South Korea will launch a new “national scientists” program to cultivate top-tier talent in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced science fields, a move aimed at countering the accelerating outflow of Korean researchers abroad, the Korea Times reported.
Announced by Ha Jung-woo, senior secretary to the president for AI and future planning, the initiative will select around 20 leading scholars per year — 100 over five years — who will receive presidential recognition, dedicated research funding, and travel and institutional support. The goal is to build a prestigious cohort of researchers who can inspire and mentor the next generation of Korean scientists.
Speaking at a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, Ha acknowledged that Korea’s “brain drain” is driven in part by higher compensation overseas. But he stressed that pay is only one factor.
“It’s also crucial who you work and conduct research with, the quality of the research environment, and whether sustainable growth is possible,” Ha said, according to the Korea Times. “Being acknowledged by society and recognized as a scientist in a respected profession — these are the most fundamental issues.”
To improve research stability, the government will allow students and professors to hold industry positions concurrently, expand post-retirement research opportunities, and create a corporate researcher development fund. Ha said integrating academic and industrial research will strengthen education while helping narrow compensation gaps with foreign institutions.
Reforms to reduce administrative burdens and potential military service adjustments for researchers are also under review.
Ha highlighted South Korea’s recent deal, announced during the APEC summit, to acquire 260,000 Nvidia GPUs — computing capacity that will be distributed to domestic labs lacking adequate resources. “This will serve as vital infrastructure, enabling students and researchers to innovate,” he said.
To broaden the nation’s AI talent pipeline, the government will expand regional science high schools specializing in AI, with new campuses planned in Gwangju and North Chungcheong Province. Partnerships among institutions like KAIST, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, UNIST and DGIST will also be strengthened.
South Korea additionally aims to attract 2,000 foreign scientists by 2030 and provide enhanced visa pathways to help international researchers and students build careers in the country.
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