Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Calls for Universal Support System in AI Era

On July 22, Kang Hoon-sik, the Chief of Staff to the President of South Korea, stated that a Korean-style universal support system is necessary to address the challenges of the AI era.

During a meeting with senior aides at the Blue House, as reported by Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong, Kang noted, "The AI era will present opportunities for economic growth and innovation in administrative services, but it will also bring serious challenges such as job losses and increased polarization."

Kang emphasized that South Korea faces significant youth employment instability and a high proportion of workers, including platform laborers, who fall outside existing support systems. He stressed the need for a more comprehensive social safety net.

He acknowledged that while the government is actively considering universal support systems for children, youth, artists, farmers, and small business owners, welfare policies must be designed with sustainability as the top priority and should not impose excessive burdens on future generations.

Kang called for a comprehensive approach to redesign the existing social safety net and instructed officials to develop a mid- to long-term roadmap that adequately reflects public opinion.

He also urged the newly established Youth Future Office, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, to interpret issues from the youth perspective and to connect future changes with overall national policy.

Regarding the recently launched Blue House Youth Fellowship, Kang encouraged young people who can view familiar issues from new perspectives and are willing to connect their experiences to social change to actively participate.

Kang pointed out the complexities in the certificate issuance system for military service records and other defense-related documents, which currently operates through a cumbersome civil complaint application process. He noted that this inconvenience could significantly affect young people needing certificates for employment or certification applications and called for prompt improvements to the system.