South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced ambitious plans to transform the government into an AI-powered entity, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence across all ministries and a significant reduction in the paperwork required from citizens. The initiative aims to leverage AI to enhance government efficiency and improve public services.
Embracing the AI Revolution
During his inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Han stressed the critical role of artificial intelligence in shaping future economic competitiveness. “The speed and success of the AI revolution will determine South Korea’s future competitiveness,” he stated. His vision is to position South Korea as a global leader in AI utilization, ensuring that its citizens are among the best equipped to harness the technology.
Han highlighted that AI readiness, encompassing talent, capital, infrastructure, and data centers, has become a crucial factor for national competitiveness. He pledged to streamline regulations that might hinder innovation, promising swift and bold rationalization of outdated rules.
The Prime Minister also committed to ensuring that the benefits of growth are distributed broadly, extending beyond large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, local markets, and workplaces. This inclusive approach aims to create a virtuous cycle of opportunity and growth for all citizens.
AI Integration Across Government Ministries
A key objective is the widespread adoption of AI systems within government operations. Currently, AI work systems are being piloted in four ministries. Prime Minister Han aims to implement these systems across all government ministries by the end of the year.
Furthermore, the government plans to structure and utilize the vast amounts of data generated through administrative processes as a national asset, accessible to all citizens. This data-driven approach is expected to unlock new insights and improve policy-making.
Reducing Citizen Burden Through Data Interconnection
Addressing the public directly, Han promised to actively pursue data-based administrative reforms designed to alleviate the burden on citizens. By connecting data between different ministries and agencies, the government aims to eliminate the need for citizens to repeatedly submit the same information.
“If we simply connect the data between ministries and agencies, the information the government already possesses means you won’t have to submit it,” Han explained. He projected that this would lead to a halving of the public documents citizens are currently required to submit to access government services.
The government also intends to expand its ‘AI Citizen Support’ service, which assists with document issuance and public service appointments. This AI-powered service will enable citizens to easily handle tasks such as permits and government business applications through conversational AI.
Accelerating Public Data Openness
Prime Minister Han also committed to accelerating the opening of public data. He noted that 100 key public datasets, identified based on high demand from businesses and research institutions, have been selected. He emphasized the need for faster and more comprehensive data release.
A Government Driven by Results and Technology
Concluding his remarks, Han expressed his determination to lead a government that is “indispensable to the Republic of Korea” and one that “changes the lives of its people through technology.” He pledged to focus on delivering tangible results, streamlining regulations for new industries, fostering a renaissance of entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for the younger generation, and implementing major national projects.
He stressed the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation and policy synergy, promising to act as a responsible administrator of state affairs. The ultimate goal is to build a future where technology serves the public, creating a happier and more prosperous South Korea.
