AI wealth must benefit the public, South Korea's deputy PM says amid Samsung labor tensions (www.cnbc.com)

South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized the need for the benefits of artificial intelligence to reach the broader public, amid rising concerns about potential job losses and increasing inequality linked to AI advancements. His remarks follow recent labor tensions at Samsung Electronics, where a planned strike was suspended after government intervention. Bae highlighted that the wealth generated by AI should be assessed not only for its economic benefit but also for its societal impact, underscoring the importance of dialogue in resolving labor disputes as the AI landscape evolves. In light of significant stock market gains driven by major players like Samsung and SK Hynix, Bae addressed the country's strategy to leverage AI developments alongside its semiconductor industry. He noted that while these tech giants contribute to economic growth—Samsung's stock price has surged nearly 144% this year—there exists a necessary ecosystem of support companies that bolster the semiconductor sector. Bae also pointed to South Korea's ambition to excel in "physical AI," aiming to integrate AI capabilities into robotics and industrial systems. This vision signals a commitment to building a comprehensive AI infrastructure that ensures no one is left behind in the rapidly advancing AI era.