As artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT expand, concerns over their potential impact on human jobs are growing. According to a March report by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET), “Tasks for Workforce Development in Preparation for the Full-Scale AI Era,” approximately 3.27 million jobs—13.1% of all jobs in South Korea—are at high risk of disappearing due to AI.
By industry, manufacturing is most vulnerable, with 930,000 jobs at risk, followed by construction (510,000 jobs), professional and scientific services (460,000 jobs), and information and communication (410,000 jobs). Professional roles account for nearly 60% of those at risk, with 1.96 million positions potentially being replaced by AI.
The financial sector is particularly exposed, with 99.1% of jobs—mostly management and financial expert roles—facing potential elimination due to AI advancements.
AI technology has already been implemented in various sectors, especially in call centers. In 2023, KB Kookmin Bank signed a contract to reduce its workforce by 240 call center agents, planning to replace them with AI consultants. However, following public backlash, the subcontractors kept the employees on staff.
Language-based jobs are also under threat. Reports suggest AI will soon take over tasks like writing articles for simple information dissemination. Over 59% of major global media outlets already use AI to generate content. A 2022 survey by the Korea Press Foundation found that 90.9% of respondents believed translators and interpreters were the most likely to be replaced by AI. The Korean Court Stenographer Association noted that AI has significantly reduced the need for human translators by lowering production costs.
The broadcasting industry is also feeling the impact. With the rise of 3D virtual humans, the role of traditional broadcasters is being challenged. Jeju City, for example, recently introduced Jaina, a virtual human announcer, to deliver weekly news. At a monthly cost of about $450, Jaina allows the city to produce video news without constraints on time or location, saving both time and money.
The broadcasting industry is also feeling the impact. For example, American computer manufacturer IBM announced last August that it planned to replace 8,000 jobs with AI technology and halt hiring for positions that AI could replace in the coming years. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, laid off over 1,000 employees in tech and advertising roles this year, along with cuts to YouTube-related personnel. It cited that AI could replace many advertising tasks, thereby reducing the need for a large workforce. In January, German enterprise software company SAP announced that it would cut about 8,000 jobs to increase its focus on AI development.
Most Commented