Ha Jungwoo Returns After Four Months: "Results Will Address Concerns... Will Make Korea a Key AI Supply Chain Nation"

First Press Conference After Taking Office on August 31

"We Will Deliver Tangible Results for an AI-Based Society"

"We will focus on positioning Korea as a core nation in the global artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain and on ensuring that the fruits of growth are shared by all citizens."

Ha Jung-woo, Standing Vice Chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee, speaks with reporters on the 31st in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Eunseo Lee.

Ha Jungwoo, Standing Vice Chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee, held a press conference at the committee’s conference room in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 31st, his first day in office. He identified generating tangible achievements to achieve the 'Top 3 in AI' goal as his highest priority.

He shared that he had perceived a disconnect between policy and the realities on the ground during meetings with local voters and industry figures at the time of the by-election. Ha stated, "While AX across all industries, including manufacturing, is critical for progress in the AI era, there is a significant gap in the conditions for AI adoption." He added, "We will enhance local citizens’ access to and literacy in AI and build a full-stack ecosystem where regional industries and startups grow together, thereby creating tangible benefits of an AI-based society that people can truly experience."

He then redefined the 'Top 3 in AI' objective as becoming a vital part of the global AI supply chain, emphasizing the need to expand Korea's influence in the global AI ecosystem—moving beyond memory to supporting the development and self-sufficiency of sovereign AI in developing countries. Ha explained, "Whether we can be called a Top 3 nation in AI depends on the significance of our role as a supply chain country in each sector of AI." He added, "We must go beyond being a key player in memory supply chains and contribute to helping developing nations build their own sovereign AI capabilities and advance together."

He also stressed the necessity of achieving frontier (top-tier) AI capabilities. Ha said, "Since the Mythos incident, it is highly probable that AI export controls will continue. In order to fulfill our role as a core supply chain nation, we need to be able to develop at least mid-level frontier AI on our own."

Regarding domestic AI model development projects, he suggested that the current methods should be reviewed. Ha remarked, "Even as AI evolves, our goal should be to build the capability to independently develop and operate competitive, top-performing models." He highlighted the need to create a system where groups with outstanding expertise can work together.

To this end, the National AI Strategy Committee has increased its implementation capacity by using a performance evaluation system for each ministry and has established a collaborative structure to provide input at the budget planning stage for AI-related programs.

Meanwhile, in response to criticism about so-called "revolving door appointments," Ha said, "While such criticism is understandable, it becomes a non-issue once we deliver tangible results. I am determined to dispel concerns by contributing to real progress."

Asked whether he will continue to serve as the Democratic Party’s regional chair for Buk-gu Gap, Busan and whether he plans to run for office again, he replied, "During the four-month vacancy, numerous pressing issues have accumulated, each of them important. I believe I must devote myself solely to advancing national AI competitiveness."

Ha concluded, "Since concentrating the benefits of AI-driven growth among a few could exacerbate social polarization, we will seek solutions through thorough deliberation and discussion."

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