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🇰🇷 South Korea /Technology

AI Will Change Work, But Humans Will Remain Key Decision-Makers

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Experts at the 5th People and Digital Forum in Seoul discussed the future of work and learning in the age of AI.
  • They agreed that while AI will automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, humans will remain crucial for defining problems, ethical considerations, and final decision-making.
  • Concerns were raised that AI could increase barriers for young people entering the workforce, necessitating a reevaluation of human synergy in organizations.

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into various industries is reshaping human work, but experts believe the core human elements of problem-solving and decision-making will remain indispensable.

The beginning and end of [any task] are ultimately human. Defining what problem to solve and why, and the final decision-making, will have humans at the end.

— Hong Sung-joonHead of Design at Bank Salad, speaking at the 5th People and Digital Forum.

At the 5th People and Digital Forum hosted by the Hankyoreh newspaper, industry professionals from big tech, startups, and manufacturing sectors shared insights into how AI is transforming workplaces. They emphasized that while AI can handle repetitive and hazardous tasks, humans will continue to play a vital role in defining the problems to be solved, engaging in ethical deliberations, and making final judgments.

"The beginning and end of [any task] are ultimately human," stated Hong Sung-joon, Head of Design at Bank Salad. He elaborated that defining the 'why' behind a problem and the ultimate decision-making process will remain human domains. Lee Deok-man, head of the Intelligent Research Center at POSCO Holdings' AI Robotics Convergence Research Institute, added that humans serve as the ultimate safety net in situations where AI cannot function, citing the example of the typhoon Hinnamnor's impact on the Pohang steelworks.

In situations where AI cannot operate, the final safety net will ultimately be humans.

— Lee Deok-manHead of the Intelligent Research Center at POSCO Holdings' AI Robotics Convergence Research Institute, speaking at the 5th People and Digital Forum.

However, the discussion also highlighted potential challenges, particularly for younger generations. Yoo Jae-yeon, head of the social division at the National AI Strategy Committee, pointed out that the focus on productivity might lead organizations to prioritize hiring individuals who can better leverage AI, potentially creating higher entry barriers for inexperienced young professionals. This necessitates a careful recalibration of how human synergy is fostered within organizations.

When focusing on productivity, organizations might find it difficult to justify hiring inexperienced young people if the focus is on enabling existing skilled workers to use AI better.

— Yoo Jae-yeonHead of the social division at the National AI Strategy Committee, speaking at the 5th People and Digital Forum.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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