[Teheran-ro] Sorry for Being Human

"Munsonghamnida (a self-deprecating Korean slang meaning 'Sorry, I'm a humanities major')." This phrase reflects the self-mockery of humanities students struggling to find jobs. However, recent trends suggest that the sentiment has shifted beyond "Munsonghamnida" to "Sorry for Being Human," indicating a climate where even being human feels like an apology. This is because concerns that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace human jobs are no longer just predictions but are becoming reality.
Big Tech companies in the United States, leveraging AI technology, are carrying out large-scale restructuring under the banner of increased productivity and efficiency. South Korea is no exception. Krafton Inc. is implementing its first-ever "voluntary resignation program" for all employees, even though its cumulative operating profit for the first to third quarters this year surpassed one trillion won for the first time since its founding. SK Telecom, despite establishing an in-house AI company, also announced a "special retirement program" for its staff.
Examples of AI replacing human labor could be seen even at events. At a recent Intel Corporation press briefing I attended, there was no interpreter present despite the attendance of a foreign executive. Instead, real-time translation was provided on screen by Flitto Inc., an AI language company. The translation was smooth and contextually accurate. It was enough to make one think that companies may soon opt for AI tools over hiring interpreters.
Foreign experts have offered similar outlooks. Chen Deli, a researcher at the Chinese AI company DeepSeek, recently stated in a public forum that AI could eliminate most jobs within the next 10 to 20 years. He emphasized, "Tech companies must at least act as guardians of humanity, protecting human safety and helping to reorganize social order."
So what kind of response is needed now? It is impossible to stop the spread of AI. What matters is building social infrastructure that enables adaptation to the AI era. The government should focus on structural measures such as job redesign, retraining programs for middle-aged and older workers, AI competency development, and safety nets to cushion the impact of unemployment. Companies, too, should not focus solely on cost reduction but establish systems that allow employees to grow alongside AI tools.
Concerns that AI will reduce jobs are grounded in reality. However, the direction of technology is already set. The real issue is not the speed of technology, but the speed of human adaptation. If we prepare for a future where humans and AI coexist and redefine their roles, the shock to employment can be mitigated. What is needed now is not fear, but systematic preparation.
[email protected] Reporter