Lee urges swift adaptation to AI era

Jan 30, 2026, 11:13 am

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a senior aides meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on Jan. 29. / Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung said Wednesday that society cannot avoid the sweeping impact of artificial intelligence and must begin preparing now to turn it into an opportunity.

Speaking at the 21st senior presidential aides meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae on Jan. 29, Lee addressed concerns over potential job losses caused by the expanded use of AI and automation. “We cannot avoid the massive cart that is rolling toward us,” he said, stressing the need to start preparing immediately so people can participate in production by using AI as a tool.

Lee referred to reports that a labor union had suggested blocking the introduction of production robots at worksites, describing such claims as likely part of a broader protest strategy rather than a literal stance. His remarks were widely interpreted as being directed at the labor union of Hyundai Motor Co., which recently warned of a potential employment crisis stemming from increased robot deployment and said it could take strong action if management moved unilaterally.

The president said resisting technological change outright would leave society falling behind the times. Instead, he argued, the focus should be on adapting quickly and using AI as a tool to respond to shrinking job opportunities.

“A world is coming where machines work tirelessly around the clock in dark factories without food or rest. That future is inevitable,” Lee said. He predicted growing polarization between highly skilled jobs and low-wage labor that AI and robots cannot replace, emphasizing the need for preparation and response. “If this world is coming anyway, we must prepare for it in advance,” he added.

Lee also cited historical examples such as Britain’s machine-breaking movement during the Industrial Revolution and the decline of abacus schools following the spread of electronic calculators, saying AI follows a similar trajectory. “There is no way for all citizens to avoid using artificial intelligence,” he said.

He concluded by urging swift acceptance and learning, adding that the government must provide opportunities for people to acquire AI-related skills and create conditions in which many can participate in production by using AI as a tool. “This is one of the most important tasks we face right now,” Lee said.

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