'Hire a Newbie or Use AI?' Shocking Answers from Current Executives

[Financial News] One out of three executives in domestic companies stated that they would replace human recruitment with AI if it is deemed more efficient than humans.
On the 31st, according to a survey conducted by global HR platform Deel in collaboration with the business card app 'Remember' on 244 executives of domestic companies from June 11 to 27, 32.5% of respondents expressed their willingness to replace manpower if AI proves higher efficiency. 56.7% answered, 'I will decide after observing the trend.'
The job group most affected by AI replacement was cited as new applicants (75%). It was followed by middle management (22%).
Responses indicating that AI is affecting recruitment reached nearly half (47%). In particular, the jobs most affected by AI introduction were development and engineering (35%), customer support (21%), and back office such as accounting and legal (18%). 67% of respondents said, "The demand for developers is decreasing as AI supports coding tasks."
However, direct workforce reduction due to AI is still limited. Only 6% of executives reported experiencing actual workforce reduction over the past year, and 74% said there was no change. Instead, 20% reported experiencing retraining or job transitions.
Even if AI utilization expands, the need for human management is still highly recognized. 98% of respondents answered that 'human management is necessary even with AI utilization,' and judgment (31%) and creativity (28%) were cited as capabilities that AI cannot replace. Additionally, HR and organizational management (29%), B2B sales (26%), compliance and external cooperation (19%), and marketing (18%) were evaluated as areas where human-centric insights and networks are essential.
Park Jun-hyung, Deel Korea's corporate client sales director, said, "AI is reshaping recruitment methods, but Korean management is choosing a human-centric practical approach," adding, "Efficiency can be enhanced with AI, but judgment, creativity, and relationship building are irreplaceable values."
Meanwhile, Deel is a global HR platform valued at 16 trillion won, with over 35,000 clients worldwide. It surpassed an annualized revenue of 1 billion dollars (approximately 1.3 trillion won) in the first quarter of 2025.

jimnn@fnnews.com Shin Ji-min Reporter