"If I could go back to my 20s, I would definitely start a business. I want to tackle the most challenging problems facing South Korea and humanity," said Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during a recent lecture aimed at youth.
From October 12 to 16, Choi participated in the sixth season of EBS's 'Great Minds,' where he delivered a series of lectures on 'AI, New Capitalism, and Youth.' As the first South Korean business leader to appear on the program, he shared his thoughts on the economic and social challenges facing South Korea and potential growth strategies, responding directly to questions from young people in two segments.
In the final broadcast, when asked what challenges he would pursue if he returned to his 20s in the AI era, Choi replied, "I would definitely start a business." He clarified that it would not be in the semiconductor sector but rather focused on solving the most pressing issues facing South Korea and humanity.
Choi cited environmental issues such as water scarcity and carbon emissions, as well as food shortages, as examples. He stated, "If traditional methods are insufficient, I would explore new farming techniques or develop artificial foods to ensure food supply," adding, "I believe I would be tackling such problems."
When asked what values young people should cultivate, he advised them to start by addressing smaller issues they are passionate about rather than aiming for grand goals. "There are numerous social problems, including environmental issues, caregiving, low birth rates, and financial vulnerabilities," he noted. "There’s no need to tackle massive problems from the outset. Start with manageable issues, and as you gain experience, you can work towards larger solutions."
Choi also offered insights on the changing job landscape in the AI era, responding to a question from a job seeker about how the value of labor might change as AI replaces human jobs. He explained, "The nature of work will change. Traditionally, we viewed a job as working fixed hours for one company or role, but AI can alter this concept. For instance, if AI can complete an eight-hour task in one to two hours, you could use the remaining time for other pursuits or jobs."
On the topic of future education, Choi emphasized the need to move away from traditional knowledge transfer and exam-focused education. He stated, "The era of schools producing talent through a standardized approach must change. Schools should become places where students find new problem-solving methods and engage in challenges and experiments." He added that practical experience in solving problems is more important than merely obtaining a college degree, highlighting the significance of defining problems, asking questions, critical thinking, empathy, and a willingness to embrace failure.
Choi addressed the role of leaders in the AI era, asserting that they must focus on tasks that AI cannot perform. He emphasized the importance of defining and solving problems faced by organizations and society using AI. "While AI is a tool that enhances intelligence, intelligence is not the same as wisdom," he said, stressing that understanding and motivating people is crucial for problem-solving.
To equip themselves for the future, Choi suggested that young people develop four key competencies: critical thinking, empathy, adaptability, and physical skills. He explained that it is essential to go beyond merely finding predetermined answers and to define problems independently while understanding and persuading others.
In his earlier lectures, Choi proposed new approaches for sustainable growth in South Korea. In his first lecture, he suggested that solving social issues could become a new economic activity. He proposed measuring the outcomes of social issue resolutions and providing appropriate rewards to encourage participation from the private sector, businesses, and social enterprises. He highlighted that companies receiving incentives have achieved at least three times the social outcomes compared to those that have not.
In his second lecture, he identified speed, scale, and safety as the '3S' essential for national competitiveness in the AI era. He emphasized the importance of not only developing AI infrastructure and models but also applying them in real life and industry, stating, "It is crucial to use AI to reduce social costs, enhance individual happiness, and address societal challenges."
In his third lecture, Choi proposed economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan as a new growth strategy to respond to changing geopolitical environments, low birth rates, and aging populations. He noted that if Korea and Japan develop into an economic community, they could create a market worth approximately $6 trillion, highlighting the need for collaboration in various sectors, including energy, AI, healthcare, tourism, and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that such cooperation could provide young people with broader markets, job opportunities, and new entrepreneurial ventures.
Concluding his lecture, Choi stated, "Ultimately, I believe we are designing a new nation that can grow again. If young people come up with new ideas and engage in discussions, we can create a bright future for South Korea together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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