Ha Jung-woo takes office as AI strategy vice chair, pledging to link semiconductors, physical AI and data centers

Ha Jung-woo began his tenure as full-time vice chair of South Korea’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee with a plan to connect three technologies: semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers.

Speaking at an inauguration ceremony in central Seoul, Ha said the committee should become “the central pillar of AI governance” by linking the private sector with the government and turning cooperation into results.

He identified the three-way connection as the core of what he called the “Three Mega Projects for South Korea’s Great Leap Forward.” The goal, according to Ha, is to create new engines of growth by bringing the sectors together.

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The National AI Strategy Committee should become the central pillar of AI governance, connecting the private sector and the government to create results.

Ha also said the committee would quickly pursue an “AI for everyone” project aimed at narrowing gaps in access and opportunity between generations and social groups. “AI should not be a technology only for a small number of companies or a particular social class,” he said. “It should expand opportunities for all citizens and improve their quality of life.”

He added that the committee would make necessary policy decisions quickly, actively resolve disputes between ministries and remove obstacles facing the field. Ha previously worked in the private sector at Samsung SDS and Naver Labs. He also served in a role connected to the committee from June last year until April this year.

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AI should not be a technology only for a small number of companies or a particular social class. It should expand opportunities for all citizens and improve their quality of life.