President Lee Jae-myung on the 29th, noting the rapid changes in the labor environment driven by advances in AI (artificial intelligence), said, "It seems some union declared it would not allow production robots onto the shop floor," adding, "You cannot dodge the massive cart rolling toward us. In the end, we must adapt quickly to that society." He did not name specific corporations, but he appeared to be referring to the Hyundai Motor union, which recently issued a statement saying, "Not a single Atlas (Humanoid Robot) will be allowed onto the shop floor without a labor-management agreement."
That afternoon, at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee presided over a senior secretaries meeting and, after mentioning the union's statement opposing the introduction of robots, said, "I don't think it's for real; it's part of struggle strategy and tactics." He added, "When steam engines were introduced in the past, there was a 'machine-breaking movement' because they were said to steal people's jobs," and, "A world is coming soon where AI machines make their own judgments, don't eat, and work tirelessly in pitch darkness without lights. It's unavoidable."
Lee said a small group that possesses AI means of production will monopolize wealth, adding, "Jobs will polarize. It will come faster than expected, and we need to respond." He continued, "I'm not saying we should do that right now, but we should prepare little by little," and, "If it's a world that will come anyway, we should prepare in advance and adapt, even gradually. I hope there will be much thought given to such issues."
He also said a "basic society" is needed to prepare for the AI era. It is a policy for the government to support learning so that all citizens can learn and use AI. Lee said, "All citizens cannot avoid using artificial intelligence," and, "Acknowledge and learn as quickly as possible, and the government should provide learning opportunities so many people can join production using AI as a tool." He also said, "If you say, 'This is absolutely not allowed,' 'This is impossible so don't even say it,' 'If you say it, you're a commie,' you won't adapt."