S. KOREA SEEKS TOP THREE AI POWERHOUSE STANDING

Welcome to Wednesday's edition of Press Perspective.

It's July 16th here in Seoul.

I'm Min Sunhee.

So what are the prospects of South Korea ranking among the world's top three AI powerhouses?

To answer that question I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix.

Celio it's good to have you here.

I also have Professor Kim Yong-Jin at Sogang University with us virtually.

Professor Kim as always it's a pleasure.

Celio, before we touch upon the new administration's ambitious AI blueprint, let's briefly touch upon an outlook shared by a global investment firm that believes the local bourse will post some of the highest returns over the next ten years bolstered by the AI industry.

Do tell us more.

And Professor Kim, speaking as a scholar, do you see the AI industry further driving the rally of the South Korean stock market?

Now then, Celio, do tell us about President Lee Jae Myung's plan to place South Korea among the world's top three AI powerhouses.

Professor Kim, where does South Korea currently stand in the global AI race, and how feasible is South Korea's AI plan?

Celio, President Lee Jae Myung's appointment of an AI Secretary has made headlines.

Who is he, and what can we expect from him based on his past credentials?

Celio, the president's nomination for Science Minister is also an AI industry insider, right?

Professor Kim, how do these appointments look to advance the new administration's AI ambitions?

Celio, for the sake of comparison, what can you tell us about Europe's own AI race?

Professor Kim, at the start of this year, South Korea passed the AI Basic Act, which is slated to go into effect next January.

What is the impact of such regulation on AI advancements?

Meanwhile, Celio, late last month, a number of foreign media outlets covered SK's partnership with Amazon to build an AI data center here in South Korea.

Do tell us about this joint venture and its implications.

All right.