Lee Gaeho: "Gwangju and Jeonnam Must Lead Together in the AI Era"

AI Industry and Computing Hub Forum Held in Gwangju
Presenting a "Mutual Growth Model" Amid AI Infrastructure Competition
"Gwangju as a Center for Research and Talent, Jeonnam as a Hub for Power and Computing"

Lee Gaeho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a "Policy Forum for Gwangju and Jeonnam AI Industry and Computing Mecca" at Chosun University on the 29th. Photo by Lee Gaeho's office

Lee Gaeho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province, held a "Policy Forum for Gwangju and Jeonnam AI Industry and Computing Hub" at Chosun University on the 29th, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Convergence at Chosun University Graduate School. The forum discussed strategies for mutual growth and regional responses to build an AI-based local industrial ecosystem.

In his opening remarks, Assemblyman Lee described the current era as a "period of great transformation in which all ecosystems of industry, daily life, and research are being reorganized around AI." He emphasized that, amid the fierce nationwide competition to establish AI infrastructure, Gwangju and Jeonnam must establish themselves as core AI hubs. He particularly highlighted that OpenAI and SK plan to jointly build a 20-megawatt large-scale data center in the southwestern region of Jeonnam, which, upon completion in 2028, is expected to become a new growth engine for the province.

He interpreted the recent competition between Gwangju and Jeonnam over the selection of a national AI computing center site not as a simple conflict, but as an "opportunity for mutual growth." Assemblyman Lee stated, "Gwangju can build a foundation focused on research and talent, while Jeonnam can establish an industry base centered on power and computing, allowing both regions to develop together." He expressed hope for a "synergy effect" through regional cooperation.

At the forum, moderated by Chosun University Professor Bae Sanghyun, various experts presented their visions. Kim Jongkwon, Director of Korea Institute of Energy Technology, stated, "The era of 'AI+GX,' where AI and green transformation (GX) converge, has arrived." He argued that "Jeonnam should become a convergence hub that leverages AI technology to improve energy efficiency and stably supply renewable energy."

Professor Cho Minho of Korea University proposed, "If an autonomous driving and semiconductor AI industrial complex is established in Gwangju and linked with Jeonnam's computing center, it will create a model for mutual growth that maximizes the strengths of both regions."

Additionally, Professor Yang Mi-ae of Chosun University stated, "By combining AI and data with Jeonnam's strength in the agricultural and bioindustry, we should pursue 'smart agriculture' to increase productivity and efficiency and build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem."

In his closing remarks, Assemblyman Lee stressed, "Given the intense competition for AI infrastructure, it is more important than ever to respond swiftly," adding, "We must create an environment where local talent nurtured in the region can be utilized within the region."

Meanwhile, Assemblyman Lee continues his "policy initiatives" to present future strategies for the transformation of Jeonnam's industry, having previously held a forum at the National Assembly in September titled "Fostering the Secondary Battery Industry in Eastern Jeonnam Will Change the Future of Jeonnam," followed by this "AI Industry Forum."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.