Kim Dong-myung, chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), has stated that the introduction of artificial intelligence to production sites is an irreversible trend and that institutionalization through labor-management consultations is necessary. In an interview with the Seoul Economic Daily on Tuesday, Kim said, "Can anyone stop the mega-trend of AI and robots?" adding, "Labor and management must closely consult and evaluate what impact technology adoption will have." His stance differs markedly from hardline unions such as those at Hyundai Motor (005380.KS), which have refused dialogue while insisting on "absolute opposition to robot deployment." Kim emphasized the need to reach agreements through dialogue, saying, "Gains from enhanced competitiveness must also be redistributed to workers in the form of reduced working hours, improved safety and shared profits."
Kim's remarks carry significant weight in that he has framed AI and humanoid robot adoption not as a target of labor struggle but as a negotiation agenda. He expressed his convictions with an eye on the long-term future, despite the risk of opposition and criticism from hardline unions including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). Hyundai Motor's union stance that "not a single robot can be accepted without labor-management agreement," using the so-called Yellow Envelope Act as a shield, only undermines corporate competitiveness.
As Kim suggests, coexistence with AI is not a choice but an inevitability. Tesla has declared it will convert part of its electric vehicle factories into robot production facilities to manufacture one million Optimus humanoid robots annually. China's Unitree ignited the mass-production race by releasing 5,500 humanoid robots last year. Of the 16,000 humanoid robots installed worldwide last year, 80% were made in China.
Korea cannot afford to stand by and watch as major competitors pursue their AI and robotics ambitions. It is also worth noting the Korea Enterprises Federation's recent proposal to shift the employment policy paradigm from "job protection" to "employability maintenance" in line with the AI transformation. AI adoption must not become another flashpoint for labor-management conflict. The government should move swiftly to implement countermeasures for the AI transition, including strengthening customized AI education through public-private cooperation, supporting infrastructure development and facilitating workforce redeployment. Unions, too, must shift their mindset — rather than blindly opposing AI adoption, they should seek coexistence through negotiation.