President Lee Jae Myung Places Artificial Intelligence at the Centre of South Korea’s Economic Vision
President Lee Jae Myung has made artificial intelligence a defining priority of his administration, presenting the technology as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial transformation and South Korea’s long-term competitiveness in an increasingly digital global economy.
Rather than treating AI as a standalone technology policy, Lee has consistently linked it to broader national objectives, arguing that the country’s future prosperity will depend on its ability to innovate, invest in advanced industries and prepare its workforce for a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Speaking at the Korea–Singapore AI Connect Summit, Lee said artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape industries and improve lives, but stressed that governments, businesses, universities and research institutions must work together to realise those benefits. He said stronger international cooperation would help accelerate innovation while ensuring that AI contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth.
The emphasis on collaboration reflects the administration’s broader approach to AI, which combines investment in technology with partnerships across the public and private sectors. Government policy has increasingly focused on creating the conditions needed for innovation to thrive, from expanding computing infrastructure to supporting research and encouraging the commercialisation of new technologies.
A central element of that strategy is strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. In announcing the government’s AI investment plans, Lee said South Korea must move quickly to secure the technologies that will underpin the next generation of artificial intelligence. His administration has identified advanced semiconductors, high-performance computing and large-scale data centres as critical foundations for future growth, arguing that these investments will determine the country’s ability to compete in the global AI economy.
The government also sees AI as a tool that should extend well beyond the technology sector.
According to policy announcements released by the administration, artificial intelligence is expected to play an expanding role in manufacturing, healthcare, education and public administration, where it can improve productivity, modernise services and support more efficient decision-making.
Supporting that transition will require investment in people as well as technology. The administration has pledged to strengthen research and development, deepen cooperation between universities and industry, support emerging AI companies and cultivate the highly skilled workforce needed to sustain innovation over the long term. Officials have said these measures are intended to create an environment in which South Korean businesses can develop and scale AI technologies while remaining globally competitive.
At the same time, Lee has argued that technological progress must be accompanied by responsible governance. In several presidential speeches, he has said AI should be developed within transparent regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while protecting the public interest. The administration has also highlighted the importance of secure data management and public trust, describing both as essential to the successful adoption of artificial intelligence across society.
International engagement remains another pillar of the government’s strategy. Lee has repeatedly called for deeper cooperation with partner countries on AI research, investment and the development of common approaches to emerging technologies. During meetings with foreign leaders and technology stakeholders, he has said that no single country can fully realise AI’s potential in isolation, making collaboration an important part of South Korea’s long-term ambitions.
The administration’s AI agenda is closely tied to its wider industrial policy, which seeks to strengthen high-value manufacturing, reinforce the country’s leadership in semiconductors and accelerate digital transformation across the economy. By combining investment in infrastructure with support for innovation and skills development, the government aims to build an ecosystem capable of sustaining technological leadership for years to come.
Taken together, President Lee’s official statements present artificial intelligence not simply as an emerging technology, but as a strategic national priority. His administration’s vision is one in which AI drives economic expansion, strengthens industrial resilience and improves public services, while international cooperation and responsible governance ensure that technological progress delivers lasting benefits for both South Korea and its global partners.
