South Korean Official: AI Dominance Requires Computing and Data, Not Just Models

To achieve leadership in the artificial intelligence race, countries must develop not only superior AI models but also the underlying infrastructure to support them, according to Ryu Je-Myung, South Korea's Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT.

Ryu stressed that securing a leading position in AI necessitates a comprehensive approach, encompassing substantial computing power and vast datasets alongside cutting-edge AI models. He spoke at the "Smart Cloud Show 2026," South Korea's largest tech conference, held in Seoul on August 26, 2026.

The Vice Minister's remarks signal a recognition that the global competition in artificial intelligence is increasingly shifting its focus from solely AI models to the critical importance of computing resources and data infrastructure. This perspective underscores the need for strategic investment in hardware and data management to foster AI innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

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To secure AI leadership, we must have not only excellent AI models but also computing and data.