South Korea PM vows AI push, wider growth on first day
July 1 (Asia Today) -- South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook began her first day in office Wednesday by pledging greater investment in artificial intelligence and advanced industries while ensuring the benefits of economic growth reach small businesses and neighborhood commercial districts.
"The government will serve as a strong foundation for building a Republic of Korea where the benefits of growth reach small and medium-sized businesses and neighborhood shops and where everyone can fully realize their potential," Han told reporters upon arriving at the Government Complex Seoul.
Han, the second prime minister of President Lee Jae-myung's administration, said she felt the weight of the responsibility entrusted to her by the public and the National Assembly.
"During the past two weeks, I was so focused on preparing for the confirmation hearing that I could not fully feel the weight of the position," Han said. "This morning, that weight feels much greater and heavier."
Han referred to the government's three megaprojects announced Monday, describing them as a turning point for South Korea's industrial development and regional growth.
"The scale and speed of our industrial and balanced development have reached a milestone that is on a completely different level from what we had previously imagined," she said.
Han said South Korea was moving from following major global changes to helping lead them.
"The government must move more quickly in response and ensure that necessary policies are implemented at the right time," she said.
Han pledged more aggressive investment in artificial intelligence and other advanced industries and said the government would seek to rationalize regulations that could obstruct innovation.
She also stressed that the resulting economic gains should improve people's lives and create opportunities for young people.
"We will work to ensure that these achievements reach the lives of the people and lead to opportunities for young people to grow and take their next leap forward," Han said.
Han said she would retain the sense of responsibility she felt on her first day and work to improve the lives of individual citizens.
"I will not forget the determination I feel today and will do my utmost to help South Korea make a major leap forward," she said.
Han is the Lee administration's second prime minister and the country's second woman to hold the post.
A former chief executive of South Korean internet company Naver, Han has experience in both information technology management and government policy. She served as the administration's first minister of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups before becoming prime minister.
Han is the first woman to serve as prime minister since Han Myeong-sook took office in 2006.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260701010000219
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