[Insight & Opinion] AI Is the Second Ladder for Social Mobility

A Personalized Mentor to Bridge the Education Gap
AI Utilization Will Become a New Engine for Social Development

I graduated from high school in Jinju. At that time, there were entrance exams for high schools, so my classmates came to study from all over South Gyeongsang Province, including Sancheong, Hapcheon, Hamyang, Namhae, Hadong, and Sacheon. Most of us were poor, but nearly everyone managed to get into a good university. It was an era when success stories could emerge from humble beginnings. All 600 classmates studied and struggled relentlessly. We believed that even if you were poor, a bright future awaited you as long as you excelled academically. This was true across the country. Education was the best ladder for social mobility. That burning passion for education was the driving force that built today’s Republic of Korea.

At some point, the ladder for social mobility shrank significantly. Academic performance became increasingly dependent on private education expenses. The gap between rich and poor has deepened educational inequality. This is a serious problem. Because education is the most important activity for preparing for the future, quality education must be provided equally to everyone, without disparity. However, education, which should foster the ability to respond to the future and serve as a ladder for social mobility, is failing to fulfill its essential function.

In the midst of this, generative artificial intelligence (AI), a universal technology that uses human language, has emerged. AI can transform our education, not just as a tool, but as an intellectual companion and partner possessing exceptional intelligence and intellect. AI is the best teacher and coach, capable of teaching every school subject in a personalized way. It is a great mentor and master, able to teach any subject-such as critical thinking, questioning skills, creativity, and problem-solving-that traditional schools rarely offer. Anyone can easily access this superintelligent entity for free, even on their mobile phone.

AI can contribute and play a much greater role for individuals and society than we imagine. Decades ago, the nation’s fervent passion for education transformed a poor Korea into a model country for industrialization, informatization, democratization, and globalization. Likewise, AI can become a new engine for social development. Now, as the current school education system has nearly reached its limits and a new means of building competitiveness is needed, AI can be the best alternative to transform education.

It is said that it is not AI that will replace people’s jobs, but rather, those who utilize AI well will replace those who do not. Guiding everyone to use AI effectively should be the core of future education. The Lee Jaemyung administration has also presented “AI for All” as part of its national vision. As the phrase suggests, the government must support and guide every citizen to acquire proper AI literacy.

Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy, predicts that the use of AI will reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. I strongly agree with this. Currently, there is much discussion about creating ten more Seoul National Universities. I believe that if we foster a culture where everyone actively utilizes AI, it will have the effect of creating 500 Seoul National Universities.

The education needed for the future goes beyond knowledge education; it is competency-based education. AI is the best provider of personalized competency education, accessible to anyone for free and with ease. It can become Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Monet, Victor Hugo, or John Dewey. Think of AI as the greatest teacher in history in your desired field and use it relentlessly. Then, AI will become a second ladder for social mobility for everyone. Let us create a new version of “Education Nation,” envied by the world, with “AI Nation: Korea Edition.” I look forward to building a new Republic of Korea, a model country for social mobility overflowing with opportunities, by strengthening AI utilization for all citizens.

Kim Hyungon, Visiting Professor at Chungnam National University Graduate School of National Policy and Former President of the National Assembly Futures Institute