Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hun emphasized on October 6 that South Korea aims to solidify its position as one of the top three countries in artificial intelligence (AI) and challenge for the world's best scientific and technological ecosystem.
During a National Assembly audit by the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, Baek stated, "We will focus our efforts on three major directions to leap forward as a global leader in AI and science and technology."
He outlined that investment support for three mega projects in the AI sector—AI data centers, physical AI, and semiconductors—will proceed without delays.
Baek noted, "Under the newly enacted special law for AI data centers in the 22nd National Assembly, we will swiftly address private sector regulatory challenges," adding that in the field of physical AI, South Korea will develop its own competitive edge by securing data that combines motion and physical laws, as well as creating and applying a universal physical AI model.
Regarding the concept of 'Everyone's AI,' Baek highlighted plans to provide not only conversational services like ChatGPT but also public AI agents that can proactively find and apply for public services, along with tailored services in health, education, and finance.
He also mentioned the importance of ensuring that disparities in AI utilization do not lead to further economic and social gaps, pledging comprehensive AI education support for all citizens.
In addition, Baek announced plans to nurture seven key areas (SEED) such as small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fusion, quantum technology, and aerospace as next-generation growth engines.
On the K-Moonshot project, he expressed optimism that it would significantly reduce the time and costs associated with research, allowing South Korea to secure world-leading and pioneering technologies. He committed to supporting innovative companies and researchers to boldly explore new possibilities.
Baek also pledged to support youth talent and regional growth, stating, "We will increase the number of gifted schools affiliated with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and expand national scholarships for master's and doctoral students, as well as basic research for emerging researchers."
He added, "We will discover over 500 deep-tech startup teams within the year and create systems to encourage entrepreneurship. By integrating science and technology with regional strengths, we can expand the growth map of South Korea, and we will significantly increase regional autonomous research and development (R&D) investments across the country."
During a National Assembly audit by the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, Baek stated, "We will focus our efforts on three major directions to leap forward as a global leader in AI and science and technology."
He outlined that investment support for three mega projects in the AI sector—AI data centers, physical AI, and semiconductors—will proceed without delays.
Baek noted, "Under the newly enacted special law for AI data centers in the 22nd National Assembly, we will swiftly address private sector regulatory challenges," adding that in the field of physical AI, South Korea will develop its own competitive edge by securing data that combines motion and physical laws, as well as creating and applying a universal physical AI model.
Regarding the concept of 'Everyone's AI,' Baek highlighted plans to provide not only conversational services like ChatGPT but also public AI agents that can proactively find and apply for public services, along with tailored services in health, education, and finance.
He also mentioned the importance of ensuring that disparities in AI utilization do not lead to further economic and social gaps, pledging comprehensive AI education support for all citizens.
In addition, Baek announced plans to nurture seven key areas (SEED) such as small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fusion, quantum technology, and aerospace as next-generation growth engines.
On the K-Moonshot project, he expressed optimism that it would significantly reduce the time and costs associated with research, allowing South Korea to secure world-leading and pioneering technologies. He committed to supporting innovative companies and researchers to boldly explore new possibilities.
Baek also pledged to support youth talent and regional growth, stating, "We will increase the number of gifted schools affiliated with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and expand national scholarships for master's and doctoral students, as well as basic research for emerging researchers."
He added, "We will discover over 500 deep-tech startup teams within the year and create systems to encourage entrepreneurship. By integrating science and technology with regional strengths, we can expand the growth map of South Korea, and we will significantly increase regional autonomous research and development (R&D) investments across the country."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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