"Without South Korea, there is no AI"... Securing 'Choke Point Tech' is the Key to Future Survival

In the era of the AI (Artificial Intelligence) revolution, voices have emerged emphasizing the need to secure "irreplaceable technological capabilities" while diagnosing the opportunities and crises facing the South Korean economy. As AI technology rises as a core element directly linked to national security beyond a simple industrial trend, analysis suggests that South Korea must secure 'Choke Point Tech,' which would grant it a monopolistic position within the global AI value chain.

"AI is Security... Must Secure Irreplaceable Status through 'Choke Point Tech'"

According to an interview video from Yonhap News TV released on the YouTube channel The Man Who Explains the Economy (Kim Kwang-seok TV), the participant presented 'Choke Point Tech' as a survival strategy for the AI era. A choke point refers to a key strategic location, such as the Strait of Hormuz, where if a specific point is blocked, the entire flow of goods is paralyzed. The participant stated, "We must possess core technologies so essential that the entire world's AI could not exist without our country," citing HBM, in which South Korea currently holds a high market share, as a representative example.

In particular, the participant emphasized that AI should be viewed from the perspective of 'security' rather than just a technical tool. Mentioning the shock experienced during Japan's past export restrictions on semiconductor materials, they warned, "If we rely entirely on the AI of the United States or China, it could cause national instability." As a countermeasure, they stressed the necessity of 'Sovereign AI.' Sovereign AI means possessing independent AI models without depending on other countries, and they explained that public-private cooperation, such as government R&D support, talent cultivation, and regulatory reform, is essential to achieve this.

"Technology Roadmaps Must Be Maintained Even When Administrations Change... Independence of Technology Policy is Needed"

In the process of responding to shifts in industrial paradigms, voices of caution were raised regarding an 'attitude of settling for past successes.' Using the crisis experienced by the German automotive industry during the transition to electric vehicles as an example, they pointed out that it is dangerous to remain in the past without reading market changes. The participant advised, "We must not become complacent just because we currently hold an overwhelming market share in the DRAM or HBM markets," suggesting that alongside a continuous super-gap strategy, they must constantly discover choke points within new promising industrial value chains.

Regarding policy aspects, they strongly advocated for the 'independence of technology policy.' The participant emphasized, "It is a national loss when the industries and technologies being pushed change every time the administration changes," adding, "Just as monetary policy is granted independence, technology policy also needs an independent body that can follow a long-term technology roadmap without being shaken by political variables." Since technology is a future engine for national growth and a matter directly linked to public sentiment, the analysis suggests that the government's core role is to create a sustainable environment for technological development rather than engaging in political debate.