[Asia AI Awards] Vice Minister Ryu Jemyung: "Securing a World Top 10 AI Model Early Next Year"

"The World Is Paying Attention to Korea's AI Potential and Capabilities"
Expanding Physical AI in Core Industries Like Shipbuilding and Automotive
Government Support to Create Global Success Stories

"Starting next year, the public and private sectors will work together to secure a world top 10 artificial intelligence (AI) model at an early stage and realize 'AI for All.'"

Ryu Jemyung, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '2025 Asia AI Awards' held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 18th. 2025.12.18 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Ryu Jemyung, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, made this statement during his congratulatory speech at the '2025 Asia AI Awards' ceremony held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 18th, adding, "Our country is taking another step closer to becoming one of the top three AI powers."

Vice Minister Ryu pointed out, "The global AI landscape is being shaken by the influence of Google, OpenAI, and Nvidia, while Chinese AI startups are also making remarkable technological progress. The rapidly changing global environment presents significant challenges for us as we strive to become one of the top three in AI."

However, he emphasized, "Recently, in the global AI index published by Stanford University in the United States and in the United Kingdom, our country ranked fourth and fifth in the world, respectively. In just six months since the launch of the new administration, the combined efforts of the public and private sectors have drawn global attention to the potential and capabilities of Korea's AI."

He cited major achievements such as collaboration with OpenAI to build a large-scale AI Data Center (AIDC), securing 260,000 advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia, and signing a 'Strategic AI Cooperation Framework' with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Vice Minister Ryu stated, "Next year, the much-needed GPUs will be supplied quickly to the field, and the government AI budget will reach approximately 9.9 trillion won, about three times more than this year. Based on our AI capabilities, we will develop and provide a variety of specialized services in defense, manufacturing, culture, and other sectors, enabling all citizens, students, and vulnerable groups to freely utilize AI."

He added, "We will focus on spreading physical AI throughout our key industries-such as shipbuilding, automotive, and defense-to create global success stories and support a major leap forward for our economy. We will provide full support so that companies and researchers, filled with confidence and determination that 'we can do it too,' can become global leaders in the AI era."

Vice Minister Ryu concluded, "I would like to congratulate the representatives of the award-winning companies who are leading AI innovation in Korea, and I ask everyone present to join forces in Korea's challenge to become one of the world's top three AI powers."