Baek Kyunghoon: "Rather Than Joining Anthropic's Project, Korea Should Develop AI Models Like 'Mythos'"

Inaugural Meeting of the Science and Technology·Artificial Intelligence Future Strategy Council

"If We Do Not Discuss Future Strategies, a Major Crisis May Occur"

"Instead of asking whether Korea will participate in Anthropic's cybersecurity cooperation initiative, the 'Glasswing Project,' the real question should be whether Korea can develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model on par with 'Mythos.'"

On May 13, at the inaugural meeting of the 'Science and Technology·Artificial Intelligence Future Strategy Council' held at the National Science and Technology Advisory Council in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Baek Kyunghoon, expressed his regret, saying, "Recently, I have been repeatedly asked about Korea's participation in the Glasswing Project, and I find it disappointing."

Deputy Prime Minister Baek stated, "While Korea claims to be challenging for the world's third place in AI competitiveness, our awareness and preparation are still lacking." He continued, "Although we are here today to discuss strategies for mapping out the science and technology roadmap from 2030 to 2035, we must also reflect on whether the current policies in place through 2030 are truly appropriate."

On this day, the Ministry of Science and ICT launched the first meeting of the Science and Technology·Artificial Intelligence Future Strategy Council and began its official operations. The Future Strategy Council consists of 17 experts from across society, encompassing not only science and AI researchers but also specialists in economics, industry, education, healthcare, culture, and law. Its role is to analyze the interactions between advanced technology and societal change, and to identify the necessary policy directions and national agendas needed for the transition to the future society.

Deputy Prime Minister Baek remarked, "In 2020, the Ministry of Science and ICT established a future strategy for 2045." He added, "At that time, the roadmap did not anticipate the emergence of generative AI." He also pointed out, "Now, with the advent of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, and as we prepare for the era of physical AI, the pace is so fast that it raises questions about the relevance of long-term plans."

He further noted, "Google DeepMind predicts that the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could arrive by 2030, while Anthropic suggests it could come within just one to two years." He emphasized, "Assuming that superintelligence will be developed beyond AGI, we need to discuss and assess how the fields of science, technology, and industry should prepare."

He also warned, "If we do not engage in discussions about future strategies and fail to incorporate them into policy, we could face a major crisis." He urged, "I hope experts from various sectors will make bold proposals through the Future Strategy Council and that concrete discussions can be reflected in policy."

Meanwhile, prior to the event, Deputy Prime Minister Baek addressed questions from reporters regarding Korea's participation in the Glasswing Project, stating, "The government is actively seeking to explore participation at the governmental level. However, I do not believe there is a need to be overly fixated on joining the project."