Kim Yong-beom, the head of the policy office at the presidential office, highlighted the critical role of power infrastructure in ensuring competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). He stated that without structural reform allowing power-producing regions to share in the benefits of industrial growth, conflicts over power transmission are inevitable. In a post on Facebook, he noted the emerging competition is less about how sophisticated code is, but rather about having sufficient computational resources and power. He pointed out that despite South Korea's advanced memory production capabilities, the lack of an effective power supply could hinder the establishment of large-scale computational clusters necessary for utilizing this technology effectively.

Kim further explained that while South Korea does have access to electricity, the challenge lies in meeting the high demand for power that AI requires in terms of scale and speed. He stressed the necessity of not only increasing the overall capacity of power generation facilities but also addressing issues related to distribution networks, their locations, and the speed of permitting processes. He advocated for a principle called "local production for local consumption," arguing that AI-related facilities should be set up in areas where electricity is generated. This approach aims to mitigate social conflicts that arise from building long-distance power transmission networks and to ensure that regions producing renewable energy or nuclear power also enjoy industrial benefits.

Kim concluded by asserting that South Korea stands at a crucial juncture. He described the twelfth basic power supply plan and reforms in the power industry not merely as energy policies but as pivotal points that will determine whether South Korea remains a country dependent on imported intelligence or transitions into a nation that produces its own intelligence. The government has decided to proceed with the construction of two new nuclear reactors as part of the twelfth basic power supply plan, affirming its commitment to addressing these challenges strategically.