The number of young people aged 15–29 employed in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and professional, scientific, and technical services—directly affected by artificial intelligence (AI)—has decreased by over 80,000 people in the past year, marking the largest decline since government statistics began. Analysis suggests that AI-driven job displacement has begun to intensify among the youth. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics’ supplementary survey on the youth economically active population, as of May this year, the number of employed youth in ICT and professional, scientific, and technical services—sectors directly impacted by AI—stood at 380,000 people, a 17.6% (81,000 people) decrease from a year ago. This means one in six “good jobs” traditionally sought by young people in IT and professional fields has vanished. Both the rate and scale of decline are the highest since related statistics began in 2017. Other sectors are also struggling. Despite a recovery in growth driven by a semiconductor supercycle, the overall decline in youth employment this year reached 202,000 people, the largest drop since records began. This surpassed the previous record of 168,000 people in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Concerns about “jobless growth” in the semiconductor industry, where production increases do not translate to hiring, have materialized. The total number of employed youth has been declining for four consecutive years since 2023. However, while last year’s declines were concentrated in manufacturing, construction, and retail, this year’s employment shock has shifted to IT and professional sectors. Experts warn that the AI-driven employment shock will persist. The Korea Development Institute (KDI), a state-funded research organization, recently cautioned that annual job losses could exceed 250,000 within a decade. Mr. Kim (34), who worked as a contract video producer for a public institution in Seoul, is seeking new employment after his contract ended earlier this year. Despite frequently checking job postings to leverage his experience, he found no companies hiring. Basic tasks like video editing and subtitle generation, as well as applied work such as planning, are now handled by generative AI, reducing demand for human labor. “Previously, three to four people handled tasks that can now be managed by one or two skilled in AI,” Kim said. The AI-driven employment chill is hitting young people like him. In May, the total number of employed individuals in ICT and professional fields across all age groups was 2.591 million people, a decrease of 63,000 people from the previous year. This is the first decline since statistics began in 2013. The drop was sharpest among youth: 15–29-year-olds in these sectors fell by 81,000 people. When expanded to the 20–34 age group—the mainstay of the job-changing market—the decline reached 125,000 people, the largest drop since records began. Unlike those in their 40s and 50s, who secured stable regular positions early, younger workers have been hit hardest by AI-driven job displacement. Companies automating tasks with AI have become more cautious about hiring. (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: The CHOSUN DAILY