Prime Minister Han Seong-sook: "AI Demands Changes in Work Methods; Public Sector AI Transformation Begins"

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated today (July 9), "The AI-based democratic government we aspire to is a competent and friendly government where the people are the masters and which is built together with the people, fitting for the AI era."

Prime Minister Han made the remarks during her opening statement at the 11th National Policy Coordination Meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul today.

"AI is no longer just a matter of technology or industry; it demands changes in how we work and how we live. The government also intends to change in line with these shifts," Han said. "The government plans to begin the full-scale AI transformation of the public sector by introducing 'On-AI,' an AI-based internal administrative work system, to 47 central administrative agencies by the end of this year."

She further emphasized, "We will continue to open up 100 types of core public data that are in high demand and highly utilized, making them easy for anyone to use."

The government aims to make administrative information AI-friendly to expand opportunities for public participation in state affairs and reduce unnecessary labor in the public sector.

Additionally, the government plans to reflect diverse public opinions in policy by utilizing AI-based communication channels.

The government intends to finalize and announce specific implementation tasks in the near future.

The 'Basic Plan for Employment Stability in Industrial Transition,' prepared by the government, was also discussed at today's meeting.

Regarding this, Prime Minister Han emphasized, "The great transformation of AI and the implementation of carbon neutrality are paths we must take," adding, "The journey must move in a direction that enhances everyone's potential and opens up new opportunities."

"To proactively respond without missing signals of industrial and job transitions, we will develop a Korean-style AI exposure index to establish a constant monitoring system," she promised, adding, "We will also expand support for vocational training, such as the Tomorrow Learning Card."

Prime Minister Han also noted that the country will undergo an 'International Aviation Safety Assessment' at the end of this year, stating, "This assessment will be an important opportunity to re-examine the current state of our aviation safety system according to international standards."

She urged, "I ask that relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of National Defense, the National Fire Agency, and the Korea Coast Guard, thoroughly examine the entire safety management system—from institutional maintenance to accident prevention, on-site management, and post-response—to create an aviation environment where everyone can feel safe."

South Korea will be evaluated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on its implementation of international aviation safety standards from December 2 to 15 this year, marking the first time in 18 years since 2008.

The government plans to do its utmost in preparation by forming a pan-government joint response team led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Regarding the recent onset of the monsoon season, she explained, "Heavy rain is continuing in various parts of the country," adding, "Fortunately, I have been reported that there have been no casualties as of now."

"Heavy rain is also forecast for today," she continued, ordering, "Relevant ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and local governments should once again check their respective facilities and on-site response systems, focusing on areas with high risks of damage."

Prime Minister Han pledged, "If the first year of the Lee Jae-myung administration was a time for normalization, the second year is a time when we must show the people visible and tangible results," adding, "The government will create new possibilities amidst change and proactively manage anxiety and risks."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.