What 'green transition' can teach Seoul about its AI ambitions

Korea has long been eager to leapfrog ahead of other nations during technological revolutions. As an export-driven economy, it has consistently sought to lead the charge, establish domestic capabilities, and seize the first opportunity that arises. Recently, Seoul has placed its full faith in artificial intelligence (AI). In a nationwide address at the beginning of this year, President Lee Jae Myung unveiled his administration's most significant economic vision: three AI and chip mega-projects.

The plan involves a massive investment in won to reshape the nation into a leading AI force. However, while reading the announcement on a sweltering summer day in Seoul, an unsettling thought crossed my mind: could Korea be on the verge of repeating a familiar error?

Throughout the past months, I have studied Korea's attempt to transform its economy through the green transition. Specifically, I aimed to comprehend the role played by organized labor groups as successive administrations aimed to restructure and decarbonize some of the country's largest sectors.