President Lee: "AI Revolution Marks Civilizational Shift Like Fire and Electricity... Korea Must Become a Frontrunner"

President Lee Presides Over Policy Briefing
"Even a Small Lead Means Choice and Endless Opportunity... A Decisive Moment for South Korea"
Science Minister's Responsibility Stressed
"Restore R&D Ecosystem, Realize Private Investment"
To Personal Information Protection Commission: "Balance Between Data Utilization and Personal Data Protection Needed"

On July 16, President Lee Jae-myung stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a civilizational transformation on par with the invention of fire and electricity, and emphasized that South Korea must leap from being an "outstanding follower" to becoming a "global leader."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at a ministry work report held at the Blue House State Guesthouse on the 16th. 2026.7.16 [Photo by Blue House Press Photographers] Yonhap News

Presiding over a work report from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), the Broadcasting Media and Communications Commission, and the Personal Information Protection Commission at the Blue House State Guesthouse that day, President Lee stated, "The entire world is facing a civilizational transformation because of artificial intelligence," and added, "I believe that AI is almost on the same level of significance as humanity's invention of fire and electricity." He went on to explain, "From the production sector to daily life, in every area of society, we may have to live alongside artificial intelligence that is either similar to or even surpasses human intelligence. Competition is fierce among countries as they race to be the first to prepare for this."

President Lee highlighted the era of AI-driven transformation as a "decisive opportunity" for South Korea to become an "outstanding leader." He stated, "If we leverage our strengths well and compensate for our weaknesses, we can be more than just an outstanding chaser—we can be a leader. Taking a small step ahead or behind might not seem significant, but the difference between leading and following is critical." He added, "Even a slight lead means we can make choices and enjoy endless opportunities. This is the new path we must pursue."

He also credited the upward revision of South Korea's economic growth outlook to the competitiveness of high-tech industries such as semiconductors and AI. President Lee noted that this year’s growth forecast has been raised from 1.9% to 2.6%, and next year’s growth is projected to reach 2.5%, the highest among major advanced economies. He commented, "It appears that we are seeing results in the high-tech sectors."

As for achievements over the past year, President Lee cited the restoration of the research and development (R&D) ecosystem and an increase in private investment in advanced industries. "There has been significant correction to the unthinkable large-scale R&D budget cuts and the reckless approaches in the science and technology fields," he said. "Recently, the private sector has responded to government policy directions with large-scale investments in advanced technology industries. The Ministry of Science and ICT plays a major role in turning this vision into reality," he emphasized.

Addressing the Personal Information Protection Commission, President Lee underscored the importance of balancing the use and protection of data, which is a core resource in the AI era. He pointed out that data is both a vital raw material for industrial development and information directly related to individuals' personality, rights, and property. "We must not focus so much on protection that data use becomes difficult, nor should we prioritize use to the extent that personal data protection is threatened," he said. He further commented, "In the past, rather than seeking a balance, problems were sometimes ignored, resulting in neither proper use nor adequate protection of data. Now, we must excel in both protection and utilization. This requires dedication, care, and expertise."

President Lee called on the Broadcasting Media and Communications Commission to respond robustly to disinformation and fabricated content. He stated, "While it is important to promote broadcasting and communications, it is much more important to prevent their abuse." He emphasized the need for thorough regulation of acts such as exploiting false information for private gain, using it as a weapon for political attacks, or inciting social division and conflict.

President Lee noted, "The social conflict and costs caused by false agitation are far too great. If only factions remain fighting each other, truth and rationality are discarded, leaving only personal and group interests." He continued, "Please work to ensure a rigorous response and prevention to the distribution of illegal, false, and manipulated information. Creating a broadcast media environment that all citizens can trust and rely on is a critical role."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.