Kim Se-woong, a Kakao Corp. veteran, appointed to head National AI Service Innovation Task Force

[Financial News] The government has appointed a former Kakao Corp. vice president to lead a dedicated organization developing artificial intelligence (AI) services for citizens. The plan is to move away from the existing outsourcing model and develop AI services directly, centered on private-sector developers and public-sector AI experts, that citizens can experience in their daily lives.
According to the government on the 2nd, the Ministry of Science and ICT appointed Kim Se-woong, former Kakao AI Synergy performance leader (vice president), to head the National AI Service Innovation Task Force.
Established this year, the task force identifies and develops AI services that citizens need in their daily lives. Unlike the existing model of outsourcing development to external companies, private-sector developers and public-sector AI experts directly handle everything from service planning to development.
The task force has a structure comprising one division, one office and four teams, with 61 members in total. Private-sector developers make up 26 members, or about 43% of the total. The team also includes 16 graduates of the “AI Champion” program for training public-sector AI experts, 13 ministry staff members and six experts from related organizations.
After founding the technology startup MightyWorks in 2009, Kim handled AI technology development, service commercialization and infrastructure development at Kakao Corp. The Ministry of Science and ICT selected Kim as the final candidate following an open recruitment process last September. He will begin work on the 2nd, and his term runs through September 30, 2028.
The task force plans to hire additional private-sector developers early this month to strengthen its AI service development capabilities.
Kim said, “By combining the private sector’s speed and innovation with the public sector’s accountability, we will quickly roll out AI services that provide practical help to citizens.”
[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter