South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with SoftBank Group Corp CEO Masayoshi Son on Friday to discuss cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
President Lee emphasized his vision of building an AI-based society where everyone can access AI as easily as fundamental infrastructure like water supply and sewage systems.
At the start of the meeting, Lee told Son, "Our goal is to establish an AI-driven society where every citizen, business, and organization can at least utilize AI at a basic level."
He added, "AI should be treated as essential infrastructure, just like water and sewage systems accessible to all."
Lee expressed interest in Son’s insights on the latest AI trends, including concerns about an AI bubble. He also recalled Son’s valuable advice to former South Korean presidents, such as Kim Dae-jung and Moon Jae-in.
"South Korea is striving to become one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses, and I’d like to seek your insights and suggestions once again," Lee said.
He noted, "South Korea recognizes both the risks and benefits of AI, and our investment strategy aims to minimize risks while maximizing utility."
Lee also acknowledged Son’s "significant assistance" in South Korea’s tariff negotiations with the U.S., though he did not elaborate, only thanking him for his advice and support.
Highlighting the importance of AI collaboration with Japan, Lee urged Son to act as a bridge to strengthen ties between the two nations.
When Lee raised the topic of artificial superintelligence (ASI), Son pointed out that ASI—10,000 times smarter than the human brain—is inevitable.
Son said, "Just as comparing a goldfish’s brain to a human’s is meaningless, debating whether humans or AI are smarter will become irrelevant."
He called for moving beyond attempts to control, educate, or regulate AI.
"Instead, we should start thinking about how to coexist harmoniously with AI under a new mindset," Son said, dismissing concerns about AI attacking or consuming humanity.
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