What 'green transition' can teach Seoul about its AI ambitions
Korea has rarely been content to watch a technological revolution from the sidelines. As an industrialized, export-dependent economy, it has repeatedly sought to act early, build domestic capacity and capture first-mover advantage. Now Seoul is putting all its chips (quite literally) on artificial intelligence (AI). In a public briefing to the nation in June this year, President Lee Jae Myung…
Korea has never been content to merely observe technological revolutions unfold. As an industrialized, export-dependent nation, it has consistently sought to lead the way, build domestic capabilities, and seize the first-mover advantage. Recently, Seoul has placed its highest priority on artificial intelligence (AI). President Lee Jae Myung unveiled a trio of AI and chip megaprojects during a national briefing last June, envisioning this as a defining economic goal for his administration.
With trillions of won earmarked for this ambitious plan, the goal is to elevate Korea to a leading position in AI.
Yet, as I read through the official announcement on a sweltering summer day in Seoul, a sense of apprehension crept over me. Contemplating further, I couldn't help but draw parallels between Korea's potential AI transformation and its past attempts at economic restructuring. For months, I had been closely studying the country's green transition, particularly the role played by organized labor groups during these shifts aimed at restructuring and decarbonizing key sectors.
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- What 'green transition' can teach Seoul about its AI ambitions koreatimes.co.kr
