Signal President Lee Jae-myung Chairs Report on Seven Future Growth 'SEED' Technologies

Summary

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung chaired a report session at the presidential office on August 12, 2026 on seven future growth engine technologies dubbed 'SEED.' He emphasized that advanced industrial competitiveness and scientific-technological capability are the top indicators of national power and pledged government backing. The seven designated fields are small modular reactors (SMR), nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, space and aerospace, advanced biotechnology, and advanced materials and parts supply chains. The event followed a related move the day before, on August 11, when the Cabinet approved amendments to the enforcement decree of the renewable energy promotion law, setting a national ceiling on setback distances for renewable energy facilities ahead of the amended law's implementation on September 18. Together, the two actions signal a broadening of Korea's technology strategy beyond the 'Physical AI' push announced on July 2 into a wider portfolio of frontier sectors. The report was based on official government policy briefing sources rather than independent media coverage.