On May 8, 2026, the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam district buzzed with anticipation as leaders from law, science, government, and industry gathered at Parnas Tower for a pivotal academic conference. Titled “AI Era, Aerospace Legal Issues and Policy Tasks,” the event was jointly hosted by the law firm Yulchon, the Korea Aerospace Policy Law Association, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology, the gathering aimed to tackle the emerging legal and policy challenges facing Korea’s aerospace sector.
Yulchon, a firm at the forefront of legal advisory services in aerospace and defense, operates the Defense Aerospace Strategy Center. This center has become a hub for legal expertise in a field where technology is advancing at breakneck speed, and the rules of the game are constantly shifting. The conference was not merely a formal affair: it was a meeting of minds determined to keep Korea’s aerospace industry on the cutting edge—both technologically and legally.
The event opened with a thoughtful address from Lee Geun-young, president of the Korea Aerospace Policy Law Association. Lee set the tone, emphasizing the critical juncture at which the industry finds itself, as AI and low-earth orbit satellite communications become part of everyday reality. The welcoming speech from Son Geum-ju, head of Yulchon’s Defense Aerospace Strategy Center, echoed this urgency. Son remarked, “At a time when AI and low-earth orbit satellite communication networks are becoming commercialized, Korea’s aerospace industry needs legal and institutional transformation to build industrial ecosystems domestically and internationally and enhance competitiveness.”
The importance of the occasion was underscored by congratulatory remarks from Hwang Chang-jeon, vice president of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and Hwang Ho-won, director of the Aviation Safety Technology Institute. Their words reflected a shared vision: ensuring that Korea not only keeps pace with global aerospace advancements but sets new standards for legal and policy frameworks in the field.
With over 150 participants from academia and industry in attendance, the conference was a testament to the high level of interest and concern about the future of aerospace in the age of AI. The sessions were designed to dig deep into the most pressing issues, balancing the promise of innovation with the practicalities of law and governance.
Session 1, titled “Legal Stability and Safety Governance of the Air Traffic System,” took a hard look at how AI Transformation—referred to as AX—is reshaping the landscape of air traffic management. Experts discussed the ripple effects of integrating AI into air traffic systems, from operational efficiency to the thorny question of liability when things go wrong. One hot topic was Urban Air Mobility (UAM), which uses AI to enable new forms of city air transport. As UAM technology edges closer to mainstream adoption, questions loom large: Who is responsible if an AI-driven air taxi malfunctions? What legal safeguards are needed to ensure safety in the skies?
Participants explored the intricacies of product liability laws as they pertain to AI-based UAM. They also examined the unique legal issues that can arise as Korean companies attempt to launch UAM businesses within the country’s existing legal framework. The consensus was clear—current laws, designed for traditional aviation, may not be up to the task of regulating AI-powered flight. There’s a pressing need for new governance structures that can keep pace with technological change, ensuring both stability and public safety.
Session 2 shifted focus to the fast-evolving field of private space business. Titled “Obstacles and Solutions to Private Space Business,” this session zeroed in on the institutional and policy barriers that have historically slowed the growth of Korea’s private aerospace sector. Participants diagnosed the challenges: cumbersome regulations, high market entry barriers, and a lack of clear national management and supervision systems as space activities expand.
Discussion centered on how to lower these hurdles for private companies eager to join the space race. Legal and policy experts outlined the need for reforms that would foster a vibrant space industry ecosystem—one where startups and established players alike can thrive. They debated the merits of streamlining licensing processes, clarifying liability in multi-party space ventures, and creating incentives for investment and innovation.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of collaboration and candid dialogue. Industry leaders, legal scholars, and policymakers alike recognized that the challenges ahead are complex, but not insurmountable. The event was as much about finding solutions as it was about identifying problems.
Son Geum-ju, in his closing remarks, captured the spirit of the day: “Yulchon is committed to working with the private sector, government, military, and academia to establish strategic foundations and provide top legal services for growth in UAM and private aerospace industries.” He emphasized that legal and institutional transformation is not just desirable, but essential if Korea is to build competitive, sustainable aerospace ecosystems both at home and on the world stage.
The conference also highlighted the role of legal professionals in supporting the industry’s evolution. As technology outpaces regulation, lawyers and policymakers must work hand in hand with engineers and business leaders. The hope is that, by anticipating legal hurdles and crafting forward-thinking policies, Korea can avoid the pitfalls that have tripped up other nations on the path to aerospace innovation.
For many attendees, the event was a call to action. The commercialization of AI and satellite communication networks is already reshaping the aerospace landscape. If Korea is to seize the opportunities these technologies offer, it must be proactive in adapting its legal and regulatory frameworks. That means not only updating old laws, but also fostering a culture of cooperation among all stakeholders—private companies, government agencies, the military, and academia.
The stakes are high. Aerospace is a sector where the margin for error is razor-thin, and the consequences of legal ambiguity can be severe. But with events like this conference, Korea is signaling its intent to lead—not just in technology, but in the thoughtful, responsible governance that makes true innovation possible.
As the conference wrapped up and attendees posed for a group photo, there was a palpable sense of momentum. The challenges are daunting, no doubt, but the commitment to collaboration and reform was unmistakable. With continued dialogue and decisive action, Korea’s aerospace industry is poised to soar higher than ever before.