OpenAI CSO Congratulates President-Elect Lee Jae-myung and Expresses Support for Korea’s Vision as a Global AI Leader

Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of OpenAI, has publicly congratulated South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung and expressed strong support for the country’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence.

On June 4 (local time), Kwon posted a message in Korean on his X account, stating: “Last week in Korea, I had the opportunity to meet with President Lee’s team and was deeply impressed by their clear vision for making Korea a global AI powerhouse and their firm commitment to ensuring that all citizens benefit from AI. We are excited to join this journey and support it actively.”

Kwon’s remarks come after a reported meeting between OpenAI and representatives of the Democratic Party of Korea. On May 26, OpenAI hosted a press briefing at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul and held a private discussion with Democratic Party officials.

Im Moon-young, head of the Digital Special Committee of Lee’s presidential campaign, noted at the time that “Candidate Lee regards AI investment as the most critical among his campaign pledges and has set a national goal to position Korea among the top three AI powers globally.” He also expressed alignment with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s advocacy for universal basic income, underscoring philosophical common ground between the two parties.

The congratulatory message follows OpenAI’s announcement last week of establishing a local subsidiary in South Korea and launching recruitment across six job categories. This move signals OpenAI’s strategic intent to deepen its engagement in the Korean market.

Kwon’s gesture is seen as a reaffirmation of OpenAI’s intent to closely cooperate with the incoming administration on AI policy. President-elect Lee’s pledge to make Korea one of the world’s top three AI nations, while ensuring the equitable distribution of AI benefits, closely aligns with OpenAI’s mission of democratizing artificial intelligence.

Observers are now watching to see how this collaboration might accelerate the growth and globalization of Korea’s AI ecosystem.

Image Source: OpenAI