Korea launched a new tripartite body to confront the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on …

South Korea established a new tripartite body on May 22, 2026, to address the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the national labor market. The initiative aims to move beyond abstract policy discussions and instead focus on managing the AI transition within actual workplaces.

The Committee on Labor-Management Coexistence in the AI Transition was formed by the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), which serves as a presidential advisory body on social and labor issues. The committee held its first plenary meeting at the ESLC headquarters in Seoul on May 22, 2026.

The committee is structured as a formal forum where representatives from labor, business, and government can jointly analyze how the integration of AI is altering employment and industrial worksites. The goal is to develop practical solutions that allow the workforce to better embrace technological transformation.

Committee Composition and Leadership

Hwang Deok-soon, who previously served as the senior presidential secretary on jobs during the Moon Jae-in administration, chairs the committee. The body consists of 17 members, organized to ensure representation across different sectors of society.

• Three representatives from labor
• Three representatives from management
• Four representatives from the government
• Six public interest members

Strategic Focus Areas

The committee will engage in a yearlong dialogue centered on four primary themes to guide the AI transition in the workplace.

• Analyzing the current state and overall impact of AI adoption across industries.
• Identifying methods to implement AI in ways that support coexistence between labor and management, specifically regarding changes to tasks and job roles.
• Developing measures to increase the acceptance of how AI-related data is collected and utilized.
• Establishing support systems for both companies and workers as they undergo AI-driven transitions.

This regulatory and collaborative effort comes as public anxiety grows regarding a potential great AI replacement. This concern is driven by the increasing commercial viability of advanced technologies, including humanoid robots, which may fundamentally alter traditional labor roles.

By creating a structured environment for negotiation and analysis, the South Korean government and its partners intend to mitigate the risks of displacement while leveraging the efficiencies provided by AI integration.