하정우 “독파모 사업, 프런티어 AI 경쟁에 적합한지 재검토해야”

National AI Strategy Committee Vice Chairman Ha Jeong-woo recently stated that the government must re-evaluate its existing approach to the 'DokpaMo' AI foundation model project, following its elimination from a global AI performance evaluation. At a press briefing in Seoul's Seoul Square on the 31st, the newly appointed vice chairman considered the fundamental purpose of the DokpaMo project and whether the current direction remains effective or if a different approach is needed to bridge the gap with frontier AI.

He emphasized that the government's AI policy should focus on securing the capacity to develop self-sufficient AI to avoid technology dependency, especially in the context of strengthened US-China AI export controls. Ha also noted that China's relatively lightweight AI models are achieving performance comparable to top US tech giants, suggesting that Korea's talent and market size may be a limiting factor.

Despite the capital-intensive nature of AI competition, he believes that continuous competitiveness is necessary, akin to maintaining military spending. The vice chairman stated that a more innovative approach should be adopted if achieving frontier AI development through DokpaMo alone proves challenging. He suggested that the government provide substantial support to high-ability groups, regardless of their startup or large company status, to create a robust ecosystem for their research and development achievements to be widely recognized.

The government should prioritize developing top-tier AI models that can adapt to evolving technologies and maintain the necessary capabilities to keep pace or lead in any AI evolution direction.