Korea aims to become top 3 AI power with new presidential committee
President Lee Jae Myung calls AI key to reversing slow economic growth
Aligned with President Lee Jae Myung’s goal of making Korea one of the world’s top three AI powers, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee was officially launched Monday afternoon under his direct leadership.
As the country’s highest-level policy council on artificial intelligence (AI), the joint government-private committee will oversee the deliberation and coordination of national AI strategy. Its mandate includes reviewing policies, ensuring cooperation across ministries and advancing initiatives to carry out the administration’s AI agenda.
A launching ceremony and the first plenary session were held in Seoul, attended by 34 newly appointed private sector members — mostly AI and technology experts — along with government officials and presidential aides.
The members from the private sector will serve across eight subcommittees, overseeing areas such as AI infrastructure, data, applications, social adaptation, global cooperation, science and skill development, and defense and security. Additional members will be appointed later to support policy planning, deliberation and cross-sector coordination.
President Lee Jae Myung speaks at the launching ceremony of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee held at Seoul Square in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
In his address at the launch, Lee emphasized the transformative power of AI, calling it a decisive factor for national strength, economic growth and security.
“Korea now stands at a great historical turning point — whether we become mere followers exposed to the risk of falling behind, or pioneers who seize boundless opportunities,” the president said.
“If we move boldly forward and lead the future, artificial intelligence will serve as the key to advancing the structure of our industries, improving the quality of life for our people and ushering Korea into a new era of prosperity.”
The president outlined four pillars of his administration’s AI policy: inclusive access to AI, a public-private “one team” strategy led by industry with government backing, a sweeping overhaul of laws and institutions to make them AI-friendly, and balanced development to ensure that AI-driven industries support regional growth.
President Lee Jae Myung attends the launching ceremony of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee at Seoul Square in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Both during and after the election, Lee has pledged 100 trillion won ($72 billion) in AI investments, portraying it as essential to lifting Korea out of its prolonged economic stagnation. His administration has pursued a business-led AI agenda aimed at fostering technological leadership and economic revival.
In line with that vision, the government has set aside 10.1 trillion won for next year’s AI budget, including 4.5 trillion won for the AI Transformation initiative — a 30 percent increase from this year.