“Constructing a National AI Data Center to Prepare for the Future
Installing a Nationwide ‘Energy Highway’
Reinvigorating Areas Facing Extinction as Energy Hubs
Promoting Domestic Industry with the ‘Korean-type Mother Factory’”
On the 10th, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said, “The government must not miss the golden time for economic recovery through fiscal expansion.” He proposed a supplementary budget of at least 30 trillion won for the recovery of people’s livelihoods and the economy. He also indicated that if the ruling People Power Party and the government accept the demand for a supplementary budget, he would not insist on budget proposals with a cash welfare character, such as regional love gift certificates and 250,000 won support for all citizens, which were previously advocated.
In a speech representing the parliamentary negotiation group, Lee emphasized the need for large-scale government budget investments to boost the economy. He announced the ‘ABCDEF Policy,’ refining the major promises he made during the last presidential election. This policy presents AI (Artificial Intelligence), Bio, Contents & Culture, Defense, Energy, and Factory revitalization as national priority initiatives.
◆A: “Support AI Industry by Building a National AI Data Center”
Lee stated, “The construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway during Park Chung-hee’s era was the cornerstone of industrialization, and the high-speed internet network during Kim Dae-jung’s era was the foundation for ICT (Information Communication Technology) industry development.” He added, “Although we are lagging, there is hope in the AI industry for latecomers, as shown by Deep Seek (China’s AI model).” He emphasized the need for a strong government drive for the AI revolution, proposing to create a national AI data center equipped with more than 100,000 AI semiconductor GPUs (graphics processing units) to support the AI industry. Additionally, he suggested establishing AI boot camps with high-quality educational programs to train up to 100,000 AI professionals and develop the AI industry as a strategic asset.
◆B: “Securing Global Competitiveness in 5 Major Bio Industries”
In relation to the bio sector, Lee mentioned, “Two out of the top 10 domestic companies are bio companies,” and called for national investment to possess global competitiveness in five major bio industries. He proposed strengthening the bio ecosystem through regional development strategies, R&D and financial support, establishing bio-specialized funds, and training related medical personnel.
◆C: “Substantial Increase in Cultural and Arts Budget”
Lee plans a significant increase in the budget related to promoting K-culture tourism. He stated, “Movies, dramas, games, webtoons, K-pop, and K-food are captivating the world,” emphasizing that “in an era where K-content exports surpass secondary batteries and electric cars, culture is economy and the future,” and mentioned the Netflix show ‘Black and White Chef’ as leading to a new path for Korean food travel in tourism. He suggested connecting international enthusiasm for Korean culture with increased sales and good jobs through a “50 million K-culture tourism era” and a ‘bucket-list Korean tour.’ He encouraged actively supporting brand, design, etc., enhancing their competitive edges through cultural integration, and ensuring K-content deeply permeates the world with active cultural and artistic support.
◆D·E: “Increase Defense R&D Budget and Expand Renewable Energy”
Lee asserted that the geographic characteristics of the Korean Peninsula, surrounded by military powers with high military density, have become the foundation for remarkable defense industry development today. He encouraged nurturing the defense industry as a future food source, aligning with his typical future vision style of turning crises into opportunities. Lee proposed ongoing investments in R&D for drones, robots, and equipment in response to changing future battlefields and technological environments, emphasizing expanding collaborations with defense partner countries. Regarding energy policy, Lee highlighted the importance of energy independence and security, considering most energy sources are imported and the power network is saturated, like an island. He advocated minimizing coal’s share, reducing LNG (liquefied natural gas) usage, and quickly expanding renewable energy, discussing the construction of an ‘energy highway’ for renewable energy production nationwide. He suggested lowering electricity rates in power production areas to develop Sunan, Sinan, Yeonggwang along the southwestern coast, regions at risk of extinction, into energy industry centers.
◆F: “Vigorously Pursue the ‘Korean-type Mother Factory Strategy’”
Lee warned about an industry hollowing-out crisis if companies focus solely on overseas investments, with broken links between exports and domestic demand, and company revenue growth not connecting to domestic reinvestment, employment, and wage increases. He emphasized the need for robust support in domestic industrial promotion, advocating a ‘Korean-type Mother Factory’ strategy focused on the domestic supply chain. He proposed supporting the indigenization of materials, parts, and equipment using the mother factory as a base, creating an innovative ecosystem through industry-academic cooperation. Furthermore, he suggested going beyond simple support for specific conglomerates to create an industrial ecosystem to share growth opportunities and outcomes. He also urged preparing countermeasures against regional economic impacts due to weakening price competitiveness and additional trade pressures facing the steel and petrochemical industries amid recession, mentioning cities such as Pohang, Ulsan, Gwangyang, Yeosu, and Asan. He recommended urgent support and restructuring for high-value product development, advocating for job transition training for workers and local business revitalization as structural solutions, proposing to declare these areas as ‘industrial crisis response special regions’ in cooperation with other parties.