“The pace of development in cutting-edge technologies, including AI, is accelerating at a level we have never experienced before. We must prepare in our own way.”
Bae Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, presided over the 13th Science Gi Sul-gwan-gye (Minister) Council meeting at the Government Seoul Complex on the morning of the 30th, stating, “In a situation where international cooperation discussions to address advanced AI risks are active, we must closely examine global trends,” adding the aforementioned remarks.
This expressed concern regarding recent calls for slowing down AI development, which have emerged centered around major AI tech companies. Nevertheless, he emphasized that there is no need to slow the pace of AI development.
Deputy Prime Minister Bae said, “What Korea needs in AI is not speed control, but speed responsibility. Going forward, the gap between countries with frontier AI capabilities and those without will extend beyond a mere technological divide.” He continued, “The faster AI becomes, the faster we must prepare for safety and trust. We must develop technical and institutional safeguards to address issues such as big data, cybersecurity, personal information protection, and job market changes, so that we can build an AI nation that moves both faster and safer.”
He also urged inter-ministerial collaboration. He stated, “In an environment where the practical impact of technology and AI on individuals and the economy and society at large is becoming enormous, preparing for the future and producing results that citizens can feel cannot be achieved by the efforts of a single ministry alone.”
Lee Hae-min, Cheong Wa Dae AI Future Planning Chief, and Ha Jeong-woo, Executive Vice Chair of the National AI Strategy Committee, also attended the event on the day, bringing together the full AI leadership trio.
Chief Lee said, “A year ago, in the Standing Committee, we stated that inter-ministerial collaboration is crucial for science and technology, necessitating elevation to the Deputy Prime Minister level, and that the legislative branch would provide all support for this, making this occasion even more meaningful.” He added, “We will diligently carry out the planning of Ban Yeong-ha-go (President) and inter-ministerial roles in line with the national philosophy of the people’s sovereign government, serving as the most reliable supporter of the Deputy Prime Minister.”
Vice Chair Ha stated, “Science and technology accelerates AI growth, and AI also impacts the science and technology industry, creating synergies.” He added, “The AI Strategy Committee will diligently and effectively support these areas.”
Jokes revealing the close friendship among the three were exchanged at the venue. When AI Chief Lee Hae-min said, “This is the 14th session of the Related Ministers’ Council, and it is an honor to participate as the AI Chief for the first time,” former AI Chief Ha Jeong-woo replied, “Because I have a fixed schedule in the morning, it has not been easy to make time, so I have submitted my opinions in writing until now. I am aware of how difficult it was for Chief Lee Hae-min to come, and I would like to express my gratitude.”
in TECH
