Ex-PPP leader Han puts top priority on AI in presidential bid

By Yi Wonju

SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- A former leader of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon who announced his bid for the June 3 presidential election last week, vowed Tuesday to help both the government and private sector invest 200 trillion won (US$140.7 billion) in artificial intelligence (AI).

Han unveiled his policy vision at the National Assembly, pledging to make South Korea one of the top three AI powerhouses in the world, with a proposed investment of 150 trillion won in building AI infrastructure and another 50 trillion won to foster the ecosystem.

"The AI revolution has just begun, and our goal to become one of the top three AI powers is a prerequisite for advancing into the future," Han said, announcing he will invest strategically in areas such as medical AI, robotics, defense AI, drones and autonomous driving.

He also vowed to raise South Korea's gross national income to US$40,000 and expand the middle class to 70 percent of the population.

"Even with a national income of $40,000, if taxes feel excessive, life will still be challenging," he said, pledging to reduce the burden of income tax and expand tax deductions for individuals with dependent family members.

On welfare, he vowed to establish a new department at the deputy prime minister-level to overhaul the welfare system and expand the "Neulbom School" program, an integrated before- and after-school day care and education initiative.

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