This file photo shows homegrown humanoids displayed at a forum in Seoul on April 10, 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — The new Lee Jae Myung administration aims to integrate private firms and the public sector, as well as all other sectors of society, with artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve what it calls a “super-innovation economy,” the government said Friday.
Unveiling its five-year economic development blueprint, the government said private companies will spearhead AI development, supported by comprehensive policy measures to build a nationwide AI ecosystem.
The government will focus on developing a sovereign AI model that is accessible to the general public and enhances daily life, along with customized AI models for key industries to drive innovation and accelerate AI adoption across all sectors.
Since taking office in June, Lee has pledged to position South Korea as one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses, committing 100 trillion won (US$71.5 billion) in investment over the next five years.
As part of the plan, the government will launch 30 projects centered around AI, including the development of humanoid robots, initially for logistics and later expanding to manufacturing, construction and services.
Other major goals include fully commercializing autonomous vehicles by 2027 and completing the development of unmanned autonomous ships by 2030, the government said.
The government also aims to expand AI-based smart factories in key manufacturing sectors, such as automobiles, with the goal of raising AI adoption in manufacturing to over 40 percent by 2030.
In addition, AI-powered drones will be developed and deployed in five specialized sectors, including firefighting and aviation, to enhance operational efficiency and support fieldwork.
In the pharmaceutical sector, the government plans to introduce AI into the drug approval process, automating tasks, such as data analysis and drafting review reports, with the goal of shortening the time required for reviews.
In the public sector, AI will be applied throughout the administrative process, starting with welfare and employment services, and later expanded to tax administration.
The government first plans to introduce AI-based tax consultation services by 2026 and overhaul the national taxation system by 2027, using AI to help detect potential tax evasion.
To nurture a skilled workforce, the government will introduce customized AI education programs tailored to various groups, including elementary and secondary students.
The government will also establish a national AI training data cluster that integrates AI training datasets from both public and private sectors.
The blueprint also outlines plans to develop a Korean-language AI model, leveraging the expertise of five leading domestic companies.
The firms — Naver Cloud Corp., Upstage, SK Telecom Co., NC AI Co. and LG AI Research — were previously selected through a competitive process and will receive state support to develop homegrown AI foundation models.
South Korea ranks between sixth and 10th globally in AI competitiveness and innovation, falling behind leading powerhouses like the United States and China, according to different industry reports.
(Yonhap)
