Naver CEO highlights Korea's AI policy push at APEC CEO Summit

Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon delivers a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Joint Press Corps

Naver Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Choi Soo-yeon on Wednesday highlighted the Korean government's push to build an "AI expressway," describing it as a key policy initiative to transform the country into a global artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse.

Speaking at a session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, Choi said the Korean government is taking concrete steps to foster AI infrastructure, including expanding tax incentives for AI data centers, simplifying administrative procedures and easing location regulations.

"I understand that the Korean government is also building an AI expressway. It follows the path of the information superhighway that made Korea a global IT powerhouse back in the 2000s," Choi said at the event in Gyeongju, the host city of this year's APEC gathering.

She explained that the government is expanding tax incentives for AI data centers and also simplifying administrative procedures and easing location regulations involving the sector.

Choi said such measures are providing "momentum and energy" to the industry, noting that special legislation on AI data centers will serve as an institutional foundation for transforming the country's industrial structure toward AI.

The Naver CEO said such active efforts by the government and the National Assembly are expected to lay the groundwork for a human-centered, inclusive AI ecosystem for the country.

"These efforts will help create a better future, not only for businesses, but for everyone," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of global cooperation in building a trustworthy and inclusive AI ecosystem.

"Together with APEC economies, we'll build a partnership, one that respects each nation's unique culture and diversity while co-creating global standards."