AI Era: Youth, Women, Creators Speak on Labor Issues

At 21, Lim So-hee is the youngest candidate vying for a seat in the Jeonju City Council, representing a progressive coalition. Identifying herself as a "youth, a woman, and a creative worker," Lim's background includes working as a webtoon assistant with declared assets of zero won. Her decision to enter politics stems from witnessing the power of collective action during protests, realizing that "if you act, you can change society."

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Don't you think the youth, who experience the value of labor most closely, are needed in the local council? I want to create a structure where young people can continue to live in Jeonju.

Motivated by a desire to protect the rights of workers and young people who she feels are inadequately protected by law, Lim acknowledges the challenges of running as a minority party candidate. "It's difficult to stand out to voters with a number like 6," she admits, referring to her ballot number, and notes the significant resource and recognition gap compared to major parties. Despite these hurdles, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to challenge the election.

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I realized that society can be changed if you act.

Lim has observed a growing interest in young politicians during her campaign. While some initially viewed her with curiosity due to her age and profession, many have come to agree that the voices of young people need direct representation in local government. A key policy proposal is the establishment of an ordinance to protect labor rights in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Having experienced the challenges of generative AI in the webtoon industry, she warns that AI-generated content, consumed as if created by humans, threatens creators' rights and jobs, a problem extending beyond the arts to encompass broader youth labor issues.

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I thought I had to raise my voice directly to protect the rights of workers and young people who are not properly protected by law.

Furthermore, Lim is keen on developing a local cooperative economy model that involves independent producers and distributors. She believes this structure is necessary to protect the value of labor, rather than leaving livelihoods to the whims of a large market. For young people, she emphasizes the need for a stable foundation for life in the region, not just financial support. Lim is committed to working in the city council to ensure a future centered on people, not AI.

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It's difficult to stand out to voters with a number like 6.