Korea to launch ‘national scientists’ program to curb AI talent exodus

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As the outflow of Korea’s top science and engineering talent accelerates, the presidential office has announced the launch of a “national scientists” program aimed at nurturing future leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) and science.

The initiative seeks to provide promising researchers with stronger support and national recognition.

According to Ha Jung-woo, senior secretary to the president for AI and future planning, the government plans to select about 20 scholars annually, totaling 100 over the next five years. Designated "national scientists," the recipients will receive a presidential certificate, research grants and travel and institutional support to aid their work. The goal is to create a cohort of elite scientists who can serve as role models for younger generations.

Ha acknowledged that the accelerating “brain drain” stems in part from significantly higher compensation offered in some countries. However, he underscored that it was not the "whole story."

"It’s also crucial who you work and conduct research with, the quality of the research environment, and, above all, whether sustainable growth is possible. Being able to focus on research and development, being acknowledged by society and being recognized as a scientist in a respected profession — these are the most fundamental issues," Ha said during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, Friday.

"When we launched this initiative and formed our task force team, we began by addressing these very problems."

Ha Jung-woo, senior secretary to the president for AI and future planning, speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

He noted that while immediate pay raises may be difficult, the government aims to improve research stability by allowing students and professors to hold concurrent positions in industry, expanding post-retirement research support and establishing a new corporate researcher development fund. Ha emphasized that integrating academic research with industrial problem-solving would both enrich education and help narrow the compensation gap with foreign institutions.

In addition, administrative burdens that have hindered research efficiency will be eased, and military service reform is under consideration for researchers.

Ha also highlighted the recent deal to acquire 260,000 NVIDIA GPUs during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which will be distributed to domestic research teams without sufficient computing resources.

“This will serve as vital infrastructure, enabling students and researchers to innovate,” he said.

Regional development remains a core focus. To strengthen the country’s AI talent base, the government will also expand AI-focused science high schools in regional areas. New science schools are planned for Gwangju and North Chungcheong Province, and partnerships between institutes like KAIST, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and Daeju Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and T and local universities will be strengthened. These “fast-track” pipelines are intended to foster local AI talent capable of competing globally.

The government also plans to attract 2,000 outstanding foreign scientists by 2030 and help international students settle in Korea through enhanced visa support.