Visiting San Francisco, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "A new era of artificial intelligence (AI) is unfolding, and I believe a truly new and genuine opportunity has arrived for the Republic of Korea."

Speaking at a luncheon meeting with local Korean residents at a hotel in downtown San Francisco that day, President Lee remarked, "Just as humanity discovered a new fire to start a new chapter in history, an era is coming where we cannot live without artificial intelligence."

President Lee noted, "The people of South Korea possess several advantages in preparing for the AI era," picking "democratic experience" as the primary asset among them.

"South Korea is the only country liberated from colonization that has simultaneously achieved democratization and industrialization. We are a great people," President Lee said, evaluating that, "Did we not peacefully fight and overcome a loyalist military coup, which historically has an average success rate of over 90%, without bloodshed? It is a great peaceful revolution unprecedented in world history."

He went on to emphasize, "In a high-tech society, democracy itself becomes a core element for industrial and economic development," adding, "Rationality, objectivity, transparency, and predictability are bound to greatly contribute to economic growth."

He also added, "As Kim Gu stated, we are leaping forward as a cultural powerhouse that influences the entire world through culture, and this culture goes hand in hand with democracy."

President Lee stressed that South Korea's standing has risen significantly.

Introducing his interactions with leaders of other nations, President Lee shared, "When I meet leaders of other countries, developed nations ask to build semiconductor plants in their countries, while middle-income nations ask for air defense systems, such as defensive missile systems. Many leaders also talk about K-pop."

President Lee said, "In the past, mentioning South Korea brought to mind images of children wandering the streets having lost their parents to war, but now, the situation has become one where the global industry cannot run without South Korean semiconductor plants. This has completely transformed impressions of South Korea."

Kim Han-il, president of the San Francisco Korean American Association, expressed a welcoming sentiment, stating, "Dosan Ahn Chang-ho's vision began here in San Francisco 123 years ago, and it is an honor to host Mr. President in San Francisco, where history and the future converge."

He added, "The President's vision to build a South Korea that the world desires in AI, advanced industries, and energy brings great pride and hope to overseas compatriots, and overseas Koreans will stand together."

Kim Ji-hyun, head of the Silicon Valley branch of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association who attended the luncheon, suggested, "Scientists and engineers hesitate to return to South Korea even when they want to, due to differences in research funding scale, long-term research support, and startup and investment environments. Please further expand long-term, stable research projects and support systems that allow for bold challenges."

Another attendee proposed, "Much like Japan's sake, our traditional liquors need to enhance their competitiveness in the global market through systematic overseas marketing and export support."

(Photo: Yonhap News)