South Korea unveiled on Monday a massive plan totaling nearly 5 quadrillion won ($3.25 trillion) to strengthen the country's leadership in the era of artificial intelligence.
The investment, to be undertaken by both the government and private industry, is envisaged as part of "tripolar mega projects" aimed at advancing semiconductor manufacturing, physical AI or robotics, and AI data centers. Besides the government, it involves investment from Samsung Electronics Co and SK Hynix, the country's two largest chipmakers, as well as other private companies.
"Semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers form the crucial triple axis for our next great leap," President Lee Jae-myung said in a televised national investment briefing while stressing the need to fully engage the public and private sectors to build South Korea's AI ecosystem.
Lee said a dedicated presidential aide within the Blue House, or Cheong Wa Dae — the presidential office — will be appointed to oversee the three projects directly. Lee will also oversee the projects personally to ensure prompt implementation.
According to South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Kim Jung-kwan, the government plans to develop a major new semiconductor cluster in the country's southwestern region, with corporate investments totaling 800 trillion won.
