The era of diplomacy is changing.
Where military and economic power once dominated, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technology, and space technology now determine national competitiveness and diplomatic strength.
AI has transcended industrial policy to become a central issue in diplomacy. Cooperation and competition among nations, international norms, and economic security are all being restructured around AI.
Foreign Minister Park Jin is a seasoned diplomat with a lifetime of experience in the field. He has served as ambassador to the United Nations and held the positions of first and second vice minister of foreign affairs before becoming the foreign minister. He emphasizes the importance of future diplomacy, including technology and economic security.
In the AI era, diplomacy requires not only alliances and trade but also the design of international AI norms and digital order.
The question is clear.
Can South Korea rise as a diplomatic power that shapes the global order through AI?
AI as the New Language of Diplomacy
AI is no longer just an industry.
It is a core diplomatic agenda.
AI semiconductors, data, cloud computing, and digital norms influence both cooperation and competition among nations.
Minister Park is strengthening the core pillars of diplomacy by enhancing global supply chains and economic security, particularly focusing on expanding cooperation in advanced technology fields such as AI, space, and defense with key allies.
Diplomacy in the AI era is evolving beyond traditional political engagement to encompass technological diplomacy.
As AI spreads globally, the international community is demanding new rules.
The safety, ethics, data utilization, and principles of international cooperation regarding AI cannot be determined by any single country.
Minister Park highlighted South Korea's leadership in international discussions on AI governance, including the AI Seoul Summit and UN Security Council open discussions, and expressed a commitment to actively contribute to the formation of international AI norms.
As the chair of APEC, South Korea is also playing a leading role in preparing AI outcome documents that emphasize inclusivity and sustainability.
In the AI era, countries that create not only technology but also rules will emerge as strong powers.
AI Economic Security Influences National Competitiveness
The AI industry cannot grow without supply chains.
Semiconductors, critical minerals, data centers, and cloud services are all interconnected with diplomacy.
Minister Park is focusing diplomatic efforts on securing stable advanced technology supply chains and enhancing economic security cooperation with major countries. Cooperation in AI, space, and defense is also being expanded with countries like France.
Today, diplomacy goes beyond trade negotiations to connect technological ecosystems.
AI Enhances Safety for Overseas Citizens
The most important mission of diplomacy is to protect citizens.
In international crises, such as conflicts in the Middle East, the ability to quickly analyze and respond to vast amounts of information is crucial.
AI can serve as a foundation for analyzing information from crisis areas, predicting risks, and providing faster support for the protection of citizens abroad and consular services.
Minister Park has prioritized the protection of overseas citizens and maritime safety in the response to the Middle East crisis.
AI is not a technology that replaces diplomats; it is a new tool for safeguarding citizens.
AI Public Diplomacy Enhances South Korea's Soft Power
South Korea is a nation that possesses both K-content and digital technology.
By utilizing AI translation, AI content, and digital platforms, South Korea can more effectively promote its culture, policies, and industries to the world.
Public diplomacy can also significantly enhance tailored information provision and multilingual communication capabilities through AI.
The national image in the AI era is shaped by both culture and technology.
The Foreign Ministry Evolves with AI Administration
AI is transforming internal operations within the Foreign Ministry.
With AI supporting repetitive tasks such as analyzing diplomatic documents, assessing international situations, translating, and searching policy materials, diplomats can focus more on strategy and negotiation.
The Foreign Ministry is continuously discussing ways to utilize AI by forming a 'Foreign Affairs AI External Expert Advisory Group' with private sector experts.
AI does not replace diplomatic judgment; it is a technology that aids in making better decisions.
The task assigned to Minister Park is not merely to manage relations between countries.
It is to design a new diplomatic strategy suited for the AI era.
AI international norms, technological diplomacy, economic security, and digital public diplomacy all aim toward a single goal.
That goal is to establish South Korea as a diplomatic power leading the global AI order.
Diplomacy connects borders.
AI is changing the way those connections are made.
If South Korea becomes a nation that leads in technology, norms, and cooperation, its global leadership in the AI era will be further solidified.
Minister Park Jin is a prominent career diplomat who has served as the first and second vice minister of foreign affairs and as ambassador to the United Nations. He has extensive experience in multilateral and economic diplomacy and has prioritized AI international norms, economic security, advanced technology cooperation, and global supply chain diplomacy since taking office.
He is expanding South Korea's role in UN global AI governance discussions and APEC AI cooperation, leading the development of future diplomatic strategies suitable for the AI era.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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