Newly arrived Swiss Ambassador to Korea Nadine Olivieri Lozano described AI as a revolutionary force whose implications are still unfolding.

"AI is a huge revolution and we’re not even grasping yet what it means," she said. "It’s extremely important to understand its impact on society, business, diplomacy and every sector that will be affected in a major way. That’s why I find this a very relevant and timely discussion."

Uzbekistan Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov pointed to Korea’s growing international reputation as a leader in AI.

"More and more countries are admitting that South Korea is a leader in this AI revolution," he said. "Korean companies are actively engaged in this transformation, and the government is providing strong incentives to make them globally competitive. We are witnessing a shift from traditional industrial sectors toward AI-based industries. Uzbekistan, as a special strategic partner of Korea, hopes to follow this path and deepen cooperation with the Korean government and people."

Business leaders also underscored the significance of the forum’s focus on AI and globalization.

Alex Kim, general manager of PTC Korea, noted that the event stood out by addressing not only AI technology itself but also how Korean companies can expand globally through AI.

"What’s special about this forum is that it focuses not simply on AI adoption in Korea, but on globalization and localization through AI," Kim said.

"Many business leaders and customers are asking how Korean companies can use AI to make a global impact. This forum provides valuable insights into that question. There are already many events discussing how to use AI, but this forum goes further by exploring how entrepreneurs and policymakers can leverage AI to help Korea become a leading innovator and even a rule-maker in the global AI landscape."

Seo Gream, director at Kakao Mobility, emphasized the urgency of acting now as global competition in AI intensifies.

"We believe this is a golden opportunity — perhaps the last critical window — for Korea in the current global environment," Seo said.

"If we miss this moment, it will be difficult to catch up. Understanding global trends and international sentiment is essential for developing strategies for Korea’s market and industries. That’s why I think this forum’s theme is highly appropriate and meaningful."

As AI reshapes industries and societies worldwide, participants said Korea is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation — not only as an innovator, but also as a key contributor to the rules, standards and partnerships that will shape the future of the AI era.

Luxembourg’s Ambassador to Korea Jacques Flies, left, and Slovakia’s Ambassador to Korea Marek Repovsky, second from left, listen to presentations during The Korea Times Forum, “Made in Korea: Global and AI Enablement,” at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in central Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

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Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.