Kim Won-bae
The author is an editorial writer at the JoongAng Ilbo.
A notable exchange during a Cabinet meeting last month highlighted a growing debate over the government’s proposed “AI for Everyone” initiative. The project is part of President Lee Jae Myung’s campaign pledge to build an “AI basic society,” aimed at guaranteeing a minimum level of access to AI for all citizens.
President Lee Jae Myung, right, speaks with Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon during a meeting with Presidential Science Scholarship recipients and members of Korea’s International Youth Olympiad teams, titled “A Conversation with Future Scientists,” at the Blue House on Feb. 5. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
When Lee asked about the program’s progress, Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon replied that preparations were underway, with a target launch in November or December. Bae explained that the service would be provided free of charge through 2028, after which private companies would lead its operation.
