Gyeongju: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday urged Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to view the transformations brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity to promote economic growth, Yonhap News reported. During the retreat session of the APEC summit held in the South Korean southeastern city of Gyeongju, Lee unveiled his country's initiative, 'AI-Based Society for All.'

According to Anadolu Agency, South Korea envisions a global AI society where people around the world can equally enjoy the benefits of technological progress, and will steadily implement policies to realize this core vision. Lee emphasized the need to turn the significant transformation brought by AI into an opportunity, highlighting that South Korea is committed to pursuing an "AI transformation" at the national level and fostering an ecosystem for AI innovation.

President Lee detailed plans to expand infrastructure, such as large-scale data centers, and implement regulatory reforms to create an environment conducive to global companies innovating freely. He also called for collaborative efforts to address declining birth rates and an aging population, suggesting the establishment of a framework for cooperation among APEC members.

Lee noted that demographic changes present serious challenges affecting all areas of society, including economic growth, the labor market, education, and welfare, which cannot be resolved through isolated measures. In response to the major shifts driven by AI and demographic changes, South Korea is looking to its cultural and creative industries as a new driver of growth.