Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Monday underscored the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving economic growth and fostering innovation, as he led a meeting with ministers related to science and technology.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting convened ministers from various sectors, including science, education, defense, interior, and health, to discuss the government's commitment to AI advancements. Prime Minister Kim emphasized that the Lee Jae Myung administration is committed to ushering in the "AI era." To support this initiative, the government has earmarked 10 trillion won (approximately US$6.8 billion) in next year's budget proposal for AI-related investments.
Prime Minister Kim articulated that AI serves as a crucial growth engine that will invigorate the country's economic innovation and is a formidable force for a grand national transformation. He assured that the administration is dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of innovation are distributed equitably under the guiding principle of "AI for all."
Kim urged all ministries to collaborate and utilize the meeting as an opportunity to deliberate on AI transformations across different sectors, including defense, science, and industry, and to formulate a comprehensive national strategy. This ministerial meeting marked the first of its kind under the Lee government, following its precedent during the Moon Jae-in administration.