S Korea's Lee Unveils AI-Focused Policy Agenda

Seoul, South Korea - President Lee Jae-myung outlined a comprehensive policy agenda targeting artificial intelligence leadership and democratic institution reforms, according to official documents released by the democratic party.

The administration's policy framework prioritizes positioning South Korea among the world's top three AI powers through increased budget allocations to match advanced nation levels and facilitating 100 trillion won in private investment, as stated in the documents.

The AI initiative includes constructing data centers to establish what officials termed an "AI highway," securing more than 50,000 high-performance graphics processing units and creating a national AI data cluster.

The plan calls for regulatory reforms to promote the integration of AI across various industries, as well as enhanced educational programs for the development of the AI workforce.

Democratic governance reforms constitute the second policy priority, focusing on strengthening legislative oversight of presidential martial law authority and introducing a recall system for National Assembly members.

The measures include expanding civilian control over military operations, restructuring military intelligence agencies, and implementing confirmation hearings for military service chiefs.

Economic support measures target small businesses and households affected by recent political developments.

The government plans debt adjustment programs ranging from restructuring to forgiveness for COVID-19 policy loan recipients and specific assistance for small businesses impacted by the December 3 martial law declaration, according to the policy documents.

Foreign policy initiatives emphasize economic diplomacy and strategic trade policy, prioritizing national interests.

The administration will host the 2025 Gyeongju Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and pursue expanded cooperation with developing nations while strengthening supply chain partnerships for critical materials and energy resources.

Public safety enhancements focus on crime prevention and disaster response capabilities.

Proposed measures include strengthening supervision of individuals with criminal records, implementing protective order systems for domestic violence cases, and integrating climate disaster prediction and monitoring systems.

Healthcare reforms aim to target regional and essential medical services through the expansion of public medical infrastructure and the establishment of 24-hour emergency care systems staffed by specialists.

The administration plans to address medical workforce shortages by establishing new regional medical schools and public medical academies.

Regional development plans focus on completing the Sejong administrative capital by constructing National Assembly facilities and a presidential office within the current presidential term.

The framework establishes five major metropolitan regions encompassing the capital area, the southeastern region, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area, the central region, and the Jeolla region, alongside three special autonomous provinces.

Labor policy reforms include expanding workplace protections for self-employed workers, contractors, and platform workers while introducing wage transparency measures.

The government aims to reduce working hours below Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development averages by 2030 and implement a 4.5-day work schedule across public sector institutions.

Social welfare initiatives address demographic challenges by expanding child allowances to cover children up to age 18 and enhancing childcare support systems.

The administration plans comprehensive elderly care programs, including public trust systems for seniors who are unable to manage their assets independently.

Climate response measures include closing coal-fired power plants by 2040 and constructing renewable energy infrastructure along the western coast by 2030.

The plan establishes industrial complexes meeting international renewable energy standards to support export manufacturers and expands building energy efficiency programs.

Implementation schedules specify that legislative amendments will begin preparation in June 2025 with phased rollouts, while fiscal programs will commence with supplementary budget measures in 2025 and formal budget planning for 2026.

Funding sources include government expenditure restructuring and projected revenue increases between 2025 and 2030, as indicated in the documents.

The policy framework represents the administration's approach to enhancing South Korea's economic competitiveness while addressing democratic governance and social challenges, according to the official materials.