On September 17, 2025, the vibrant heart of Seoul pulsed with the energy of innovation as the 2025 Global Bio Seoul Expo swung open its doors at the prestigious Seoul Sinra Hotel. This wasn’t just another industry gathering; it was a convergence of the world’s leading minds in biotechnology, a space where the future of health, medicine, and technology was being debated, dissected, and, perhaps most importantly, shaped. According to Money Today Broadcasting (MTN), the expo’s focus this year was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical and medical settings—a topic that’s rapidly gaining traction as healthcare systems worldwide grapple with aging populations and persistent gaps in essential medical services.
Jung Eun-kyung, South Korea’s Minister of Health and Welfare, set the tone early. In her opening remarks, she pledged robust government support for developing AI solutions that could fill critical gaps in healthcare delivery. “The Ministry of Health and Welfare is expanding investment in AI to support essential medical services and field demonstration support for medical innovation, while also fostering age-tech to realize healthy aging,” she declared, as reported by MTN. Her words echoed through the halls, signaling a clear governmental commitment to harnessing technology for public good.
But the government’s ambitions didn’t stop at the expo. On the same day, the first meeting of the Bio Industry Policy Council took place at Seoul Central University of Science and Technology, according to Yonhap News. This council, formed seven months prior in response to new domestic bio industry laws, aims to steer South Korea’s bio sector with a steady, strategic hand. With 15 members—ranging from industry experts to seasoned policy planners—the council’s mission is to lay the groundwork for a robust public bio industry system, balancing promotion with thoughtful regulation.
Jung Geun-gyeong, head of the bio industry department, emphasized the council’s forward-looking vision. “The council will lead the public bio industry system in a balanced and planned manner,” he stated, underlining the importance of both innovation and oversight. The council’s creation is part of a broader movement in South Korea to not just keep pace with the global bio sector, but to set the agenda—ensuring that policy, regulation, and real-world application move in harmony.
Meanwhile, another significant gathering unfolded as the Adoption Policy Committee, chaired by Minister Jung Eun-kyung, convened its inaugural meeting at the Child Rights Guarantee Agency in Seoul. As reported by The Fact, the committee was established under a special law enacted in July aimed at revitalizing domestic adoption. With 15 members drawn from the fields of child welfare, medicine, law, and adoption policy, the committee’s remit is broad: from setting standards for prospective adoptive parent education to reviewing and approving key policy directions.
Minister Jung underscored the committee’s pivotal role, remarking, “The Adoption Policy Committee is the driving force behind the public adoption system. We will continue to improve and establish this system in the field through the committee.” Her vision is clear—policy isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, especially the most vulnerable.
Looking ahead, public engagement is set to deepen. On September 21, Cheonan City’s Citizen Life Hall will host the first public hearing for the initiative known as “Hochajoseo were the people who were born,” led by bio industry expert Jung Geun-gyeong. The hearing aims to gather input from citizens and experts alike, with the goal of refining bio industry policy and raising public awareness. Jung highlighted the significance of this dialogue, saying the event would be “an opportunity to communicate directly with citizens and experts about bio industry development.” The hearing is open to all and free of charge, reflecting a commitment to transparency and inclusivity.
All these efforts are part of a much larger tapestry. Just a day before the expo and council meetings, the South Korean government unveiled its roadmap for the next five years, officially approving 123 national bio industry projects, as reported by NewsPim. This sweeping initiative, announced at the Government Complex Seoul, is the product of a rigorous screening and evaluation process. The projects are tied to five national goals: political unity, economic innovation, balanced growth, a robust society, and diplomacy centered on national interests.
Among the highlights are plans for constitutional reform to strengthen presidential accountability, the introduction of a four-year consecutive presidential term, and the establishment of an independent AI ecosystem. There’s also a push to complete the administrative capital in Sejong and advance the relocation of public institutions. The government is determined to keep a finger on the pulse of these projects, using both online and offline channels to monitor progress and gather public feedback. As the Office for Government Policy Coordination noted, “We will continue to listen to public opinion and strengthen communication throughout the implementation of national tasks.”
At the core of these sweeping changes is the belief that biotechnology and artificial intelligence are not just buzzwords—they are essential tools for building a healthier, more equitable society. The government’s approach is holistic, spanning everything from AI-powered medical diagnostics to the ethical and practical frameworks that govern adoption and child welfare. There’s a recognition that policy must keep pace with technological change, and that public trust is built through open dialogue and visible results.
South Korea’s bio industry push isn’t happening in a vacuum. Globally, the race is on to harness AI and biotech for public good, and countries that get it right stand to reap enormous benefits—not just economically, but in terms of quality of life for their citizens. The government’s willingness to invest, experiment, and, crucially, listen to both experts and ordinary people, could be the secret sauce that sets South Korea apart.
As the week’s events draw to a close, one thing is clear: the country is betting big on the future of bio and AI, and it’s doing so with a blend of ambition, pragmatism, and a touch of humility. With leaders like Jung Eun-kyung and Jung Geun-gyeong at the helm, and a government determined to make policy more than just words on paper, South Korea’s bio industry looks set for a new era—one where innovation and compassion go hand in hand.
