Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), held a seminar titled “Government AI Transformation: Present and Future” on July 16, 2025, in Seoul.
Amid growing efforts to integrate AI across both public services and citizens’ daily lives, the seminar provided a platform to discuss the current state of AI utilization in government, emerging issues, and strategic directions. The event was attended by Dr. Huck-ju Kwon, President of KIPA; Mr. Ilkwon Bae, Director General of the Public AI & Data Bureau at MOIS; as well as experts from academia, government, and research institutes.
Dr. Jaeho Lee, Senior Research Fellow at KIPA, emphasized that innovation in the AI era is not optional but essential for government survival. He argued for a transition toward a collaborative government model that facilitates public-private cooperation and suggested that Korea adopt a hybrid strategy that balances traditional development-oriented governance with innovation-driven autonomy, drawing on global best practices.
Professor Heon-Young Kwon of Korea University addressed legal and institutional challenges related to public sector AI adoption. He stressed the need to build public trust and ensure responsible AI implementation by securing both technical and regulatory infrastructure. His presentation compared international approaches and examined Korea’s readiness to respond to these challenges.
The seminar also featured real-world case presentations from central and local governments. Officials introduced AI-based systems that support labor inspections, enhance social care services, and assist in handling civil complaints using large language models. These cases demonstrated how generative AI can improve service efficiency, protect vulnerable populations, and build new models for digital-era governance.
A concluding panel discussion included government officials and experts who shared perspectives on the future of AI-driven public administration. Participants emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, trust-building, and adaptive governance in the era of AI.
KIPA President Dr. Huck-ju Kwon remarked, “In this era of major technological change, governments must evolve from regulators to platforms that connect stakeholders and design new solutions. This seminar serves as an opportunity to reflect on where we are in the AI transition and to explore the next practical steps forward.”
MOIS Director General Ilkwon Bae added, “AI is already a part of our daily lives. Citizens expect governments to take the lead in responding to this shift. Public sector AI transformation is not a choice but a necessity.”
