AI anxiety grips Korea's youth amid semiconductor boom

Young Koreans and junior employees increasingly view artificial intelligence with apprehension, seeing it as a threat to their job security. This contrasts sharply with the perspective of senior management and older workers, who tend to perceive AI as a tool for innovation and efficiency. A report from the Korea Labor Institute highlights this divide, noting that while AI can free up higher-ranking employees from repetitive tasks to focus on creative work, it poses a significant risk to less experienced staff whose roles might be more easily automated.

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I understand the fears of the younger generation that jobs are evaporating.

This anxiety is reflected in the job market. Despite a booming semiconductor industry and an improving economy, young people are struggling to find employment. The number of young job seekers has fallen significantly year-on-year, with notable declines in preferred sectors such as information technology and professional scientific and technical services. Global tech giants are also increasing AI investments while simultaneously reducing their workforces, fueling concerns about future employment prospects.

While some companies, like Samsung Electronics, are reportedly evaluating how many employees' tasks can be handled by a single AI system, sparking fears of impending layoffs, the broader economic gains are not being felt by the majority of young Koreans. Even substantial investment plans announced by companies like Samsung Electronics may not immediately translate into high-quality jobs, as the construction phase for new facilities primarily creates temporary civil engineering and construction roles.

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For employees with high seniority and management roles with significant discretion, AI removes tedious repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on creative tasks, but for those with low work control and limited room for autonomy, it is a threat that may replace their inexperience.

Government officials have acknowledged the need for "imagination" to ensure the fruits of the current economic boom are shared more broadly. However, concrete policy blueprints are lacking. Beyond discussions on how to distribute excess corporate profits, new approaches are needed. Experts suggest expanding public care services, which are less susceptible to AI automation, as a potential avenue for creating stable, quality jobs that could attract young talent. This would require improving public care infrastructure and enhancing the working conditions of care providers, potentially funded by excess tax revenues and corporate profits.

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The unprecedented boom requires imagination commensurate with it.