North Korea claimed it is making progress in the information technology (IT) industry, including artificial intelligence (AI).
State-run Radio Korea Central Broadcasting reported on the afternoon of the 15th that an 'Information Technology Achievement Exhibition' was held nationwide, stating that "participants can attend the exhibition without being restricted by time or place, and directly use the displayed programs in a virtual environment."
Director Yoon Seong-guk of the Pyongyang Information Technology Bureau appeared on the broadcast to introduce achievements. Director Yoon noted a 'wireless national intranet system' that can actively contribute to economic development and improving people's lives. This is presumed to be a wireless internet network (Wi-Fi).
Director Yoon also said that they have developed a multilingual machine translation system 'Ryeomyung' and a document editing program 'Hyangdo' that incorporates artificial intelligence technology.
North Korea is focusing on the development of the latest IT technologies, including AI. The Labor Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the 9th, stating, "This year, there has been active efforts to introduce new departments at universities," emphasizing the need to prioritize innovations such as the establishment of departments related to artificial intelligence technology.
The Kim Il Sung University Artificial Intelligence Technology Research Institute revealed its use of the conversational AI service ChatGPT developed by the U.S. company OpenAI in an interview with North Korea's external propaganda outlet 'Voice of Korea' in February.
Ministerial candidate Jeong Dong-young said in a confirmation hearing on the 14th regarding North Korea's AI development trends, "It seems that Kim Il Sung University's Computer Engineering Department and others are focusing on talent development at a considerable level," and noted, "I heard they are trying to create a 'North Korean version of ChatGPT.'"