South Korea took a step forward in its AI efforts by launching the National AI Strategy Committee. This new body aims to enhance governance and support innovation in artificial intelligence, as announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT following Cabinet approval during a meeting led by President Lee Jae-Myung at the Yongsan Presidential Office.

The committee builds on President Lee Jae-Myung's campaign promise to expand the role of the previous Presidential Committee on AI. Through a presidential decree, it has been restructured as a central hub for AI oversight, with responsibilities including supervising national strategies, coordinating efforts across ministries, and assessing the outcomes of AI-related projects.

Key functions of the committee include outlining the country's overall AI vision, developing strategies for the medium and long term, and implementing policies to help South Korea rank among the world's top three in AI. To support these goals, the committee's composition has been adjusted: the number of commissioners has grown from 45 to 50, and vice chairs have increased from one to three, with one vice chair position dedicated to a full-time representative from the private sector. The Chief Secretary to the President for AI Future Planning will act as the committee's secretary, and participation extends to 13 ministers covering areas such as finance, education, science, defense, industry, and data protection.

In addition, the committee will manage a Council of Chief AI Officers to focus on carrying out initiatives. This council will include deputy ministers and officials from regional governments, with the president selecting the chairperson from the committee's commissioners. This setup is designed to connect high-level planning with practical application at both national and local levels.

Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-Hoon commented on the development: "Through the establishment of this presidential decree, a systematic foundation has been prepared to build the national AI command center, marking the first step in challenging the bold vision of the Lee Jae-myung administration to leap to become one of the top three countries in AI."

This move reflects South Korea's ongoing commitment to organizing its AI activities more effectively.