In a high-profile meeting held on Thursday, February 29, President Yoon Suk Yeol engaged in discussions with Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, to explore avenues of cooperation aimed at advancing future technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence.

The dialogue revolved around envisioning future artificial intelligence systems and the development of the connection with Zuckerberg and other key players in Korea’s technology sector.

Acknowledging the imperative for Meta to actively contribute to the global “digital society” evolution, discussions were underscored by President Yoon’s emphasis on South Korea as an ideal hub for Meta’s future AI endeavors, given its rapid technological advancements.

Presidential Chief of Staff for Policy, Sung Tae-yoon, revealed that President Yoon urged Meta to actively engage with South Korean firms, citing the escalating competitiveness in artificial intelligence and the abundance of skilled enterprises in the country.

President Yoon also expressed his desire for consistent collaboration and partnerships between firms in both countries, believing it would help develop ties between the nations.

Furthermore, with South Korea actively working on the metaverse industry, President Yoon sought cooperation with Zuckerberg in this area.

President Yoon mentioned that the companies in South Korea would be willing to support and consider Meta’s ideas and thoughts, and it would be a great chance for cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed the issue of growing amounts of misleading news and misuse of artificial intelligence, with both Zuckerberg and President Yoon expressing a commitment to preventing these issues through monitoring and intervention.

Zuckerberg brought up the idea that cooperating with another large Korean company, Samsung Electronics, would increase the influence and weight of their cooperation.

Sung mentioned the funds needed for future developments by Samsung would already be covered by South Korea’s government.

After almost 10 years since his first meeting with former President Park Guenhye, Mark Zuckerberg arranged a conference with President Yoon.

Prior to the meeting, Zuckerberg held conferences with CEOs of large compaines, including Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong and LG’s Cho Joo-wan, to discuss future plans and collaborations.

Following two recorded meetings with Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong in 2013 and 2014, Zuckerberg personally connected with the chair for dinner in Seoul.

Additionally, Zuckerberg held a lunch meeting with Cho Joo-wan, the LG chief, discussing ties between LG and Meta and their future devices.

Cho revealed that their collaborative product is likely to be released in the next few years.

Yuin Kim

Grade 8
Yongsan International School of Seoul