President Lee Jae-myung met Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, in Seoul on April 27 to discuss the responsible use of artificial intelligence and global partnerships. They shared views that AI could powerfully address global challenges like low growth, climate crisis, and health care, while posing risks such as abuse in warfare or deepening inequality. The government partnered with DeepMind under its K-Moonshot initiative for AI-led science innovation.
President Lee Jae-myung highlighted the government's strong interest in AI and plans to increase investment during his meeting with Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, on April 27 in Seoul. Hassabis was in South Korea to discuss expanding collaboration, including on a government-led initiative for AI-driven science and technology.
Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy, said in a briefing: "They shared the view that, if used effectively, AI could become a powerful tool to address major global challenges, such as low growth, the climate crisis and health care issues, opening the door for new prosperity, while also carrying risks of being abused in warfare or deepening inequality."
Lee stressed preparing for AI-driven changes in the job market, while Hassabis agreed on the need for a new economic model redefining work and wealth redistribution. The president introduced plans for a "global AI hub" to lead cooperative projects and asked DeepMind to be a key partner. Hassabis stated: "I think it will be very beneficial for the world if it's used in the right way," emphasizing AI systems must stay within human-defined "guardrails."
Earlier that day, the Ministry of Science and ICT signed a memorandum of understanding with Google DeepMind under the "K-Moonshot" initiative, covering joint research in science and technology, talent development, and responsible AI use. Google plans to open its first AI campus in South Korea this year. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said: "This MOU will provide an opportunity for South Korea to accelerate scientific, technological and AI innovation."
Hassabis presented Lee with a Go board signed by himself and Lee Sedol. DeepMind is known for AlphaGo, which defeated Lee Sedol in Seoul in 2016, and Hassabis received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for AI-based protein structure prediction.
