Seoul: Acting President Han Duck-soo emphasized the South Korean government’s ambition to position the Republic of Korea among the top three nations in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This announcement was made during a ceremony celebrating Science, Information and Communication Day, where Han described the global race to advance science and digital technologies as an “infinite competition.”

According to Lao News Agency, Han stressed the importance of securing advancements in AI, as well as in bio and quantum technologies, during the event in southern Seoul. He asserted that achieving a top three status in AI is a crucial national objective. To this end, the government is committed to making significant investments in these cutting-edge sectors, while also developing the necessary legal and institutional frameworks to support this growth.

The government has proposed an extra budget that includes 1.8 trillion won (US$1.27 billion) specifically for the AI sector. This funding aims to enhance AI computing infrastructure, develop indigenous AI models, and support AI startups through an innovation fund. Han highlighted that AI is the driving force behind innovation across various industries and is essential for future economic growth when combined with other advanced technologies.