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“During President Kim Dae-jung’s time, broadband was a focus, and during President Moon Jae-in’s term, AI was prioritized. The message I want to share with President Lee Jae-myung this time is ‘ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence).’”

SoftBank Group Corp. CEO Masayoshi Son met with President Lee Jae-myung at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 5th and discussed the upcoming era of ‘ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence),’ which represents the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI). Chairman Son highlighted the significant technological advancement, using the analogy of the difference between a goldfish and a human to illustrate the gap between humans and AI.

◆ “ASI Is 10,000 Times More Intelligent Than Humans… The Variation Comes From Hardware, Not Education”

During a session held at the Presidential Office, Chairman Son presented the idea of ASI, which extends beyond the present emphasis on AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). He described, “If AGI matches the human brain at a 1:1 ratio, then ASI represents a brain that is 10,000 times more sophisticated than humans.” He further mentioned, “A difference of 10 or 100 times could spark discussions about who is more intelligent, but a 10,000-fold difference is similar to the divide between humans and goldfish.”

He said, “No level of training can allow a goldfish to perform calculus or understand English because their brain’s neural connections, or hardware structure, differ,” and forecasted, “In the future, humans will be similar to goldfish, and AI will take over the role of humans.”

In response to recent debates surrounding the “AI bubble theory,” Chairman Son expressed his disagreement. He stated, “The current version of ChatGPT-5.1 already demonstrates intelligence comparable to that of a doctoral candidate,” and added, “Although the balance between AI and human capabilities resembles the patterns of a zebra’s stripes, the arrival of ASI is an inevitable future that leaves no room for doubt.”

◆ President Lee: “Artificial Intelligence Is Infrastructure Similar to Water Supply… Advancing Towards an ‘AI Basic Society’”

President Lee shared the government’s vision for an ‘AI Basic Society’ with Chairman Son. He mentioned, “South Korea is focusing on a path that reduces the risks associated with AI while enhancing its benefits,” and elaborated, “Our goal is to establish AI as a ‘fundamental infrastructure’ that all citizens and businesses can benefit from, similar to water and sewage systems.” He further noted, “South Korea is working to become one of the ‘top three AI powers (G3),’” and expressed hope that the creation of the ‘ARM School,’ which will be discussed with René Haas, ARM’s representative who visited today, will significantly aid in developing AI talent in Korea.

President Lee also expressed worries regarding the swift advancement of AI. When he questioned, “If there is a fierce dog, one worries about control. Will there come a time when ASI surpasses even the Nobel Prize in Literature?” Chairman Son responded, “That might be possible,” but then added, “Just as we do not harm the puppy in our home, there is no reason to fear that intelligent AI will attack humans. We should focus on how to live together peacefully.”

◆ Appreciation for Involvement in the Behind-the-Scenes of South Korea-U.S. Trade Discussions… Call for a Link Between South Korea and Japan

At the meeting, there were also public displays of appreciation for the behind-the-scenes diplomatic support. President Lee publicly expressed thanks to Chairman Son, stating, “Although our citizens may not be aware, you offered substantial assistance and guidance during the recent South Korea-U.S. trade talks.” He further mentioned, “We look forward to your continued role as a bridge in the crucial endeavor of South Korea-Japan AI collaboration moving forward.”

At the same time, as the first snow descended upon Seoul that day, President Lee praised the SoftBank Hawks for their triumph in the Japan Series with warm words. Chairman Son replied, “Even though we have won eight times, it’s still premature to be content. We need to secure at least ten victories.”

Attending the meeting on behalf of the company were Chairman Son, ARM Representative René Haas, and SoftBank Vision Fund Head Moon Kyu-hak. On the government and Presidential Office side, Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology Bae Kyung-hoon, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Kim Jung-kwan, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief of Staff Kim Yong-beom, and AI Future Planning Chief Ha Jung-woo, among others, were present.