Details in a press release show that The Second ROK-Japan AI Working Level Meeting took place on Wednesday, October 21, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul. This working level meeting was established through discussions at the 14th ROK-Japan Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation, which was convened for the first time in 16 years, as a follow-up measure to the Korea-Japan summit in September 2025, and the 1st working level meeting took place in Tokyo in February 2026. The statement does not address the underlying tensions driving the need for such a forum, but the meeting itself represents a formal step in the ongoing effort to coordinate technological development between the two nations.
Background
The Korea-Japan Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation had not convened in sixteen years prior to this meeting. The 14th Joint Committee was the first to be held in this period. This resumption followed the Korea-Japan summit in September 2025, suggesting a shift in diplomatic priorities. The 1st working level meeting, held in Tokyo in February 2026, established the framework for this second iteration. The statement does not mention the specific topics discussed at the first meeting, but it highlights the intent to build upon that initial engagement.
Analysis
The establishment of the working level meeting indicates a recognition of shared strategic interests related to artificial intelligence. The Korean delegation’s composition – representatives from multiple ministries including Science and ICT, SMEs and Start-ups, and the National AI Strategy Committee – demonstrates a broad approach to AI policy. Similarly, the Japanese delegation’s makeup – encompassing the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry – suggests a similarly comprehensive strategy. The focus on the “full AI stack” and “AI research” suggests a desire to avoid a fragmented approach to technological advancement, and a potential desire to address differing national approaches to AI safety. The inclusion of the AI Safety Institute and Korean Agency for Technology and Standards indicates a prioritization of both technological development and governance frameworks.
Implications
The regular holding of this AI working level meeting, as planned by the two sides, has implications for regional technological alignment. Should the visit yield positive results, it could foster greater cooperation in areas such as AI governance and intellectual property rights. The meeting’s focus on “multilateral fora” suggests an intention to shape international standards for AI development, potentially influencing broader discussions at organizations like the OECD or G7. The statement does not address the potential implications for trade relations – specifically, the possibility of differing regulatory approaches to AI impacting investment flows – but the coordination effort could mitigate some of these risks.
Outlook
If the meeting continues to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation, it could lead to the development of joint research projects and standards. Should the two sides successfully coordinate on AI issues in multilateral fora, it would enhance their collective influence. The statement does not address the potential for disagreements on specific AI policies, but the commitment to regular meetings suggests a willingness to manage these differences through dialogue and collaboration.
Conclusion
The ongoing AI Working Level Meeting represents a formal channel for technological engagement between Seoul and Tokyo. The statement does not offer a definitive assessment of the meeting’s success, but it underscores the importance of continued dialogue as global standards for artificial intelligence remain in flux.
