'AI must be boldly integrated into industry to build a robust ecosystem'

'Hope forum finds meaningful solutions for Korea's leap to a leading economy'

President Lee Jae Myung [Cheong Wa Dae]
President Lee Jae Myung [Cheong Wa Dae]

President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that the theme of this year's Herald Business Forum — "Beyond Follower: Transition to a Leading Economy" — goes to the heart of the challenges South Korea faces.

Speaking in a congratulatory address at the Herald Business Forum 2026, Lee said the world is passing through a major inflection point in which AI is completely reshaping the industrial and economic order. "AI is evolving beyond a tool for boosting productivity in specific industries into a general-purpose technology that is transforming industry and daily life as a whole," he said.

He added that the old "fast follower" growth strategy — rapidly absorbing and refining advanced technologies — is no longer viable. "If we are to become leaders in the global economy and seize unlimited opportunities, we must boldly integrate AI into industrial settings and build a robust ecosystem," he said.

In June, the government announced three "mega-projects" reflecting its ambition to position South Korea as a global leader in the AI industry.

Lee said the government is focusing all its policy resources on ensuring the success of those mega-projects, with large-scale investment proceeding across three pillars: semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers. He expressed hope that the forum would offer in-depth discussion of the key agenda items shaping the future of Korean industry, including semiconductors and physical AI, and help identify meaningful solutions for the country's leap to a leading economy.


sang@heraldcorp.com