South Korea Forms AI Committee for Global Top 3 Goal

Seoul, South Korea - The country established a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee on Monday, with the stated goal of making it one of the world's top three AI powers.

The committee comprises 50 members and is chaired by President Lee Jae Myung.

Members include Representative Lim Munyeong of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, who heads his party's special committee on digital affairs.

The committee serves as the government's primary body for reviewing, deciding, and coordinating national AI policy. It held its launch ceremony on Monday afternoon at Seoul Square in the Jung-gu District.

President Lee committed to strengthening the committee during the June 4 presidential election.

At Monday's ceremony, Lee said the country faced a choice between remaining "a follower in danger of elimination" or becoming "a leader with unlimited opportunities," according to his remarks at the event.

Lee outlined four strategies: "AI for all," described as inclusive AI accessible to everyone; a "one team" approach with private sector leadership and government support; balanced regional AI development; and equal distribution of results through what he called an AI-friendly system.

The president said AI represents "a core driving force that determines national competitiveness and future prosperity." 

He noted that hesitation could lead to "technical reliance, industrial decline, and worsening inequality and social polarization."

Committee members met privately after the ceremony and approved the direction for a government AI action plan.

They also endorsed the construction of a national AI highway and the establishment of a national AI computing center.

Members received reports on subordinate statutes of the Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Foundation for Trustworthiness.

The government's AI action plan encompasses three key policy areas: fostering an innovative AI ecosystem, driving nationwide AI-based transformation, and contributing to a global AI-based society.

The committee will complete and release the plan by November.

The plan covers tasks for 12 strategic sectors with implementation assigned to individual ministries.