City, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Science and ICT to identify and plan the “AI Package Project,” while continuously monitoring its progress and the securing of related budgets.

He has also made persistent, wide-ranging efforts to persuade policymakers of the necessity of this project and the justification for locating it in Gwangju.

It is also noted that Jo’s networking, built over more than 30 years in public service, played a key role in this process. Since joining the government in 1996, Jo has served in various positions, including in the Budget Office of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, establishing himself as an expert in budget administration.

Based on these efforts, Jo secured a total of 163.8 billion won, including 19.8 billion won for AI infrastructure expansion projects (such as establishing a national NPU-dedicated computing center in Gwangju and upgrading the national AI data center); 30.2 billion won for AI demonstration city projects (realizing Gwangju as an AI demonstration city and creating an AX demonstration valley); and 13.6 billion won for strengthening AI talent development (upgrading the Gwangju Artificial Intelligence Academy and establishing the Gwangju AI Science Gifted School affiliated with GIST).

Many have also praised Jo’s special dedication to Gwangju. He previously served as Vice Mayor for Culture and Economy during the 7th elected administration of Gwangju, where he attracted the “AI-Centered Industrial Convergence Complex Project” (the first phase of the AI project). Since entering the National Assembly in 2024, he has continued to support the growth of Gwangju’s future industries by joining the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee and helping to enact the “AI Basic Act.”

Jo emphasized, “Just as everyone thinks of Pohang when it comes to the steel industry, we need to concentrate comprehensive infrastructure so that AI technology and industry immediately bring Gwangju to mind. Through legislation, we have established the legal basis for these projects, and with this satisfactory budget, we have also secured the necessary momentum.”

He added, “The next step is to introduce a mega sandbox and attract AI companies to create many future jobs, making Gwangju a city that draws young people.”