South Korea stands at a significant turning point. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industrial rules, while semiconductors and data centers have become crucial infrastructure for national competitiveness. The space industry has evolved from a dream of scientists to a strategic sector that determines national security and future resources. The United States and China have entered a new power competition centered on AI and space, prompting countries worldwide to mobilize in an era where technology equates to national strength.
In the midst of this transformation, what choices should South Korea make? Rep. Hwang Jeong-ah of the Democratic Party is one of the few politicians capable of answering this question. A former lead researcher at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, he spent over 20 years studying satellites and cosmic radiation. Currently, he serves on the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, leading initiatives such as the AI Data Center Special Act, expansion of national R&D, and policies for nurturing scientific talent. The scientist who once contemplated the nation's future in a lab is now designing South Korea's industrial strategy in the National Assembly.
Throughout the interview, Rep. Hwang emphasized, "Ultimately, it is science and technology that can protect South Korea." His vision for becoming one of the top three countries in AI and one of the top five in science and technology transcends mere industrial policy, approaching a survival strategy for the nation.
"Ultimately, it is science and technology that can protect South Korea"
Rep. Hwang initially had no intention of entering politics. He was a scientist developing satellite payloads and researching space at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. His decisive moment came in 2023 when the government cut research and development (R&D) budgets. Researchers in the field were shocked, witnessing halted projects and a destabilized research environment for future generations. He thought, "Someone must represent the voices of scientists in the National Assembly."
He stated, "If we consider the long-term future of South Korea, science and technology policy should not waver with each administration." His awareness of the issue that society pushes scientists into a cartel-like situation also motivated his political participation.
Since entering politics, he has focused on legislative solutions to long-standing issues in the science and technology sector, such as establishing a Vice Minister of Science and Technology position, creating a national scientist system, expanding R&D budgets, and abolishing PBS. He defines politics as a matter of changing direction, asserting that creating an environment conducive to research is also a crucial role of the state.
South Korea is already a space power
Rep. Hwang disagrees with the prevailing notion in society that questions whether South Korea can succeed in space. He believes the country already possesses world-class space capabilities. South Korea successfully launched the Nuri rocket and is one of only seven nations capable of sending domestically produced satellites into space using its own launch vehicle. Recently, a South Korean satellite was included in NASA's Artemis lunar exploration project, signifying that South Korea is recognized as a key partner in global space cooperation.
Rep. Hwang does not view space solely as a scientific domain. He emphasizes, "Space is security and economy." Today, satellites are essential infrastructure for national operations, encompassing communication, internet services, military reconnaissance, climate monitoring, and disaster response. In the future, industries such as space data centers, space internet, and space logistics are likely to emerge. He warns, "Without securing space capabilities, we risk falling behind in the competition for future resources."
Why basic science is important
Rep. Hwang identifies "short-term performance orientation" as the biggest problem in South Korea's science policy. He argues that a structure demanding results within one, three, or five years makes it difficult to produce innovations that can change the world. He cites Nobel Prize-winning research as an example, noting that it typically takes an average of 19 years from the start of research to actual results, and nearly 30 years when including academic validation. Yet, South Korea remains fixated on short-term evaluations and results.
He likens the situation to a tree with abundant leaves but weak roots. While it may appear to have many achievements, a weakened foundation in basic science ultimately undermines national competitiveness.
The golden time for South Korea in the AI era
Rep. Hwang emphasizes AI as a critical area. He describes the next two to three years as a golden time for determining South Korea's AI competitiveness. In the AI era, GPUs and data centers serve as the railroads and highways of technology. Without data centers, AI cannot thrive. This necessity led him to spearhead the AI Data Center Special Act, which aims to streamline the permitting process for AI data centers and accelerate construction through the designation of special zones outside the capital and support for power supply.
He asserts, "The AI competition is ultimately a race for speed." The first country to establish its infrastructure will dominate the market, making it difficult for latecomers to catch up.
AI data centers as the "AI highway"
Rep. Hwang refers to AI data centers as the "AI highway." Just as the Gyeongbu Expressway during the Park Chung-hee administration drove industrialization and the high-speed internet network during the Kim Dae-jung administration established South Korea as an IT powerhouse, data centers will become the foundation of national competitiveness in the AI era.
He specifically defines AI data centers as a national strategic SOC (social overhead capital). While roads and railways facilitate logistics, data centers will drive AI and data movement. Future national competitiveness will hinge on the ability to secure AI infrastructure.
Survival strategy in the era of U.S.-China technological hegemony
Rep. Hwang views the U.S.-China technological power struggle as an opportunity rather than a crisis, given South Korea's world-class semiconductor technology. In particular, memory semiconductors are strategic assets needed by both the U.S. and China.
He states, "The key is to enhance our technological competitiveness without becoming dependent on either side." He believes South Korea has a strong chance of success in areas such as AI semiconductors, manufacturing AI, and physical AI.
The biggest problem in South Korea's education system
Rep. Hwang identifies the lack of scientific talent as rooted in the education system. Currently, students who excel academically tend to pursue medicine, while science careers are often overlooked. He points out that many students who wish to study physics are unable to do so due to entrance exam pressures. "There are too many students who want to pursue science but cannot," he says. He emphasizes that scientists must be socially respected and able to lead stable lives to attract talent, asserting that the issue lies not in education but in societal choices.
The most important virtue of a politician is listening
As a scientist-turned-politician, Rep. Hwang identifies listening as the most important virtue for a politician. Politics ultimately involves balancing diverse interests. A policy that benefits one group may disadvantage another.
Thus, he believes politicians must listen to people's stories and mediate conflicts. He presents rationality, practicality, humility, and communication skills as core values for politicians. "AI and science and technology will determine South Korea's future," he concludes.
Rep. Hwang sees AI as the greatest opportunity for South Korea in the next decade, while the biggest risk lies in technological dependency and loss of competitiveness. He emphasizes, "What can protect South Korea is, first, technology; second, technology; and third, technology."
Even amid U.S.-China tensions and global supply chain crises, possessing unique technology will lead the world to rely on South Korea. This, he asserts, is the essence of national strength and security.
Rep. Hwang Jeong-ah is a space scientist and member of the Democratic Party, formerly a lead researcher at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. He has contributed to the advancement of South Korea's space technology through over 20 years of research in cosmic radiation and satellite payloads. Currently, he serves on the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, the Budget and Accounts Special Committee, and as the chair of the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Science and Technology Innovation, as well as the secretary of the AI Powerhouse Committee. Drawing on his experience in scientific research, he is advancing a national strategy centered on science and technology, focusing on expanding national R&D, the AI Data Center Special Act, the national scientist system, and the establishment of a Vice Minister of Science and Technology. He aims to create a country where children who dream of becoming scientists do not hesitate, emphasizing the nurturing of scientific talent and improving the treatment of researchers as his political mission.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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