President Lee Jae Myung met with Demis Hassabis, the co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, to talk about collaborating on responsible artificial intelligence (AI) use and global partnerships. Lee emphasized the government’s keen interest in AI and plans to increase investment during the meeting. Hassabis was in South Korea to discuss expanding collaboration, including a government-led initiative to advance AI-driven science and technology.
“They shared the view that, if used effectively, AI could become a powerful tool to address major global challenges, such as low growth, the climate crisis, and health care issues, opening the door for new prosperity, while also carrying risks of being abused in warfare or deepening inequality,” said Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, during a briefing. Lee highlighted the importance of preparing for changes in the job market due to AI adoption, while Hassabis agreed on the necessity of a new economic model that redefines work and addresses wealth redistribution.
Lee also discussed plans to establish a “global AI hub” for cooperative projects with governments, international organizations, and companies to ensure widespread benefits from AI development. DeepMind was asked to be a key partner in this initiative. Hassabis stressed the active application of AI in areas that advance science, technology, and human well-being, emphasizing the importance of ensuring systems adhere to human-defined safeguards.
During the meeting, Hassabis presented Lee with a Go board signed by himself and Lee Sedol. The Ministry of Science and ICT signed a memorandum of understanding with Google DeepMind to enhance cooperation in AI-led innovation under the “K-Moonshot” initiative. Google plans to open its first AI campus in South Korea this year to expand collaboration with Korean researchers and startups.
