‘산업 육성’ 넘어 ‘사람 중심’으로…신임 AI 수석 내정에 정책 기조 바뀔까

A new figure from the 이재명 government, with expertise in legislation, has been appointed as the AI Future Planning and Assistant Secretary-General. This shift in AI policy perspective may focus more on societal impacts, specifically addressing unemployment and social issues arising from AI transitions. The new appointee, who previously served in the legislative branch, co-sponsored the 'AI Transition Basic Social Law' with a parliamentary ally just last month.

This legislation aims to ensure productivity growth from AI advancements does not lead to job losses or weaken citizens' purchasing power; it mandates five-year strategic plans and guarantees rights to retraining and social stability for workers during industrial transitions. Companies causing large-scale layoffs will be required to pay a 'AI Transition Support Fund' to help fund retraining and stabilize affected workers.

The appointed official has stated publicly that the "true AI superpower" recognizes the need to support citizens through transitions, emphasizing that both companies and workers must share in responsibility, authority, and benefits. The government has faced criticism for relatively ignoring social consequences in previous AI industrial growth efforts.

Recent calls from civil society, led by this appointee, urge broader policy engagement in AI transitions, beyond just technological and industrial advancements, to address labor, human rights, and societal concerns holistically.