Will the AI technology bring better future for most of Koreans? What are the hidden devils that we don't know?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing sector globally and in South Korea , with the nation's tech-savvy economy embracing the wave of AI advancements. The government's ambition to make South Korea one of the world's top three AI powerhouses by 2027 reflects the country's commitment to technological innovation. AI's transformative potential is recognized for its ability to enhance productivity and efficiency across industries, from healthcare and education to military systems and connected vehicles.
However, the journey towards an AI-powered future is not without its challenges. A significant concern is the impact of AI on the job market. A survey conducted in April 2023 revealed that 70% of South Koreans believe there will be more job losses following the implementation of AI, highlighting the fear of unemployment as technology advances. This sentiment underscores the need for a balanced approach to AI integration, ensuring that economic benefits do not come at the cost of job security.
The AI ecosystem in South Korea is also facing a shortage of experts, which could hinder the development and application of AI technologies. Public organizations express concerns over losing trust due to incorrect AI decisions, emphasizing the importance of reliability and accuracy in AI systems. Moreover, the rapid evolution of AI brings a widening front of risks, including data security, privacy, transparency, safety, and data bias. These issues necessitate robust legal frameworks and ethical guidelines to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.
South Korea's strength in chip manufacturing positions it favorably in the global AI landscape. Companies like LG and Naver are exploring ways to carve out niches in the AI market, leveraging the country's semiconductor leadership to advance AI systems. However, experts point out that South Korea lags in AI literacy, talent, and research, which could impede its progress towards becoming an AI innovation hub.
In response to these challenges, the Korean government has intensified efforts to build a solid AI infrastructure, establish large databases, and provide education and training. Building community trust is also a priority, as it is crucial for Korea to become a global center for AI. The country's experience in using AI to combat the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates its capability to harness technology for public good, showcasing innovative solutions like fast-developed testing kits enabled by AI.
So, while AI technology promises a brighter future for South Korea, it is imperative to address the 'hidden devils' such as job displacement, expert shortages, and ethical concerns. With careful planning and strategic investment in AI literacy and infrastructure, South Korea can mitigate these risks and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI to ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for its citizens. The nation's journey towards an AI-driven economy will be a delicate balance of embracing innovation while safeguarding the interests of its workforce and maintaining public trust in technology.