Ministry of Science and ICT Bets on AI G3 Leap... Complete Overhaul of ICT R&D PM System Centered on AI

The Ministry of Science and ICT has completely reorganized its ICT research and development (R&D) command structure to focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to elevate South Korea to the ranks of the 'AI G3'-the world's top three AI powerhouses.

The ministry has subdivided the single existing AI program manager (PM) position into four key areas: Fundamental AI, AI Semiconductors, Physical AI, and AI Transformation (AX) Convergence. Additionally, new PM roles have been established to oversee large-scale AI transformation in regional industries and manufacturing sites, specifically dedicated to Regional AX and Manufacturing AX. This overhaul has significantly restructured the R&D planning and budget management system.

On April 15, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that, as AI has emerged as a core driver of national industrial competitiveness and security, it has completed the reorganization of its PM system in line with the Lee Jaemyung administration’s key national agenda item, ‘Leap to AI G3’, and appointed six new PMs.

Reference photo to aid in understanding the article. Paik Jonghun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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ICT R&D PMs serve as de facto CTOs for their respective technology domains, overseeing the entire R&D process-from establishing mid- to long-term roadmaps for each technology area, planning large-scale preliminary feasibility projects, reviewing and adjusting budgets, monitoring project progress, to managing outcomes. This reorganization reflects the shift in AI competition from a pure technology race to a contest over R&D execution structures and speed.

The most significant change is the new dedicated AI PM structure. The previous single AI PM system has been expanded into four areas: ▲Fundamental AI ▲AI Semiconductors ▲Physical AI ▲AX Convergence. This creates an independent planning and management system for each sector, such as foundational models, inference semiconductors, physical world AI like robotics and autonomous driving, and industry-convergent AX.

Additionally, new positions for Regional AX PM, linked to regionally specialized industries, and Manufacturing AX PM, responsible for manufacturing data and process intelligence, have been created. The ministry plans to promote AI innovation hubs in four key regions-Gwangju, Daegu, North Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang Provinces.

A total of six new PMs have been appointed. For AI Semiconductors, Oh Yunje, formerly of Samsung Electronics Advanced Institute of Technology, was appointed. For Communications and Satellite Broadcasting, Choi Seongho, who participated in developing key patents for the world’s first commercialization of 5G, was selected. For Quantum Technology, Ju Jeongjin, former head of Quantum Technology Research at ETRI, was appointed.

In Media and Content, Park Kiju, former CTO of WYSIWYG Studios, has joined as PM. For Regional AX, Bang Wonchul, former Head of Product Strategy at Samsung Medison, was appointed, and for Manufacturing AX, Lee Junwoo, formerly of IITP, has taken the role.

The Ministry of Science and ICT assessed that this reorganization has established a comprehensive AI R&D planning and execution lineup, spanning from fundamental AI technology to semiconductors, regional industries, and manufacturing sites.

Lee Dokyu, policy chief at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "With this reorganization of the PM system and the appointment of new managers, we have established a core ICT R&D team to achieve the leap to AI G3. Together with the country’s top private sector experts, we will do our utmost to secure technological competitiveness and realize the national agenda of becoming one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses."

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