“AI Will Determine Future National Competitiveness… South Korea Holds a Central Position” [ESF...

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“AI Will Determine Future National Competitiveness… South Korea Holds a Central Position” [ESF2026]

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Day 2 of the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum

Keynote Speech by Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group

“AI Capabilities Will Be a Core Element of the New Definition of National Security”

[Edaily By Reporter Eung-Tae Kim and Tae-Seop Kim] Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group (TAG), a U.S.-based strategic advisory firm, stated on June 17 that “in the era where artificial intelligence (AI) determines national competitiveness, Korea is one of the few countries capable of meaningfully participating in the AI race led by the U.S. and China.”

The 17th Edaily Strategy Forum was held on the 17th at The Shilla Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul under the theme “The Age of Power, Recasting Civilization : Who Designs the New World??” Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group (TAG), delivers a keynote speech on “Security and Defense Strategy in the Era of Self-Reliance.” (Photo = Jin-hwan Noh, Edaily Reporter)

During his keynote speech on the theme “Security and Defense Strategy in the Era of Self-Reliance” at The Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, he said, “All the AI models that the world is paying attention to operate on memory chips, and Korea is at the center of that layer.”

He added, “When we ask who will design the new world, the answer is no longer simply the country with the strongest military,” He continued, “AI lies at the center of all change, and it will influence everything from semiconductors and power grids to the future of everyday life and even the rules and norms that govern society.”

He said, “Korea is not only a strategic hub, but also a country with AI capabilities,” adding that “these capabilities will become an opportunity for Korea to adapt in an uncertain world.”

Ryu also said Korea has leading capabilities in shipbuilding sector. “Globally, China accounts for 50% of shipbuilding capacity, Korea 30%, and Japan 10%,” he noted. “The U.S. accounts for less than 1%, which clearly shows the vulnerability of U.S. national power in this area.”

Ryu further pointed out, “Korea is one of the few countries that has successfully exported large-scale nuclear power plants. Being able to stably supply electricity while dramatically increasing demand for advanced manufacturing and power is highly significant from a resource perspective.”

He continued, “Korea‘s defense industry has already entered a new stage of development,” and said, “The Prime Minister of Poland evaluates Korea as the most important ally after the U.S., and in the Middle East, Korea’s air defense systems have proven their protective capabilities in extremely challenging environments.”