South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized the need for the wealth generated by artificial intelligence to benefit the broader public, as the country faces ongoing labor tensions at Samsung Electronics and a significant rally in its stock market driven by major chipmakers [1]. Bae highlighted that the rise of AI raises important questions about wealth distribution, potential increases in inequality, and possible job losses, noting that recent labor-management conflicts at Samsung are part of this broader trend [1].
At Samsung Electronics, a planned 18-day strike by unionized workers was suspended after government intervention, with workers demanding the formalization of bonuses, removal of bonus caps, and a payout of 15% of Samsung's operating profits as bonuses. A tentative agreement was reached, and the union is voting on the plan from Friday to May 27 [1]. Bae warned that such industrial actions are unlikely to be isolated incidents, especially as more large companies emerge in the AI era, and stressed the importance of resolving labor-management conflicts through dialogue [1].
Bae also referenced concerns at Hyundai regarding the integration of Atlas robots from Boston Dynamics into its manufacturing process, reflecting broader anxieties about automation and job security [1]. He reiterated that South Korea must not only focus on creating wealth with AI but also ensure its proper use and equitable distribution, aiming for an 'AI-inclusive society' where no one is left behind [1].
The Deputy PM's comments follow a controversial Facebook post by presidential official Kim Yeong Beom, who suggested distributing excess tax revenue from the AI and semiconductor sectors to citizens. This proposal caused market turmoil, but an official later clarified that it was Kim's personal opinion and not under formal discussion [1].
On the market front, Bae addressed the sharp gains in South Korean equities, with Samsung shares up nearly 144% and SK Hynix up almost 200% year-to-date. The Kospi index has surged more than 86% in 2026, surpassing last year's gain of about 75%, largely due to the AI-driven rally in tech stocks [1].
CONCLUSION
South Korea's leadership is grappling with the dual challenges of ensuring AI-driven wealth benefits society at large and managing labor tensions at major firms like Samsung. Meanwhile, the country's stock market has experienced a dramatic rally, fueled by tech giants, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of the AI era.