CNBC reported on May 23, 2026 that South Korea Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon—who also serves as minister for science and technology—said Seoul must ensure AI-generated wealth benefits the public and pursue an "AI-inclusive society" where no one is left behind.
Labor context: Samsung strike suspension
- Bae linked recent labor-management conflicts to broader AI-era questions about inequality and job losses.
- CNBC recounts a planned 18-day strike at Samsung Electronics suspended on Wednesday, May 21, after government officials intervened; a tentative deal followed.
- Workers sought formalized bonuses, removal of bonus caps, and 15% of Samsung operating profits paid as bonuses; the union vote on the plan runs Friday through May 27.
- Bae said similar disputes may recur as "super-large companies" emerge in the AI age and should be resolved through dialogue.
Physical AI, markets, and public-benefit debate
- Bae cited Hyundai integrating Boston Dynamics Atlas robots into manufacturing as a source of workforce concern.
- On markets, CNBC notes Samsung up roughly 144% year-to-date, SK Hynix nearly 200%, and the Kospi more than 86% higher in 2026, led by chipmakers.
- Bae argued South Korea should build physical AI atop its semiconductor and AI infrastructure foundation, spanning hardware, software, and services.
- The piece references a May 12 Facebook post by presidential official Kim Yeong Beom proposing distributing excess tax revenue from AI and semiconductor sectors to citizens; Bloomberg-cited reporting later clarified it was personal opinion, not formal policy, after market volatility.
Primary source: CNBC — AI wealth must benefit the public, South Korea's deputy PM says (May 23, 2026).