Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind and a key contributor to the advancement of artificial intelligence, is finally making an official visit to South Korea. His trip goes beyond a routine overseas business tour, foreshadowing a special meeting a decade after a historic game. Ten years ago, in 2016, the world was shocked when Lee Sedol 9-dan, a top Go player, lost to an AI program. Since that day, the reunion of these two figures is evaluated not as mere coincidence but as a significant event reflecting the flow of the times. The core of this event is Hassabis's direct attendance at a large-scale event named "Google For Korea 2026," where he will hold an in-depth dialogue with Lee Sedol 9-dan and author Jo Seung-yeon, featuring a unique dynamic of three distinct perspectives. The theme of this dialogue is set as "Ten Years of AI: A Vision for the Future for All," strongly revealing the intent to explore the direction of the digital age beyond past achievements.
The content of the dialogue is expected to center on reflecting on the 10th anniversary of that historic Go match from 2016. The moment AI defeated humans served not only as a milestone in technological development but also as a catalyst for a shift in public perception of AI. It is expected that Hassabis will share personal thoughts about that match and recall the tension and technical challenges of the time. This is anticipated to be a forum for philosophical reflection on the coexistence of humans and machines, rather than just a celebration of technical success. Furthermore, this dialogue will adopt a roundtable format that encourages free exchange of opinions rather than a one-sided presentation or promotion, focusing on sharing diverse viewpoints among participants with the audience.
As can be seen from the program structure of the event, various discussions comprehensively addressing the present and future of AI are expected. Chairman Yoon Gu of Google Korea is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on "AI Innovation," explaining the latest technological trends and corporate strategies. This event was planned to analyze the spread of AI since its emergence and to examine how technology developed in laboratories naturally connects to industrial fields and daily life. It appears that issues and solutions that may arise as AI technology spreads beyond specific fields to various sectors of society will be discussed. These are important topics that all stakeholders facing the AI era must consider together, and the event will provide practical insights for attendees.
The public visit of Demis Hassabis to South Korea holds immense significance at this point, ten years after AI met humanity. With AI now deeply rooted in our lives, the core goal of this event is not merely to commemorate past successes but to propose future development directions. The evolution of AI technology continues to accelerate, raising new challenges in various aspects such as social structures, employment environments, and ethical standards. Through this dialogue, we will receive a clear vision on how to overcome past limitations and positively lead the AI era. It is expected that this will serve as an important reference for the entire world, including South Korea, to find ways to share the benefits of AI technology while managing potential risks.