'Please pay special attention to living conditions as if your own family were moving'

'We will do our best to make 2027 the year AI-driven government work begins in earnest'

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook presides over a Cabinet meeting at Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Tuesday. [Yonhap]
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook presides over a Cabinet meeting at Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Tuesday. [Yonhap]

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Tuesday described the second round of administrative and public institution relocations as "a task of the era that must be carried out for balanced national development and a sustainable future for South Korea."

Han made the remarks while presiding over a Cabinet meeting at Government Complex Seoul, acknowledging that "the change will certainly not be easy for the institutions subject to relocation."

She nonetheless expressed confidence that the affected institutions would come on board, saying, "I firmly believe they will understand that this was a decision made for the future of the nation and its people, and that they will join us." She pledged that "the government will work to minimize the difficulties that come with relocation."

Han called on related ministries to spare no effort in drawing up an implementation plan — including finalizing the list of target institutions — to be announced before the end of the year, and to maintain close communication with both the institutions concerned and local governments. "In particular, please pay special attention to ensuring residential and educational conditions and other settlement environments are in place, thinking of it as your own family making the move," she said.

Han also urged the government to accelerate the spread of AI use across its operations.

"A change has begun in which frontline civil servants are using AI in their work," she said, calling it "a time to expand that synergy all the way to the administrative front lines."

She went on to say the government would "pick up the pace in building a system where civil servants can freely develop AI, apply it to their work, share results and receive rewards," adding, "We will do our best to make 2027 the year government work through AI begins in earnest."

Han also noted that the meeting would take up measures to protect workers in special occupational groups and support crime victims in their recovery, urging all participants to "pool their strength and wisdom so that a culture of cherishing life spreads throughout society."

Turning to President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to France, Han said Tuesday's summit was expected to cover "in-depth discussions on expanding mutual exchange and cooperation not only in defense but also in future industries such as AI, nuclear energy and biotech." She asked related ministries to "manage the outcomes of the trip with care so that they reach and take hold among the public and businesses."

Han closed by noting that the regular session of the National Assembly had begun, urging all ministries to "make every effort to ensure the intent behind policies is accurately conveyed during the review of the budget bill, legislative bills and the national audit."

"The regular session is conventionally called the legislature's time, but it is also the administration's time — to explain key policies in detail and seek the Assembly's understanding and cooperation," she said. "This time must flow on to become the people's time."


oskymoon@heraldcorp.com