Seoul, South Korea
I currently work in external relations and global partnerships at Korea’s National AI Research Lab. Previously, I covered the AI industry as a tech journalist during its steepest rise. Professional inquiries: ianyhcho [at] kaist [dot] ac [dot] kr Personal: ianyhcho [at] gmail [dot] com
National AI Research Lab (NAIRL) is Korea's national AI research consortium, backed by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), with legal incorporation planned by 2028. Here I: • Develop and formalise strategic partnerships with leading global AI institutions, including partnership scoping, agreement structuring, and coordination of joint research initiatives. • Manage international joint research programmes with 19 overseas collaborators across 13 universities and research institutions in 4 countries, overseeing cross-border coordination, grant administration, and research progress tracking. • Coordinate external engagement and stakeholder outreach for NAIRL’s flagship convenings, bringing together academia, industry, and research stakeholders in support of government-facing strategic priorities. • Lead the development of NAIRL’s core narrative and media messaging, while tracking and synthesising AI policy and industry developments for leadership.
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) serves as the administrative host institution for NAIRL during its pre-incorporation phase. This entry reflects the same role as above under KAIST's entity.
Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) is a US-based independent non-profit and global AI policy network, advising governments and international organizations including the G7, G20, and the Council of Europe. Here I: • Conducted research and drafted key updates for the Vietnam Country Report in the Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values (AIDV) Index 2026, a comprehensive review of national AI policies and practices across 80+ countries.
ZDNET Korea is the Korean edition of ZDNET, a global technology media brand, and Korea's most-read IT media outlet. Here I: • Authored 300+ news and analytical articles on AI, data, and emerging policy. • Cultivated a high-level strategic network by conducting 30+ exclusive interviews with frontier AI lab executives, government officials, and key policy shapers. • Led global outreach for AI Festa, Korea's largest AI conference, securing leaders from OpenAI, Cohere and Perplexity for the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).
AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) is a Singapore & US-based nonprofit advancing responsible AI development across the Asia-Pacific, partnered with ASEAN and USAID. Here I: • Analysed AI policy across the APAC region, co-authoring key publications including the annual report 'The State of AI in the Pacific Islands' and a policy analysis of the 'AI Seoul Summit'.