South Korea will double its spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors to a record 21.3 trillion won ($16 billion) in 2027, President Lee Jae Myung announced during his annual budget speech to parliament. The investment aims to strengthen the country’s technology industry, boost economic growth, and develop advanced AI capabilities. The government also plans to modernize its military through AI-powered robotics, drones, and integrated defense systems as part of its broader strategy to maintain South Korea’s global technological competitiveness.