AI wealth must benefit the public, South Korea's deputy PM says amid Samsung labor tensions

In a pressing call for fairness, South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized the necessity for the wealth generated by artificial intelligence to benefit the broader public. His remarks come at a time when the nation is facing labor disputes at Samsung Electronics, coupled with a stock market surge largely fueled by significant chip manufacturers. During an interview with CNBC's Lisa Kim, Bae highlighted the emerging challenges of wealth distribution in the AI era. He expressed concerns about AI potentially exacerbating inequality and contributing to job losses. "Recent labor-management conflicts can also be seen as part of this broader trend," he noted, referencing the recent suspension of an 18-day strike by unionized workers at Samsung, which was averted after government intervention. The striking workers had sought to formalize bonuses in their contracts, eliminate bonus caps, and secure 15% of Samsung's operating profits as bonuses. A tentative agreement was reached, with the union scheduled to vote on the proposal until May 27. Bae anticipates that such industrial actions may become more common, stating, "In the age of AI, more of these super-large companies will continue to emerge, which may lead to ongoing labor-management conflicts that need to be addressed through dialogue." Bae also pointed to concerns regarding Hyundai Motor's integration of Atlas robots from Boston Dynamics into its manufacturing processes. He stressed that South Korea must not only strive to generate substantial wealth through AI but also consider how this wealth and technology can be responsibly utilized for the public good. "The benefits of AI must also go to the public," he asserted, emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering an "AI-inclusive society where no one is left behind." His statements followed a controversial proposal by presidential official Kim Yeong Beom, who suggested using excess tax revenue from the country's AI and semiconductor sectors to benefit citizens. This proposal stirred market turmoil, prompting clarification that it was merely Kim's personal opinion. Bae, who also oversees science and technology, was questioned about the recent stock market gains led by tech giants Samsung and SK Hynix, which have seen share prices soar due to the AI surge. Samsung's shares have jumped nearly 144% this year, while SK Hynix has experienced a staggering rise of about 200%. The Kospi index itself has climbed over 86% so far in 2026, outpacing last year's 75% increase. When asked if the tech sector's concentrated gains might be a vulnerability, Bae acknowledged the strengths of these leading companies but also pointed out the ecosystem of supporting firms in semiconductor production. He expressed optimism about South Korea's potential to establish a competitive edge in physical AI, which involves embedding AI in machines and systems for real-world applications. "Semiconductors and AI infrastructure are fundamental, and Korea is working to develop a comprehensive range of AI capabilities, including hardware, software, and related services," he concluded.