Some call it the fourth industrial revolution...
some a technological revolution...
but whatever you call it... this confluence of emerging technologies... is changing the
way we live, the way we relate to one another.
Is Korea ready for the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution'?
Earlier this week, I sat down with Choi Yang-hee, Minister of Science, ICT, and Future Planning.
Our exclusive...
shot in 360 degrees virtual reality... opening our three-part special feature: How do you
gear up for the fourth industrial revolution?
Minister Choi, thanks for your time today.
A big buzzword these days is the Fourth Industrial Revolution which can be described as a confluence
of artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of things, autonomous vehicles and
so on.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is changing and impacting our lives faster than any of
us had imagined.
How ready is Korea?
As you mentioned, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is taking place very quickly.
Major firms in many advanced economies are making huge investments in these sectors.
Some of these services have already been commercialized.
It is true that there is a technological gap between these countries and Korea.
But, that doesn't mean Korea is not ready because we have our strength in ICT, big data,
and Internet-of-Things.
These are also key sectors in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
With the right strategy to boost the software sector, focus on encouraging entrepreneurs
to take on challenges, and spur investment, I have no doubt that Korea can take a big
leap forward in becoming one of the leaders in driving the 4th industrial revolution.
As we witness these new technological advancements, for instance, autonomous vehicles, we cannot
but think about new regulations that would help us deal with these intelligent machines.
Have you given any thought to the regulatory issues?
When automobiles were first introduced, there were heated debates on whether regulations
that had been focused on horse-drawn carriages should be revised.
Should wagons come first or should new automobiles come first?
There were fierce arguments.
But, eventually, as we all know, auto vehicles took over.
When new technologies are invented and new lifestyles are created, new regulations must
be established and ethical boundaries must be redefined based on social consensus.
I believe social consensus is key in this whole preparation process and it's critical
to remind ourselves that these new technologies are first and foremost tools made by people
for people.
Korea has been readying itself for the 4th industrial revolution by actively carrying
out discussions in different communities and we put utmost priority in making sure it is
empowering and human-centered.
Another key technology of the 4th industrial revolution is virtual reality.
In fact, this one-on-one interview is also being filmed in virtual reality with this
tiny device.
This is the VR camera.
It's actually my first time being filmed in VR.
Right.
This camera, for instance, shoots in 360 degrees.
Not only is it filming the two of us, it's shooting everyone standing around in this
room.
Even our camera crew.
Even the camera crew.
It's very fun to watch.
I enjoy shooting with VR cameras.
Is that right?
Have you been filmed interviewing with this VR gear, as well?
No, not professional interviews like this.
I usually carry one around to shoot my surroundings in 360 degrees.
I know Korea is also making significant investments in nurturing the VR contents industry.
What are some plans in the works?
The global virtual reality industry is still in its very initial stages.
Many are just beginning to invest in VR research and development and contents production.
As you know, virtual reality dominated the scene at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona
and the NAB Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.
And, taking centerstage in VR were Korean companies like Samsung and LG.
There are many other Korean firms that make VR devices as well as mobile network operators
in Korea.
Based on these assets, we have various development plans ranging from theme parks that provide
new VR experiences to application of VR technology in education, defense, and video games.
The Korean government, together with the private sector, plans to invest roughly US$ 156 million
in the next three years to create excellent products and tap into the global market.
The scale and breadth of the unfolding technological revolution is so profound that it will impact
all sectors of life - politics, economy, society, culture, education, healthcare.
That is why we need to be prepared with a comprehensive plan.
The Korean government is working on a grand project comprising 5-year, 10-year, 20-year
strategies envisioning the future of Korea in adapting, shaping, and harnessing the potential
of this technological transformation.
The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning will unveil our a general, overall blueprint
this month and announce the specific strategies and the grand master plan before the year's
end, hopefully sometime in October.
We'll be looking forward to seeing practical and efficient policy measures that would help
the people be part of, and not left behind, this 4th industrial revolution.
Thank you for sharing your insights today.
Thank you.
You can find the behind-the-scenes clip of this interview in VR on our official arirang
news youtube site... for a full VR experience.