On the 29th, President Lee Jae-myung, addressing the rapid changes in the labor environment driven by advances in AI (artificial intelligence) technology, said, "It seems some union declared it would not allow production robots onto worksites," 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 worksite without labor-management agreement."
That afternoon, Lee presided over a senior secretaries' meeting at Cheong Wa Dae and, after mentioning the union's anti-robot statement, said, "I don't think it's for real; it's part of struggle strategy and tactics." He continued, "When the steam engine was introduced in the past, there was a 'machine-breaking movement' on the grounds that it took people's jobs," adding, "A world is coming soon where AI machines make their own judgments, do not eat, and work tirelessly in pitch-dark places without light. It cannot be avoided."
Lee said that a small group possessing AI means of production would monopolize wealth, adding, "Jobs will polarize. It will come faster than expected, and we must respond to it." He went on, "I'm not saying we should do it right away, but we need to prepare, even little by little," and added, "If it is a world that will come anyway, we should prepare in advance and adapt, even little by little. I hope there is a lot of deliberation on such issues."
He also said a "basic society" is needed to prepare for the AI era. It is a policy in which the government supports learning so that all citizens can study and use AI. Lee said, "All citizens cannot avoid using artificial intelligence," adding, "Acknowledge it and learn as quickly as possible, and the government should provide learning opportunities so that many people can use AI as a tool and have opportunities to participate in production." He also said, "If we say, 'This is absolutely not allowed,' 'This is unthinkable, so don't even say it,' 'Say it and you're a commie,' then we will not adapt."