"Next Year Marks a Major AI Turning Point... Human Value Becomes Even Greater"

Trend Korea 2026
"2026 Will Be a Tipping Point for AI"
"Human in the Loop" ? Human Intervention Is Essential
"Fundamental Human Capabilities Will Become Even More Important"

"In the era of AI, the true winner will not be the one with the fastest or most powerful machine, but the human who thinks most deeply and asks the wisest questions on top of that machine."

The main topic identified for next year by "Trend Korea 2026" (published by Miraeui Chang) is artificial intelligence (AI). Since the series began in 2009 and has continued for 18 years, the highlighted keywords have typically been closely linked to economic phenomena. However, this year, AI has emerged as a major keyword in an unusual development. At a press conference held on the morning of the 24th at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, lead author Kim Nando stated, "It was not a deliberate choice to highlight AI based on its importance. Rather, when we analyzed according to our usual process, we found that the influence of AI was unexpectedly significant."

On the morning of the 24th, at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, lead author Kim Nando spoke at the press conference for the publication of "Trend Korea 2026." Photo by Seo Mideum

The first keyword selected by the authors for the AI era is "Human in the loop." This principle states that, in the process of AI performing tasks, human intervention is required at least once. In a situation where AI is deeply embedded in everyday life and exerts considerable influence, the paradox is that the role of humans has become even more important. Although AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated, there are still situations where human involvement is necessary. In fact, there have been frequent cases where using AI-generated results as they are has led to harm due to misinformation. The ability to assess the value of information provided by AI is essential. Kim explained, "Whether or not one selectively uses AI information based on expertise can lead to completely different outcomes," adding, "The gap between those who benefit from AI and those who do not will become more pronounced."

"Zero click" is another change resulting from the influence of AI. Personalized recommendations from algorithms that know you better than you know yourself have greatly reduced search fatigue. Professor Kim analyzed, "This will be the most important trend in 2026 business, shaking up the principles of consumption and marketing."

"Ready core" reflects an environment where, due to increased access to information brought about by AI, people are more prepared for potential failures. The key is to minimize the possibility of wasting time and money. Kim noted, "There is a growing desire to bring future experiences into the present and control them through meticulous preparation and rehearsal," and pointed out that this trend is influenced by the cohort background of generations accustomed to 'self-directed learning' and 'pre-learning.'

"AX organization" predicts changes in the work environment resulting from the use of AI. The traditional organizational structure divided by hierarchy and department is rapidly being dismantled and reorganized into flexible and autonomous organizations centered around project-based work. Kim stated, "Like jazz musicians who come together spontaneously for a jam session, this kind of improvisational collaboration is becoming important," and diagnosed, "A new culture of learning-where people learn, unlearn, and relearn-is urgently needed."

"Fundamentalism" focuses on the longing for unchanging fundamentals, free from the influence of algorithms in the AI era. Fundamentalism is a trend that seeks the stability and satisfaction provided by classical values and trustworthy originals. The collective nostalgia of the younger generation for the analog era, which they have never experienced themselves, was identified as a cause of this phenomenon. Kim cited the popularity of the drama "Mr. Sunshine," set in the late Joseon Dynasty, as an example, explaining that "anemoia" (nostalgia for a time or place one has never experienced) has a significant impact. He also analyzed that the increase in visitors to museums nationwide is due to the fact that, as the AI era accelerates, attention to irreplaceable fundamentals is growing.

Kim emphasized, "2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the match between Lee Sedol and AlphaGo. Predicting the next ten years based on the changes that have occurred since then is dizzying. It is clear that next year will be a tipping point for AI. As this happens, fundamental human capabilities will become even more important."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.