The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, an affiliate of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, on Oct. 2 announced the country's reelection to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Council for the 2027-29 term. Shown is a scene from this year's ISO General Assembly that ran from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in Paris. (ISO's official website)

By Lee Da Som

Korea has been reelected to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Council.

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), an affiliate of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, on Oct. 2 announced that the country will serve another term from 2027-29, with the reelection coming at the ISO General Assembly in Paris from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.

The nation beat out India and Austria in a closely contested race.

A council member state since 2024, Korea for another three years will continue to participate in ISO decisions on strategy, budget and major standardization policy.

KATS said the reelection is an opportunity for Korea to take a leading role in setting international standards for advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology, while also helping shape major ISO policies like digital transformation of the standard development process.

Another plan is to boost cooperation in standards with major economies including the U.S., U.K. and France so that Korean technology and the views of domestic industries are reflected in global standards in a timely manner.

"With this reelection to the council, we have laid the groundwork for further expansion of Korean influence within the ISO," KATS President Kim Dae-ja said. "We will strive to lead the standardization of key future technologies such as AI and quantum technology to raise the global competitiveness of our companies."

dlektha0319@korea.kr