S. Korea PM says timely power supply key to success of AI, chip megaprojects

Han made the remark at the start of a Cabinet meeting. The "three megaprojects" refer to a national transformation initiative driven by semiconductors, physical artificial intelligence and AI data centers, and AI-driven administrative innovation, all of which require a massive amount of power, according to Yonhap News.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the key to the success of the megaprojects hinges on the timely supply of electricity and the early construction of the power transmission network," she said. "In particular, cooperation from residents is more important than anything else when it comes to the power transmission network."

Han also instructed the Cabinet to keep a close watch for unfair market practices that raise prices ahead of the upcoming Chuseok holiday. She said inflationary pressure is growing as oil prices rise amid the rekindled Middle East conflict.

She said influenza and other acute respiratory infections are spreading faster than in previous years and asked officials to take preemptive measures. Those measures include securing vaccines and ensuring that people with weaker immunity, such as infants, children and the elderly, receive timely vaccinations and medical care.

Editor's Summary South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook told a Cabinet meeting that timely power supply and early construction of a transmission grid are essential to the government's semiconductor, physical AI and AI data center megaprojects. She also called for scrutiny of unfair price hikes before Chuseok amid rising oil prices, and for preemptive steps against influenza and other respiratory infections.