South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced Tuesday that his government will triple spending on artificial intelligence to 10.1 trillion won (US$7 billion) for 2026. In his annual parliamentary budget speech, Lee said the “major transformation” aims to propel South Korea “into the ranks of the world’s top three AI powers” alongside the United States and China.
The proposal is part of the 728 trillion won total budget plan for 2026 and is likely to pass due to his party’s parliamentary majority. The AI budget allocates 7.5 trillion won for talent development and infrastructure, and 2.6 trillion won for AI adoption in industry, daily life, and the public sector. The move leverages South Korea’s strength as home to top memory chip makers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which are crucial for AI infrastructure.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/south-korea-triples-ai-spending-budget-plan-5443591
