South Korea has ushered in a new chapter in its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. The recent appointment of Dr. Ha Jung-Woo as the national AI strategist by the Lee Jae-myung administration marks a significant turning point in the country's technology policy. Specializing in electrical and computer engineering, Dr. Ha has led the development of the "Sovereign AI" model as the head of Naver Cloud's AI Innovation Center. His "sovereign AI" models are designed to incorporate an understanding of the nation’s language, history, legal systems, culture, and core values. He focuses on creating AI that not only advances technology but also serves as a tool to address social and economic issues, firmly rooting AI development in national sovereignty. His experience and expertise suggest a paradigm shift in the national AI policy.
Yet, the question remains: can the government effectively leverage his expertise? Korea’s traditional bureaucratic paradigms and outdated institutional structures still hinder genuine innovation. The repeated failures of the so-called ‘National AI Computing Center’ projects—marked by unsuccessful bids—and broader public AI initiatives expose a troubling pattern: centralized control often blocks rather than fosters innovation. These entrenched methods, along with rigid regulations and top-down policymaking, limit the growth of Korea’s vibrant AI ecosystem.
Despite these systemic hurdles, Ha has pushed to position Korea as a leader in the global AI race. But authentic leadership extends beyond technological prowess. It depends on establishing effective governance frameworks and social architectures, aligning AI’s growth with societal needs and ethical standards. The outdated view of AI as a panacea must give way to a nuanced approach that emphasizes societal values, accountability, and responsible innovation.
Ha has also been a co-representative of the “National Coalition for the Realization of a Right Science and Technology Society,” voicing the importance of responsibility and social engagement in the development of AI. However, turning vision into reality also requires fundamental reforms in governance. However, turning this vision into tangible results requires a fundamental overhaul of governance, aligning private sector innovation with public oversight to foster collaboration rather than control.
Reaching global AI leadership also demands a focus on the “why” and “how”—beyond simply competing in a technological race. AI should be harnessed to address complex crises, such as population decline and climate change. To unlock this potential, Korea must create an environment that focuses on talent retention, startup support, and entrepreneurial risk-taking. This includes infrastructure that encourages failure, rewards reinvention, and protects intellectual property—conditions that are currently underdeveloped. Without these fundamentals, Korea’s goal to become a true AI hub remains out of reach.
The key challenge is “ecosystem design”: How can the government and private sector maximize their strengths in a mutually reinforcing partnership? Without abandoning outdated paradigms and prioritizing societal impact over mere technological achievement, Korea’s AI progress will stagnate. It’s urgent to redefine the approach, balancing societal values and responsible governance with technical excellence.
Ha’s appointment offers hope that Korea can forge a new path. However, to realize this vision, all stakeholders must collaborate to create a future where AI benefits society as a whole, integrating innovation with social responsibility. Only then can Korea move beyond its ‘firsts’ in technology and become a nation recognized for its wisdom in utilizing AI to drive societal progress.
The road ahead is complex, and today’s decisions will shape Korea’s AI future. Will it be a leader only in technology, or a nation that uses AI as a catalyst for a fairer, more just society? The answer lies in building a governance model that combines innovation with accountability, recognizing that AI’s most significant potential is realized not just through breakthroughs in code but through the societal values it can help shape. Ha is set to lead this transformation, and the world will be watching. The challenge—and opportunity—is Korea’s to seize.
You can find the Korean version of this article here.
