Seoul: External shocks, while often unwelcome, are prompting significant action in Korea as global artificial intelligence firms, including the Chinese startup DeepSeek and the Stargate project collaboration between OpenAI and SoftBank, drive the nation to focus on AI and semiconductor advancements. This comes against a backdrop of political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law on December 3, which has led to impeachment proceedings and political gridlock.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a four-way consultative body was established on December 26, bringing together the government, the National Assembly, the ruling People Power Party (PPP), and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). This group is set to hold its first policy meeting next week to address pressing issues, with a focus on passing critical legislation such as the Semiconductor Special Act, the Expansion of the National Power Grid Act, and the AI Basic Act, in addition to discussing a supplementary budget.
The impetus for this action stems from external challenges, including tariff threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump and rapid AI developments. The unveiling of DeepSeek's R1 open source language model and a meeting in Seoul between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Samsung Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son have highlighted potential collaborations in the Stargate project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative. Although no concrete agreements emerged, such cooperation could potentially enhance Samsung's performance in the semiconductor sector, emphasizing the need for legislative support, particularly regarding the Semiconductor Special Act and work-hour reforms.
The upcoming policy meeting will be led by acting President Choi Sang-mok, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, PPP interim leader Kwon Young-se, and DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung. The leaders are urged to set aside political differences to prioritize economic and technological advancements for the nation's benefit.
In preparation, ruling and opposition parties have proposed approving energy-related bills, including the Semiconductor Special Act, in an imminent National Assembly session. They have also suggested a supplementary budget, ranging between 20 trillion won ($13.8 billion) and 30 trillion won, alongside reforms to the national pension system initiated last year. These issues are critical, and the public, weary of recent legal battles, may find relief in the impending activation of a functional governance apparatus.
DPK Leader Lee Jae-myung has shown a shift towards a more centrist stance, supporting high-tech sector demands for flexible work hours and reconsidering universal cash vouchers in favor of a supplementary budget. These moves may be strategic for garnering moderate voter support in the event of a premature presidential election. The current political and technological landscape in Korea necessitates a pragmatic approach from policymakers and lawmakers.