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President Lee Jae-myung shakes hands with Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), prior to their meeting at the Blue House in Seoul on May 22. / Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung met with Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), on May 22 to discuss ways to address labor and employment challenges in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) transition.

President Lee received Director-General Houngbo at the Blue House main building. The meeting was attended by key government and presidential officials, including Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon, Presidential Chief of Staff for Policy Kim Yong-bum, and Senior Presidential Secretary for Social Affairs Moon Jin-young.

In his opening remarks, President Lee expressed his gratitude to the ILO for its willingness to participate in the Global AI Hub initiative spearheaded by the Korean government. "I understand that the ILO has agreed to join our Global AI Hub," President Lee said. "The ILO has historically wielded a profound influence on the development of the labor movement in South Korea, and our labor community has drawn significant support from your institution."

President Lee further requested the ILO’s active role regarding the structural shifts in the labor market driven by technological advancements. "The displacement of jobs by AI will undoubtedly become a major global discourse, and we have high expectations for the ILO’s leadership," he noted. "We welcome your continued advice on our overarching labor policies."

In response, Director-General Houngbo lauded the initiative, stating, "The launch of the Global AI Hub vividly demonstrates the Korean government's strong commitment. The ILO stands fully prepared to actively participate in the Global AI Hub championed by the Republic of Korea."

Houngbo also highlighted Korea's institutional footprint within the international organization, noting, "South Korea’s financial contributions to the ILO currently rank within the top 10 globally."

Acknowledging the contribution, President Lee replied, "Given that South Korea possesses a wealth of exceptionally competent and talented professionals, I hope the ILO will actively utilize and recruit more Korean talent within your ranks."

                                                                                                         Park Young-hoon