Deputy Prime Minister Baek Kyung-hun Considers Private Investment for Frontier AI Models

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hun stated on October 6 that he is "reviewing private investment formats" related to the Frontier artificial intelligence (AI) model project.

Baek made this remark during a National Assembly audit of the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, in response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Han Jun-ho, who asked whether the related budget would be distributed to companies in the form of cash subsidies.

He added, "The budget of 4.6 trillion won may not be sufficient to achieve the Frontier AI model."

Baek reiterated that the independent AI foundation model (Dopamo) and the Frontier AI project are being pursued separately, and that the Dopamo initiative will also continue.

He emphasized, "Dopamo must continue to expand in terms of industry and research. Having independent AI capabilities is essential for South Korea's competitiveness."

He further noted, "While the existing goals of Dopamo may have limitations in reaching a global top-tier AI level, this does not equate to a misalignment or failure of Dopamo's objectives."

Baek stressed the need for high-level challenges to address scientific dilemmas and cybersecurity issues through the Frontier AI model.