TLDR: Kang Ha-yeon, a research fellow at the Korea Information and Communications Policy Research Institute, has been named the first South Korean chair of the integrated Artificial Intelligence Governance Working Group (AIGO) under the OECD and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). This marks a significant milestone for South Korea in leading global AI governance discussions.
Seoul, South Korea – In a landmark development for global artificial intelligence governance, Kang Ha-yeon, a distinguished research fellow at the Korea Information and Communications Policy Research Institute, has been appointed as the inaugural South Korean chair of the integrated Artificial Intelligence Governance Working Group (AIGO) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). The Ministry of Science and ICT officially announced this significant appointment on November 13, 2025.
This appointment is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time South Korea has assumed the chairperson role of both AIGO and GPAI. The integration of GPAI into the OECD framework in July of last year paved the way for this unified leadership position, underscoring a concerted effort towards streamlined global AI cooperation.
AIGO, an influential working group within the OECD, serves as a crucial platform for member countries to exchange AI policies. Its foundation rests upon the ‘AI Principles,’ which were first adopted by an international organization in 2019. The group actively engages in discussions surrounding critical issues such as the ethical implications, safety protocols, and evolving norms necessitated by rapid advancements in AI technology.
Complementing AIGO, the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) was established in 2020, originating from a proposal by the Group of Seven (G7) nations. GPAI functions as a multilateral consultative body dedicated to fostering responsible AI development and use. The combined efforts of these two integrated bodies are now central to driving global AI cooperation.
In her inaugural statement, Chair Kang articulated her vision for an inclusive and actionable policy structure. “I will contribute to developing the AI governance discussions at the OECD into an inclusive and actionable policy structure that not only advanced countries but also developing and non-member countries can resonate with and participate in,” she affirmed. Her extensive background, spanning nearly two decades in international cooperation across digital economy and governance fields, positions her uniquely for this role. Prior to this appointment, Kang Ha-yeon served as vice chair of the OECD AIGO and GPAI, and as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Telecommunications Working Group, actively promoting South Korea’s international cooperation in digital and AI sectors.
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized the strategic importance of this leadership role, stating, “With the assumption of the chairperson role, South Korea will lead cooperation and agenda-setting for global AI development.”
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This appointment signifies South Korea’s growing influence and commitment to shaping the future of AI governance on a global scale, ensuring that AI advancements align with international values and principles.
