AI at the Helm: New Minister Bae Kyung-hoon Outlines Plans for National Transformation

Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon officially began his tenure on Thursday, becoming the first Cabinet minister to take office under the Lee Jae Myung administration.

In his inaugural address at the Sejong Government Complex, Bae committed to spearheading a national transformation driven by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge science and technology. “Our nation’s future hinges on how we strategize and adapt to the impending wave of innovation and change,” he stated.

Bae is recognized as one of South Korea’s foremost AI experts from the private sector. As the founding president of LG AI Research, LG Group’s artificial intelligence division, he was instrumental in developing the conglomerate’s large-scale language model, Exaone, from December 2020 until his nomination as minister. His expertise also extended to key government advisory roles in AI governance and privacy matters.

Prior to his current role, Bae headed the AI technology division at LG Uplus and explored various AI applications at SK Telecom. He holds a Ph.D. in electronic engineering from Kwangwoon University and completed an executive program on AI: Implications for Business Strategy at MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

The newly appointed minister emphasized that South Korea, now among the world’s advanced economies, must abandon outdated approaches to achieve its ambitious goals. These include boosting the country’s potential growth rate to 3 percent and securing a position among the world’s top five economic powers.

Bae underscored the necessity for bold transformation, asserting, “We must establish a unique competitive advantage that other nations cannot replicate. This involves initiating a groundbreaking shift through a national transition rooted in AI and state-of-the-art science and technology to enhance efficiency and productivity.”

Identifying AI as the cornerstone of the new era, Bae noted its rapidly expanding influence across all societal domains, beyond just industry and the economy. To navigate this transition, he proposed cultivating top-tier talent, fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem, and leading a nationwide transformation centered on AI and advanced technologies.

The minister outlined four key policy directions: building a robust AI ecosystem, reinvigorating the research and development landscape, fostering world-class talent in AI and science, and addressing pressing challenges that directly impact citizens’ daily lives.

“To realize our vision of becoming one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses – the primary pledge of the People’s Sovereignty Government – we will construct a robust AI ecosystem and create an environment where AI is accessible to all,” Bae declared.

He stressed the importance of establishing AI and digital infrastructure, bolstering cybersecurity systems, securing foundational AI models, promoting AI transformation, and supporting AI semiconductor development.

Bae also unveiled plans to revive grassroots-level basic research initiatives that had been discontinued, ensuring stable and adequate R&D funding. “We will promote the integration of AI within scientific research itself,” he added.

Regarding talent development, Bae proposed enhancing support for young scientists, establishing AI-focused universities, and improving working conditions at government-funded research institutes.

Furthermore, he pledged to expand consumer rights in telecommunications services and foster a universally accessible AI environment.