Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Gyeong-hoon (배경훈) promised active support to help energise South Korea's AI and software industry.

Baek attended the '2026 AI and SW New Year gathering' at the Samjung Hotel in Seoul on Jan. 29, jointly hosted by 15 AI and software-related associations and groups including the Korea AI and Software Industry Association (KOSA). He delivered New Year greetings.

In his remarks, Baek said competition between the United States and China in AI technology development was intensifying, and that South Korea had also established itself as an AI power. He cited South Korea being selected as the world's No. 3 AI nation by a global AI evaluation body. He said he would create an environment where South Korean companies can actively take on challenges in developing AI services and where all citizens can freely use AI by realising 'AI for everyone'. He added he would not spare support for future software technologies.

He also emphasised that software underpins the national strategy for future technologies. Baek said he believes software is fundamental for advances in hardware, physical AI and quantum. He said a successful software ecosystem can be built by establishing a pipeline with an overall operating system, systems and solutions.

He added that he is especially feeling that potential through the independent AI foundation model project currently under way.

The New Year gathering was held under the theme, 'South Korea's great leap forward in AI! AI and software people will lead it.' The event, previously held under the name 'SW New Year gathering' centred on software-related associations and groups, was this year jointly hosted to include associations and groups related to AI.

About 200 people attended, including Baek, Second Vice Minister Ryu Je-myeong (류제명), People Power Party lawmaker Choi Hyeong-du (최형두) of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, and AI and software industry, academia and research officials.

KOSA Chairman Cho Jun-hee (조준희) said the AI Basic Act had helped companies ease regulatory uncertainty and provided a solid foundation for industrial development. He said he would take the lead so related associations and groups can become one team and secure sustainable competitiveness, drawing on the momentum of record software revenue that topped 140 trillion won last year.