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Recent advances in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly proliferating, causing significant changes to the international security landscape. In recent years, some countries have begun to regulate and control these emerging technologies in the name of national security. The growing importance of emerging technologies has led to a trend of "securing" them using national security logic.

The emerging security threats posed by these technologies are becoming increasingly significant, challenging traditional notions of security. The new security threats are fundamentally altering the international security environment, potentially leading to a change in the prevailing security paradigm. The recent US-Israel-Iran war is a notable example of this new type of warfare, where artificial intelligence played a crucial role in altering the nature of the conflict.

AI systems were able to identify and prioritize hundreds of targets in a short period, outpacing human cognitive abilities. The incident of AI-assisted systems mistakenly bombing a civilian elementary school in Iran underscores the potential security risks and ethical dilemmas associated with AI's military applications. The integration of AI-driven drones and space assets is also a concern, as they are accelerating the militarization of low-earth orbit satellites and the weaponization of space.

Furthermore, AI agents equipped with autonomous vulnerability detection capabilities pose a worrying threat, with the potential to launch cyberattacks. The emerging synergy between AI and nuclear weapons is another major concern, as the transition to AI-controlled nuclear systems could exacerbate cyber threats and destabilize existing security orders.

These examples demonstrate how emerging technologies are creating new security threats, necessitating international cooperation to establish new norms and rules. However, the pace of international efforts to address these security challenges lags behind the emergence of new threats. The intense competition between global superpowers in the realm of technology may divert attention away from these critical issues.

The global power imbalance between the US and China, along with the simultaneous failure of both nations to take a leading role in establishing security norms and rules, raises concerns about the emergence of a "G0" (zero-sum) scenario where neither side assumes a dominant position. South Korea, as a rising global power and "AI superpower," must take proactive steps to address emerging security threats by promoting responsible innovation and ethical guidelines.

Unlike traditional superpowers, which rely on rhetorical commitments, South Korea has a unique opportunity to provide leadership and shape the global discourse on AI security through its diplomatic efforts. The World Security and Safety Forum (WESF) in Seoul on the 9th of next month is a prime example of South Korea's leadership in promoting responsible AI governance.

It is encouraging to see that the forum builds on years of ongoing efforts to establish AI security norms, with government, international organizations, experts, and civil society collaborating to address the evolving security landscape.