Ha Jung-woo, former Chief Secretary for AI Future Planning, was appointed as the Vice Chair of the National AI Strategy Committee on August 30. He expressed his commitment to making significant contributions toward establishing South Korea as a leading AI powerhouse.
In a Facebook post, Ha stated, "I will work diligently to realize 'Indispensable Korea' as a global leader in the AI supply chain, surpassing the three major AI powers."
He added, "It seems that my experience in AI research and development in the private sector, along with my role in formulating the national AI strategy as Chief Secretary, was highly valued."
Ha emphasized, "Since the release of ChatGPT, global AI competition has intensified. The AI race is rapidly expanding beyond mere technological competition to encompass national technology and security competition. With much work ahead, I feel a heavy responsibility."
He noted, "South Korea has clear opportunities. We possess unparalleled competitiveness in the memory semiconductor sector and have accumulated significant capabilities to catch up with the U.S. and China in the frontier AI field, ranking clearly in the top three."
Ha further explained, "With a world-class manufacturing industry foundation, we have the potential to lead in the physical AI sector, along with a stable infrastructure for AI development, transmission, and distribution."
He stated, "If we connect these strengths into a cohesive national AI strategy, South Korea can become an indispensable country in the global AI supply chain, surpassing just being a leading nation in the AI era. I promise to realize a sustainable AI powerhouse and deliver results that the public can feel in a timely manner."
Ha also committed to supporting the success of three major mega-projects and ensuring that seven SEED projects based on AI are successfully implemented. He emphasized that the benefits of the new high-growth era opened by AI should be felt by all citizens, not just a select few.
Meanwhile, Ha ran as a candidate for the Democratic Party in the June 3 by-election for the Busan North District but lost to independent candidate Han Dong-hoon.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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