Kim Young-hoon: "Astronomical AI Achievements Are Collective Gains... Fair Distribution Needed"

Forum: "A New Path for Social Innovation Alongside AI Technological Advancement"

On July 14, Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, emphasized, "The astronomical achievements of artificial intelligence (AI) represent the total sum of benefits collectively created by our society," adding, "A 'new social contract' is needed so that all members of society can share the fruits of growth in the AI era."

Minister Kim made these remarks at the forum "A New Path for Social Innovation Alongside AI Technological Advancement," held in the Peace & Park Royal Hall inside the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of July 14, 2026. He stated, "The essence of the social contract is to ensure that fair distribution leads to healthy reinvestment, thereby creating coexistence and sustainable growth." This forum, organized by the government for the first time, aimed to identify the challenges facing society in the era of AI-driven transformation and to initiate public debate on forging a new social contract.

This event was organized to spark public discussion on the concept of solidarity wages, which Minister Kim proposed in May. Representatives from labor and management, experts in economics, business, welfare, and labor, as well as lawmakers, attended the forum to discuss how to socially share the changes and benefits in the labor market brought by AI-driven innovation. The discussion was chaired by Kang Sungjin, professor at Korea University, with presentations by Assemblyman Cha Jiho of the Democratic Party of Korea, Professor Chung Heungjoon of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, and Professor Yoon Dongyeol of Konkuk University.

Kim Younghoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, is delivering the opening remarks at the launch ceremony of the Shipbuilding Industry Labor-Management-Government Dialogue Committee held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

Minister Kim stated, "The AI-driven transformation is not merely a matter of technological progress or a temporary trend—it is fundamentally altering the industrial ecosystem, how we work, and even the value and definition of labor." He continued, "It is crucial to build a bridge so that people can cross safely between disappearing jobs and emerging ones." He also pointed out, "New forms of labor, such as platform work and freelancing, are rapidly increasing, but it is difficult to fully address them using rules established in the era of industrialization."

He stressed that the massive achievements of companies in the AI era are also a result of contributions from society as a whole. Minister Kim stated, "Corporate achievements are not solely the outcome of independent innovation; they have been shaped by global market conditions, government tax benefits and infrastructure support, and the efforts of countless primary and subcontracted workers." He continued, "We should not view investment and distribution as opposing forces. Instead, we must establish a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution through a new social contract that fits the AI era."

He added, "A new social contract cannot be unilaterally determined by the government," promising, "Instead of predefining the outcome, we will seek solutions through social dialogue involving not only labor and management, but also young people, non-unionized workers, and those engaged in new forms of work." Starting with this forum, the government plans to form a green paper advisory body for social innovation in the AI era, and will publish a question-centered green paper within the year to continue the public dialogue.

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