[Q&A] Kim Jihyung: "AI and Demographic Change Are Equally Critical... We Will Create Conditions for KCTU Participation"

First Term of New Government’s ESLC Launches on March 19

"Restoring the Framework for Dialogue and Building a Foundation for Compromise Is Urgent"

Kim Jihyung, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), stated on March 18, ahead of the launch of the first term of the ESLC under the new government, "The crisis of dialogue is even greater than the crisis of labor," emphasizing that "restoring social dialogue is the starting point for solving labor issues."

During the briefing for the launch of the first term, held at the ESLC large conference room that day, Chairman Kim said, "Social dialogue has effectively been suspended for quite some time," adding, "The most urgent task is for labor, management, and government to restore the framework for dialogue and build the foundation for compromise."

Regarding the new ESLC, he explained, "We have expanded the number of agenda-based committees to address complex crises such as artificial intelligence (AI), demographic changes, and industrial and energy transitions." He added, "Each agenda is a critical social issue, and none can be considered less important than the others."

In particular, regarding responses to demographic changes, he stated, "We will address not just the issue of retirement age, but also the comprehensive issues arising from an aging population, such as job conflicts, discontinuity, and inequality." He further announced, "We will design policy alternatives through a process of public discussion involving citizens and experts."

On AI and labor issues, he said, "A wide range of topics will be discussed, including job insecurity, education and training, social safety nets, and legal regulations on labor." He added, "We will gather opinions in various ways to ensure that the voices of the labor community are not excluded."

Regarding the absence of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), Chairman Kim emphasized, "We are continuing the dialogue in every possible way and will continue to make efforts to encourage participation," adding, "Social dialogue cannot be completed by excluding any particular party."

He also stated, "To ensure sustainability, social dialogue must be developed into a structure for designing future policy agendas, going beyond merely supporting or opposing government policies," and added, "It is important for labor, management, and government to accumulate compromises from a long-term perspective."

Kim Jihyung, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), is giving a briefing on the launch of the first-phase ESLC under the new government at the ESLC Grand Conference Room in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

Below is a Q&A with Chairman Kim Jihyung

Q. With the number of agenda-based committees increasing to five, do you feel any pressure? Which committee do you expect to achieve the most results?

A. It is true that there is some pressure due to the expansion of the committees. However, this was inevitable as it reflects urgent topics at a time when social dialogue had been suspended for a long period. Rather than singling out a specific committee, I believe all agendas are important.

Q. What is the method for public discussion in the special committee on demographic structure? Will the issue of extending the retirement age be handled there as well?

A. Public discussion will involve both citizens and experts in designing policy alternatives. We plan to use various methods such as online participation, regional discussion tours, and town hall meetings. Unlike in the National Assembly, the ESLC will address the retirement age issue in the broader context of overall job structure.

Q. How will the AI committee operate without the KCTU?

A. Since the AI agenda is an issue affecting society as a whole, there is a strong need for social dialogue. We will gather opinions in various ways to ensure that the voices of the labor community are not excluded. We will strive to encourage the broadest possible participation.

Q. Will the ESLC also address the issue of extending the retirement age? Doesn't this overlap with the National Assembly's role?

A. While the National Assembly focuses on retirement age and pension issues, the ESLC addresses the overall job structure. In particular, expanding senior employment and addressing conflicts with youth employment are major agendas. Our roles do not overlap.

Q. Is there a difference between 'fair transition' and 'just transition' in the context of coal-fired power plants? What is the direction for operating committees by social class?

A. The two terms essentially have the same meaning; the difference is only in wording. There is an awareness that committees by social class may limit the participation of vulnerable groups. We plan to address this through public discussion procedures and by structuring the public interest committee to be more inclusive.

Q. Why was demographic structure chosen as a key agenda for public discussion?

A. Rapid aging is causing job conflicts, discontinuity, and widening gaps all at once. This is not a problem limited to a specific sector, but a matter affecting the job structure throughout the entire life course. We selected it as a key agenda to seek comprehensive solutions.

Q. Is there a possibility that the President's remarks could lead to greater emphasis on flexibility?

A. The flexicurity model is not meant to be adopted as is, but rather to emphasize the importance of social compromise. The message is that labor, management, and government should find solutions through dialogue. The ESLC will also operate in line with this direction.

Q. What is your view of the KCTU's absence? Do you expect them to eventually participate?

A. We are continuously requesting the participation of the KCTU and are also conducting outreach discussions. While it is regrettable that they are not able to participate immediately, we will continue to wait and make efforts. We will work to create conditions for their future participation.

Q. How do you plan to ensure the sustainability of social dialogue?

A. We will shift the structure of discussions from focusing on support or opposition to government policy to one that designs future agendas. Through this, we aim to establish sustainable social dialogue regardless of changes in government. We will create a new model.

Q. What are the specific agendas for the AI committee?

A. The main topics to be discussed are resolving job insecurity, creating jobs, education and training, and social safety nets. Issues such as surveillance and discrimination, as well as issues of responsibility that may arise during the use of AI, will also be included. We plan to broadly address the impact on labor and society as a whole.

Q. What will you do if there is a conflict between discussions in the National Assembly and the ESLC?

A. I believe the discussions in the National Assembly and the ESLC are complementary rather than conflicting. Depending on the situation, we may reflect the National Assembly's discussions or pursue additional discussions. We aim to create a structure that generates synergy.

Q. Is it a problem if a member from SK hynix is included among the public interest representatives?

A. The selection of public interest representatives was conducted in accordance with legal procedures. There are no conflicts of interest. The selection reflects both expertise and diverse perspectives. There should be no problem in fulfilling public interest roles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.