37th Founding Anniversary Special Planning The Great AI Transition: Seeking a Path Forward

On the occasion of our 37th founding anniversary, we have prepared a special planning series examining the massive currents of the AI transformation era. Setting aside the dazzled gaze intoxicated by technological marvels, we conduct a multidimensional diagnosis of the light and shadow that the AI transformation (AX) will bring.

Human history has evolved in tandem with the invention of tools. Through fire and the wheel, the steam engine and the internet, technology has continuously expanded human physical and intellectual labor. Yet the AI transformation we are now witnessing transcends mere productivity innovation or a step in technological progress.

Extending into the domains of reasoning, creativity, and judgment—once considered the exclusive province of humans—phenomena unprecedented in the history of civilization are occurring. In the midst of this tumultuous change, we ask again: As AI transforms the world, where does the 'value of human existence' truly stand?

The Wave of Intelligentization and Frictionless Innovation in Daily Life

The AI transformation is opening unprecedented convenience and possibilities across human life, consumption ecosystems, and industries at large.

AI assistants implanted in lifestyle-oriented sectors such as shopping, finance, and home appliances have dramatically reduced the cost and fatigue of information search. Beyond simple searches, "frictionless consumption" has become part of daily life—learning individual preferences and context to make optimal choices on behalf of users.

Simultaneously, generative AI is liberating humans from simple repetitive labor while substantially lowering the barriers to implementing specialized knowledge and ideas into reality. This is becoming an opportunity not merely to change how we work, but to maximize human intellectual and creative potential.

Job Insecurity and 'P-doom'... Crisis in Control of Civilization

Yet as the pace of technological evolution accelerates, shadows that shake the very roots of daily life and even the safety nets of civilization grow darker.

First, the landscape of the workplace is being shaken dramatically. Job restructuring sweeping across both white-collar and blue-collar workers is amplifying labor instability. Notably, the 'skill gap' between workers who skillfully handle AI tools and those who do not is becoming entrenched as a new form of social polarization.

Consumer safety and rights are also under threat. Risks targeting everyday life and assets have become constant: algorithmic abuse through hyper-personalized price discrimination (dynamic pricing), indiscriminate data learning, and sophisticated AI-driven deepfake phishing attacks.

Furthermore, the rise of autonomous AI—which independently sets and executes goals—has plunged Silicon Valley into debate over 'P-doom (probability of human extinction).' The "uncontrollable catastrophe" that occurs when technological acceleration outpaces ethical and institutional control frameworks is no longer merely a warning in science fiction.

"Yet, Humanity": Conditions for Coexistence with Agency

In the face of such monumental waves, the final destination of all questions must ultimately be 'humanity.' Even if superintelligence threatens human intelligence, the authority to define technology's purpose and set its direction must remain humanity's responsibility to the end.

Above all, humanity must redefine its value as the 'questioning subject.' Treating AI not as a replacement but as an 'intellectual partner,' humans must rediscover their unique domains—empathy, critical thinking, and ethical judgment. If AI accelerates the speed of providing answers, then humans must stand as agents who verify the validity of those answers and pose 'the right questions.'

Institutionally, establishing 'Human-in-the-Loop' control is urgent. Only when legal and institutional mechanisms ensure that humans remain constantly involved in systems as the subjects of final decisions and accountability can we establish digital sovereignty and ethical guidelines that prevent technology from alienating humanity.

A Time to Question 'Direction,' Not the Pace of Technology

The question we must ask at the crossroads of AI transformation is not "How much smarter will AI become?" but rather "What kind of society and human future will we create through AI?"

This special planning series for our 37th founding anniversary will be serialized over five installments, examining from multiple angles the changing landscape of consumption and daily life, structural reorganization of labor, crises of trust and ethics, and institutional challenges for technology control. We hope this serves as an opportunity to set clear signposts toward 'human-centered coexistence' without losing our way in this era of technological transformation.

[Serial Schedule]

18th (Friday) Episode 1 [Consumption/Daily Life] "AI in My Life" The landscape of the consumer market is changing

AI services that have penetrated daily life—from shopping to finance to home appliances—hidden fatigue from subscriptions and service gaps behind convenience

21st (Monday) Episode 2 [Jobs/Income] Is my job safe? Occupational change and income polarization

Job restructuring sweeping office workers, professionals, and self-employed alike; scenes of 'income gaps' based on AI tool proficiency

22nd (Tuesday) Episode 3 [Safety/Rights] Threats to my information and wallet AI deepfake fraud to price discrimination

Superintelligent voice phishing, personal information leaks, and the shadow of 'dynamic pricing' that charges consumers different prices without their knowledge

28th (Monday) Episode 4 [Governance/Civilization] Loss of Control and 'P-doom' Will AI destroy humanity?

The existential risks of autonomous AI, the probability of extinction (P-doom) debate shaking Silicon Valley, and global regulatory power games

29th (Tuesday) Episode 5 [Solutions/Humanity] "Yet, Humanity" How to keep technology from taking the lead

The power of questioning: conditioning AI as a 'proactive tool' in my life; digital sovereignty and a 'Human-in-the-Loop' coexistence model