Deputy Prime Minister Baek Kyeong-hoon (배경훈), who also serves as minister of science and ICT, on Thursday invited senior figures in the information and communications field, including former ministers, to a meeting ahead of the Jeongwoo Association's New Year gathering.

The meeting, held on Thursday morning at the Gwanghwamun Post Office in Seoul, was aimed at setting the direction of the Ministry of Science and ICT as it marks a turning point with its elevation to a deputy prime minister-level ministry and the launch of a new AI office in 2026. It also sought advice on a leap to 'AI G3.'

Those attending included 8 former ministers who took part in the Jeongwoo Association's New Year gathering, and senior figures in information and communications and postal services, including Jeongwoo Association Chairman Kim Chang-gon (김창곤).

Baek opened the meeting by thanking his predecessors for their dedication in leading the ministry from the former Ministry of Communications and the former Ministry of Information and Communication to today's Ministry of Science and ICT.

Baek stressed that he would secure world-class technologies on the foundation of an 'AI expressway' that includes securing GPUs, and spread independent AI models across the economy and society to build a basic AI society in which all citizens enjoy benefits.

The senior figures shared in-depth views based on their experience and insights on ways to establish pan-government AI governance as a deputy prime minister-level ministry, advance AI data infrastructure, foster talent and invigorate the industrial ecosystem. The ministry plans to actively reflect the suggestions from the meeting in its future policy direction.