South Korea must embed artificial intelligence directly into core legacy manufacturing and infrastructure sectors like semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, and energy to secure global technological dominance, according to Lee Kyung-su, vice chairman of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council.
AI Hegemony and Industrial Standards at Pyeongchang Forum
Speaking at the 2026 Pyeongchang Barangjae Forum held on Aug. 5–6 at the Barangjae Hanok Hotel in Gangwon Province, Lee stated that true leadership in the artificial intelligence era relies on establishing technical standards and platforms that international markets adopt by default, rather than attempting to build every component domestically. According to Lee, South Korea possesses robust foundations across multiple heavy industries and must advance beyond component manufacturing to design the operational rules and frameworks that govern automated factories and smart cities.
The event featured a relay lecture format addressing human identity, corporate growth strategies, national AI policy, and public well-being, which included two sessions delivered directly by humanoid robots.
Defining Human Competency and Organizational Immersion
As automated systems handle complex problem-solving, human workers must cultivate the ability to define proper inquiries, evaluate outcomes, and assume accountability, according to Seo Yong-seok, a professor at the KAIST Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy. Seo noted that individuals who quickly recognize shifts in baseline answers maintain a distinct competitive edge.
Author Lee Seul-ah emphasized that while generative models produce polished text, artificial intelligence cannot replicate the visceral creative drive and emotional limits unique to human expression. Complementing this perspective, Ably CEO Kang Seok-hoon argued that workforce immersion and active employee adoption outweigh raw software capabilities. Kang shared that staff members at Ably independently developed and deployed over 50 custom AI bots to streamline daily operations.
The 2026 Barangjae Declaration and Future Outlooks
Participants concluded the gathering by reciting the "2026 Barangjae Declaration," committing to deeper inquiry alongside technological expansion, heightened human responsibility, and strengthened connectivity over raw competition. Event lectures and automated summaries are scheduled for sequential release on the official Sebasi YouTube channel.
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