South korea urges accelerated AI development amid global competition

South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister, Park Kyung-hoon, emphasized the need for continuous and rapid advancement in artificial intelligence, warning against any slowdown. Speaking on September 16, 2026, he highlighted that the country cannot afford to lag behind global leaders like the U.S. in AI development. Park noted that while some companies advocate for slowing down AI innovation to focus on safety, South Korea must maintain its pace to stay competitive. The nation, home to tech giants Samsung and SK Hynix, is already benefiting from the global surge in semiconductor demand. Park's stance aligns more closely with Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and NVIDIA's Jensen Huang, who also prioritize speed over caution. He pledged to unveil a new plan for autonomous AI foundational models, ensuring both progress and security. Industry experts support continued AI growth, arguing that responsible development can be achieved without new regulations. Park stressed the importance of safeguarding against deepfakes, cyberattacks, and privacy risks. He reiterated that South Korea will not let the AI clock reverse, aiming for faster yet safer innovation.