Han Duck-soo, South Korea’s former acting leader and current presidential candidate, promised Wednesday to establish a new ministry to supervise the country’s artificial intelligence plans and scientific innovation if he wins the election.
Han’s campaign announced his first campaign pledge since launching his presidential bid on Friday, stating that he intends to increase cutting-edge AI semiconductor production and establish a 1 trillion won (US$716 million/RM3 billion) fund to nurture local talent and court overseas scientists as Korea strives to catch up with global peers.
The “Ministry of AI Innovation Strategy” would integrate science and technology along with environment and AI policies, streamlining and relaxing regulations to help make AI a “central axis of national strategy,” his campaign said.
Han, who currently has no affiliation with any party, is vying to represent the conservative camp even after the ruling People Power Party nominated Kim Moon-soo as its candidate on Saturday.
Han’s priority on AI shows he intends to emphasise his experience as a veteran policymaker and former trade and finance minister in a bid to consolidate support ahead of the June 3 presidential election.
Some doubts over Lee’s candidacy were cleared Wednesday when South Korea’s high court delayed its first hearing on his election law violation case until June 18, ensuring he’ll be able to run in the election.
The snap election was triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and ouster over his bungled attempt to impose martial law in December.
That debacle hangs over both conservative candidates, who were part of Yoon’s cabinet.
Kim won plaudits from conservatives for opposing Yoon’s impeachment and refusing to apologise for the martial law decree, while Han apologised for the decree.
The election comes at a critical time for Asia’s fourth-largest economy as it faces slowing exports resulting from Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs campaign.
Later Wednesday, Han and Kim are scheduled to meet for the first time since Han joined the race to discuss whether and how to unite their campaigns in a bid to rally conservative voters against Lee.
