SoftBank's Masayoshi Son warns of superintelligence era in South Korea AI cooperation talks

SoftBank CEO Discusses AI Cooperation with South Korean Leadership

SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday at the presidential office in Seoul to discuss cooperation in AI and semiconductors, alongside large-scale infrastructure investment opportunities 1

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. The meeting, which began at 10 a.m., brought together senior government officials including Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon, and René Haas, CEO of Arm 2

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President Lee emphasized that cooperation in artificial intelligence between South Korea and Japan remains critical, expressing hope that the Japanese technology investor would serve as a bridge between the two nations 1

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. Lee thanked Son for advice he had previously offered to Korean presidents including Kim Dae-jung and Moon Jae-in, requesting continued guidance as South Korea pursues its ambition to become one of the world's top three AI powers 2

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South Korea AI Power Ambitions and Infrastructure Plans

The Lee administration has launched an initiative to establish South Korea as a global AI leader through building an "AI expressway," a national project focused on expanding and connecting AI infrastructure and data as a network 1

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. President Lee articulated his vision for an "AI Basic Society" where artificial intelligence becomes fundamental public infrastructure, comparable to water supply and sewage systems, accessible to all citizens and organizations 2

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"Koreans understand both the risks and the benefits of artificial intelligence," Lee stated during the meeting. "We are working to minimize the risks while investing in its potential. Our goal is to build an 'AI Basic Society' where every citizen, every business, and every organization uses AI at least at a fundamental level" 2

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. Lee also expressed gratitude to Son for providing support and advice regarding South Korea's tariff negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration 1

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Artificial Superintelligence Warning and Coexistence with AI

Son delivered a stark warning about the imminent arrival of artificial superintelligence, or ASI, which he described as intelligence not merely 10 times but approximately 10,000 times more capable than the human brain 2

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. The SoftBank chairman stressed the need to fundamentally reconsider humanity's relationship with advanced AI systems, emphasizing coexistence with AI rather than control 1

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"Comparing humans with ASI will be like comparing humans with goldfish," Son explained. "A goldfish can't do math or learn the alphabet. Goldfish have hardware that is different from humans. What matters is not data training or experience -- the hardware itself defines the brain" 2

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. Son warned that humanity could soon occupy the position of the goldfish in this analogy, necessitating new frameworks for thinking about how to live harmoniously with superintelligent systems.

Despite the dramatic implications, Son offered reassurance about AI's intentions. "I believe AI will be kind, helpful, and capable of making people happier. Just as we do not seek to harm our household pets, we can live peacefully with AI. There is no need to fear that ASI will attack or consume us" 2

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Stargate Project and Next-Generation AI Infrastructure

The discussion comes as SoftBank serves as a key backer of the Stargate Project, a new initiative formed to invest $500 billion over four years in building next-generation AI infrastructure for OpenAI in the United States 1

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. SoftBank's partners in this venture include OpenAI and Oracle, making it one of the largest private infrastructure investments in history 2

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According to South Korean media reports, President Lee is believed to have requested cooperation in AI infrastructure investment from SoftBank for South Korean firms 1

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. During his state visit to the United Arab Emirates last month, Lee secured an agreement allowing Korean companies to participate in the UAE's segment of the Stargate Project, which focuses on AI and energy infrastructure, with an initial investment estimated at approximately 30 trillion won, around $22 billion 2

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Implications for Korea-Japan Tech Relations

Son's meeting with President Lee signals potential deepening of cooperation in AI and semiconductors between South Korea and Japan, two nations that have historically experienced tensions but share strategic interests in maintaining technological competitiveness against China and supporting U.S. partnerships. The emphasis on Son serving as a bridge suggests both nations recognize the value of coordinated approaches to AI development and infrastructure investment. As South Korea pursues its goal of becoming a top-three AI power, partnerships with established technology investors like SoftBank could accelerate access to capital, expertise, and international networks essential for competing in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.