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Kim Min-seok, nominee for prime minister, speaks during a roundtable discussion on establishing a national AI research hub at the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency in Suseong District, Daegu, on June 20. / Source: Yonhap News

Kim Min-seok, nominee for prime minister, said on June 20 that if confirmed, he would prioritize the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry and the Daegu region.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion held at the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency under the title “Listening Session on Building a National AI Research Hub,” Kim stated, “If appointed as prime minister, I will make every effort to advance the AI sector and support the growth of Daegu.”

According to his confirmation hearing preparation team, Kim emphasized that Suseong Alpha City, a planned tech complex in Daegu, “will serve as a hub for AI research and development in the Yeongnam region and play a key role in transforming regional industries such as biotech and robotics into AI-driven sectors.” He added, “I hope the new administration can reflect the public’s expectations and local needs to ensure the success of national AI initiatives.”

Kim also pointed to President Lee Jae-myung’s recent appointment of Ha Jung-woo — head of AI Innovation Center at Naver Cloud — as the newly created Presidential Office's Chief of Future AI Strategy, calling it a clear signal of the president’s AI focus. “Our government has demonstrated its strong commitment to AI by naming the country’s top expert from a leading tech firm to this post,” Kim said.

He further remarked, “I personally know Chief Ha, and he is an exceptional figure with a deep sense of sovereign AI and national technological autonomy. This decision to bring such strategic assets from the private sector into the public domain reflects a bold move to shape Korea’s AI future.”

Meanwhile, President Lee also took part in an AI global cooperation business forum at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center on the same day.