South Korea fills two AI policy posts that had stood empty since the spring
On 30 August the presidential office named lawmaker Lee Hai-min, a former Google engineer, as senior presidential secretary for AI and future planning, a post vacant since late April. In the same cabinet reshuffle, Ha Jung-woo was appointed vice chair of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee under the presidential office. Former South Gyeongsang governor Kim Kyoung-soo was named the president's special adviser for political affairs.
Artificial Intelligence··Midday
Cabinet reshuffle fills the AI secretary post
South Korea's presidential office appointed lawmaker Lee Hai-min as the senior presidential secretary for AI and future planning on 30 August. The Korea Herald reported that the position had remained vacant since late April. Lee is a former Google engineer, and the appointment was announced by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik as part of a wider six-ministry cabinet reshuffle; The Korea Times wrote that the changes were announced as the administration entered its second year.[1], [2]
National AI Strategy Committee gets a vice chair
Alongside the secretary role, the government filled the vice chair position of the Presidential Council on National AI Strategy, which had been empty since early May. The Korea Herald reported that Ha Jung-woo was appointed to the post. The Korea Times added that Ha Jung-woo, the former senior presidential secretary for AI and future planning, was named vice chair of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee, which sits under the presidential office. President Lee Jae Myung directed the newly appointed officials to accelerate innovation in future industries, specifically highlighting artificial intelligence as a priority.[1], [2]
Megaprojects adviser and special political affairs adviser
The Korea Herald reported that the reshuffle also introduced a newly created adviser post for megaprojects. Lee Won-ju, from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, was assigned to this role covering semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centres. The Korea Times wrote that in the same round former South Gyeongsang governor Kim Kyoung-soo was appointed the president's special adviser for political affairs. The official announcement outlined the responsibilities of the posts but did not detail the specific policies the appointees will implement.[1], [2]
