Office Workers Anxious About AI: 4 Out of 5 Say "Labor Inequality and Wealth Polarization Will Worsen"

Workplace Gapjil 119 Surveys 1,000 Workers
48% of Respondents Say "AI Will Replace Jobs"

A recent survey found that 8 out of 10 office workers are concerned about deepening labor market inequality and wealth polarization due to the spread of artificial intelligence (AI).

On January 18, the civic group Workplace Gapjil 119 announced the results of a survey commissioned to the polling agency Global Research. From October 1 to 14 last year, 1,000 office workers aged 19 and older nationwide were asked about "AI technological advancement and job replacement." According to the results, 77.9% of respondents said they were concerned that the spread of AI would exacerbate labor market inequality and wealth polarization.

Office workers are commuting at the Sejongno intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Regarding the possibility of AI replacing jobs, 48.2%-or roughly 1 in 2 respondents-answered "yes." By age group, the proportion was highest among those in their 20s at 58.1%, followed by those in their 30s (49.1%), 40s (47.3%), and 50s (43.2%). As for when they expected AI to replace jobs, 41.1% said "in more than 5 years," and 36.3% said "in 3 to 5 years."

Among non-regular workers and those earning less than 3 million won per month, there was a relatively higher response rate that jobs would be replaced within 1 to 2 years. In addition, among workplaces with fewer than 30 employees, more respondents said jobs had already been replaced compared to those at workplaces with 30 or more employees.

Furthermore, 83.3% of respondents said that the social safety net should be strengthened to prepare for labor market inequality and wealth polarization. Seventy percent said companies that profit from AI should be taxed and the proceeds used for the public good. Respondents emphasized that discussions to protect members of society should proceed at the same pace and with the same importance as the spread of AI technology, to prevent labor rights violations and worsening social inequality.

Lee Jina, a labor attorney at Workplace Gapjil 119, said, "This survey shows that office workers are deeply concerned that the spread of AI could rapidly replace unstable jobs and intensify labor market inequality, going beyond mere technological advancement. It is urgent to predict the negative impact that AI and automation technologies may have on jobs in advance and to establish effective safeguards."

This survey was conducted based on the employment population ratio from the Economically Active Population Survey. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.