On the 20th, the Democratic Party of Korea and the government held a party-government consultation to discuss the new government's economic growth strategy, presenting a vision of achieving sustainable growth through an 'ultra-innovative economy' based on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology. The party-government stated that it would mobilize all policies, legislation, and budgets to achieve the goals of 'overcoming the outdated system of a catch-up economy, becoming one of the top three countries in AI, achieving a potential growth rate of 3%, and realizing the dream of being among the top five in the world.'
Kim Byeong-ki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized during the opening remarks at the party-government consultation held at the National Assembly that 'the core of Lee Jae-myung's government's economic growth strategy is for technology to lead growth, allowing all citizens to share in the results and build a sustainable future based on a fair order.'
He added, 'The era of AI transformation is an excellent opportunity for us. AI will be the only breakthrough that can turn around the population cliff and slow growth,' emphasizing that 'we must achieve sustainable growth through AI and an ultra-innovative economy.'
The floor leader stated, 'The Democratic Party will work hand in hand with the government to open a path for corporations, the government, and citizens to leap forward,' and noted, 'The Democratic Party and the government will surely make the dream of becoming one of the top three countries in AI, achieving a potential growth rate of 3%, and being among the top five in the world a reality.'
Han Jeong-ae, the chair of the policy committee, also emphasized the need for new growth engines, highlighting AI. He mentioned, 'Currently, AI technology is affecting intellectual labor by utilizing generative AI, but physical AI infrastructure will bring significant changes to our manufacturing industry,' and added, 'Utilizing AI technology has become a necessity across all industries, not a choice.'
He continued, 'The economic growth strategy of the new government that we will discuss today will transform our economy into an innovative economy and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.'
Koo Yoon-cheol, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated, 'The government has prepared a new economic growth strategy to innovate the Republic of Korea's economy from a catch-up economy to a leading economy, realizing genuine growth that ensures national development and citizens' happiness in a virtuous cycle.' He emphasized that 'we will set specific ultra-innovative items as targets and mobilize all national capabilities for concentrated support to create tangible results within a short period.'
Bae Kyung-hun, the Minister of Science and ICT, stated, 'We will focus on building an AI superhighway, developing next-generation AI technologies, and securing key talents as core tasks for leapfrogging to become one of the top three countries in AI.'
He added, 'By securing 50,000 advanced GPUs by 2030 and developing a world-class independent AI foundation model, we will support the spread of the open-source ecosystem,' and stated, 'We will also proactively support next-generation technologies such as domestic NPUs, AGI, and physical AI.'
Additionally, he noted, 'We will promote innovation in existing industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and biotechnology using AI, revitalize the stagnant local economy, and fundamentally improve the way public institutions operate,' adding that he would pursue structural innovations, including the preliminary feasibility study and phased abolition of research and development.