Minister Yoo Sang-im mentioned the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, stating, "I hope there won't be a gap period of one year regarding the artificial intelligence business," emphasizing the need for a supplementary budget for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.
Minister Yoo made this remark during the "Third National Briefing on Key National Tasks" held at the Government Sejong Convention Center at 11 a.m. on the 7th. This briefing follows the "Major Issues Solution Meeting" held on Jan. 13, focusing on stabilizing people's livelihoods and strengthening future growth engines.
On that day, Minister Yoo stated, "An unfortunate event occurred when President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached for the second time in constitutional history, resulting in a constitutional interruption. Now, with the presidential election to be held within two months, my term also has only about two months left, but I will do my best."
He added, "The Ministry of Science and ICT will implement this year's work plan quickly and without hesitation, even under difficult conditions, and will hand it over to the next government."
Minister Yoo emphasized that a supplementary budget is essential for securing graphics processing units (GPUs) needed for AI computations. He said, "There is no chance of GPUs coming in this year, and I hope the supplementary budget progresses quickly so that this year won’t become a period of GPU scarcity, a year that is empty."
Minister Yoo continued, "If we cannot bring in any GPUs this year, our universities, research institutes, or startups and corporations will end up with a lot of intellectual property (IP) in the AX (AI transition) area, which will set us back four years from the current year's delay. It will probably be difficult for us to catch up with AI-leading countries until 2030."
Regarding the multi-ministerial commercialization of technology promoted by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, he stated, "I will create a foundation that the next government can continue." Multi-ministerial commercialization of technology refers to creating an ecosystem that connects research results to industry to contribute to national growth.
On that day, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will specify the direction for the establishment of subordinate laws under the AI Basic Law and drive forward the follow-up detailed tasks of the national AI capability enhancement plan announced in February, including the development of a Korean-style ChatGPT.
Minister Yoo noted, "Starting this week, we will conduct relay opinion collection with various stakeholders from academia and industry domestically and internationally, and will discuss in depth what subordinate laws need to be included in various formats, such as public hearings with political circles and expert groups." He also mentioned, "We will minimize regulations as originally planned."
On that day, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will establish an AI bio diffusion strategy this month to enhance the competitiveness of the advanced bio national sector. It will also fully commence the comprehensive quantum plan and proceed with establishing the "AI+SMR initiative," which integrates AI technology into the entire cycle of design, verification, production, and operation of small modular reactors (SMRs).
In addition, in preparation for the full-fledged satellite communication era, it announced the start of a low-earth orbit satellite communication research and development (R&D) project with a total project cost of 320 billion won. The government plans to launch two low-earth orbit communication satellites by 2030 to establish a demonstration network.
Minister Yoo also shared the response situation regarding the recent large-scale forest fire damage. He expressed, "I extend my condolences to the bereaved families who are grieving, including residents who have lost their livelihoods."
The Ministry of Science and ICT dispatched an average of 700 personnel to the field and deployed seven mobile base stations and 38 power generation vehicles. It also announced a plan to reduce communication service and paid broadcasting service fees for households affected by special disaster areas.