Kim Yong-beom: Independent Competition with US and China is Challenging

Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, proposed a strategy for South Korea in the AI (artificial intelligence) hegemony competition between the United States and China, suggesting a 'multilateral cooperation' with middle powers. He emphasized that South Korea should lead the development of AI operational models in public service sectors such as healthcare, education, and administration that can be utilized globally.

In a Facebook post titled 'In the Age of AI, Nations Connect the World,' Kim stated, "The AI revolution may appear to be a battle between the U.S. and China, but the fundamental technology of high-performance memory largely originates from South Korea." He questioned, "What can we do with our unique position as a country that occupies a crucial role while stepping aside from the center of the hegemony competition?"

Kim noted, "With a domestic market of 50 million, it is difficult for South Korea to compete independently with the vast markets of the U.S. and China, which are building data and capital. We need to shift our strategy from 'How can we win alone?' to 'How can we create a platform for collective action?'"

He argued that South Korea should take the lead in establishing AI operational methods in public services based on multilateral cooperation.

As a basis for South Korea's role, he cited the experience of maintaining a digital ecosystem that is not dependent on global platforms and the international trust built through the Korean Wave.

Kim emphasized, "This strategy cannot be pursued by the government alone. Startups operating locally, companies and researchers that can enhance models, operators of data centers, and a supporting talent pool must work together as a single organism. Above all, it is urgent to coordinate the fragmented administration within the government."

He added, "If the interests of ministries divided into technology (Ministry of Science and ICT), startups (Ministry of SMEs and Startups), industry (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), finance (Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Planning and Budget), and diplomacy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) cannot be integrated under a national vision, the strategy cannot progress. A nation aiming to organize the world must first be able to efficiently organize itself internally."