Kim Kyeong-soo, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate, said on the 16th, "The government will take the lead in a total of 100 trillion won public-private joint investment for the transformation of industries and society through artificial intelligence (AI) over the next five years."
On that day, the candidate held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication center to announce his pledges, stating, "We will develop a Korean-style AI foundation model and support industry-specific AI innovation projects."
He noted, "The AI transition and climate economy transition are not choices but paths we must take," adding, "In the face of this inevitable trend, we must create a 'Korean-style transition model' that only we can present." He emphasized that he will create "a competitive advantage strategy unique to us" through fostering a venture and startup innovation ecosystem, balanced development through mega-cities, and a republic of talent that generates growth.
He also presented the 'three major strategies for innovative growth' to achieve this.
The candidate said, "We will focus on creating conditions for large enterprises to excel in global competition, while the government will concentrate on fostering a venture and startup ecosystem to achieve innovation in the growth model."
He continued, "We will establish an ultra-wide area innovation network centered around mega-cities," stating that "we will complete five growth axes through a 30 trillion won autonomous budget in five regions and the construction of a metropolitan transportation network."
The candidate also stated, "We will create a republic of talent that equally develops industries and regions," adding that "local youth will lead innovative growth through 'national specialized research-focused universities' and the industry-academia-research system."
He disclosed specific investment plans, stating, "We will raise 50 trillion won for a national strategic technology fund to support R&I (Research & Innovation) projects in five advanced technology sectors: AI, next-generation semiconductors, bio-health, mobility, and decarbonization energy transition." He also mentioned, "We will strengthen national education on AI transition so that each individual can become a main agent of economic growth through AI transition."
He added, "We will increase the budget for the green industry, currently at 10 trillion won, by 1 trillion won annually, and expand private investment to 35 trillion won, ensuring that annual green investment will reach 50 trillion won after 2030." He also stated that "we will cultivate green industries such as secondary batteries, electric and hydrogen vehicles, and renewable energy through the creation of regional green industry clusters and secure export competitiveness against carbon trade barriers."
The candidate stated, "The risk of failure associated with innovation will be borne by the government, not individuals." He emphasized that "the government will embrace and support the challenges of startups as a risk-taker."
He added, "To implement an active fiscal policy in the era of national investment, we must raise the tax burden ratio, which has fallen to the 17% range, to over 22%." He further stated, "Discussions on tax system reform should be strategically re-discussed in the next administration."
Meanwhile, after the pledge announcement, the candidate answered a question from reporters regarding whether raising the tax burden ratio meant increasing taxes by saying, "We should discuss it if necessary."
He explained, "In the next administration, it is essential to have a rigorous self-innovation process to allow discussions about increasing taxes with the public on necessary finances." He added that such discussions should include tax increases.
He reiterated the necessity of relocating the presidential office from Yongsan.
The candidate remarked, "There is no security advanced nation where the president and the Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff work in the same location. If problems arise during an emergency, a significant leadership vacuum will occur in the core command structure during wartime," stating that "it is unacceptable for the next president to work in a location with such security issues, even for a day."
He continued, "From now on, it is appropriate to consult with the candidates of each party, with Speaker Woo Won-sik at the center, to prepare offices in both Seoul and Sejong simultaneously." He noted that "there are alternatives such as the Blue House or the Government Complex in Seoul, and expanding the temporary office used for cabinet meetings in Sejong is also feasible."