Jeong Myeonggeun: "People Are at the Heart of AI"... World-Renowned Scholar Sam Richard to Deliver Keynote at 'MARS 2026'

Hwaseong City to Host Global AI Expo at COEX in Seoul, November 3-5
Unveils "AI CITY IN ACTION" Vision
Professor Sam Richard to Explore the Future of People, Communities and Cities in the AI Era
Mayor Jeong: "We Will Build a Warm, Innovative AI City That Leaves No One Behind"

Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province, led by Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun, will promote its vision of a “people-centered AI city” to the world, featuring renowned sociologist Professor Sam Richard of Pennsylvania State University in the United States. The city plans to focus not only on the competitiveness of advanced technology but also on how AI can transform citizens’ lives and communities.

Professor Sam Richards, keynote speaker at 'MARS 2026'. Courtesy of Hwaseong City.

Hwaseong Special City announced on October 14 that it had selected Professor Sam Richard as the keynote speaker for the opening ceremony of “MARS 2026,” a global AI expo to be held at Hall D of COEX in Seoul from November 3 to 5.

The event’s slogan is “AI CITY IN ACTION.” It expresses the city’s aim to make AI a technology that works in practice in citizens’ daily lives and across the urban landscape, rather than merely a vision for the future.

What stands out in particular is the choice of a sociologist, rather than a technology expert or businessperson, as the opening ceremony’s keynote speaker. Unlike conventional events that focus on the pace of AI development and its industrial achievements, the choice reflects Hwaseong City’s commitment to putting the value of people and communities front and center.

Professor Sam Richard is a sociologist who has spent more than 30 years researching race, gender and culture. He is currently a professor in the Department of Sociology at Pennsylvania State University in the United States and an endowed professor in the Department of Cultural Contents at Konkuk University.

He has received an Emmy Award in the educational program category and has gained wide recognition in Korea by demonstrating a deep understanding of Korean society and culture through various media, including YouTube.

In his keynote address, Professor Richard will examine how AI technology is transforming people, communities and urban life.

'MARS 2026' poster. Provided by Hwaseong City.

He plans to address social disparities and exclusion that may arise as technology advances and to convey the message that AI should do more than improve efficiency: it should connect people and foster greater inclusion in communities.

Through this keynote address, Hwaseong City plans to broaden its technology-centered AI policy into a citizen-centered urban development strategy.

This vision also aligns with the slogan of the city’s ninth popularly elected administration, “Greater Hwaseong, Happiness for All.” The ultimate purpose of AI technology, the city says, is not just to secure industrial competitiveness, but also to improve each citizen’s quality of life and reduce social disparities.

Through “MARS 2026,” the city plans to present a vision for a practical AI city where advanced industries, urban administration and citizens’ daily lives are connected.

Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun said, “It is a great honor to welcome the world-renowned scholar Professor Sam Richard as the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of ‘MARS 2026.’ This event will not be a contest to determine whose AI technology is superior. Instead, it will be an opportunity to share the warmth of a future city that embraces every citizen and leaves no one behind.”

Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun delivers welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony of the MARS 2026 Investment Attraction & Conference. Photo courtesy of Hwaseong City.

He added, “A city where technology, people and businesses rely on one another and grow together is the promise Hwaseong Special City makes to its citizens. I hope you will see firsthand at this event the future of Hwaseong Special City as it moves toward becoming a warm, innovative AI city.”

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