Seoul: Acting President Han Duck-soo on Monday emphasized the government's objective of positioning South Korea among the top three nations in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Han stressed this ambition at a ceremony celebrating Science, Information and Communication Day, highlighting the global "infinite competition" to acquire cutting-edge science and digital technologies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han identified three pivotal technologies-artificial intelligence, bio, and quantum technology-as essential for future advancements. During the ceremony in southern Seoul, he stated, "Above all, becoming a top three AI power is a goal that we must achieve at all costs." Han emphasized the government's commitment to actively invest in these areas while developing the necessary legal and institutional frameworks to support growth.
The government's recent extra budget proposal allocated 1.8 trillion won (US$1.27 billion) specifically for the AI sector. This funding is intended to enhance AI computing infrastructure, create homegrown AI models, and support AI startups through an innovation fund, as noted by the acting president. Han further explained, "This is because AI is the key engine that will accelerate innovation across all industries and lead future growth in combination with various advanced technologies."