Jeong Jae-hun, CEO of SK Telecom, emphasized that in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), "insight and empathy, which allow individuals to set their own direction, are key competitive advantages."
According to SK Telecom, Jeong made these remarks during a lecture titled "Choices and Opportunities in the AI Era" held on September 1 at Seoul National University's Engineering Building, where he addressed approximately 300 graduate students.
This lecture marked the first class in a joint AI program that SK Telecom and Seoul National University have been running for a decade. Jeong returned to his alma mater nearly 40 years after enrolling in the university's Department of Public Law in 1987.
Jeong explained that AI has changed the density of time. He stated, "With the emergence of AI, a person's day can feel like 240 hours or even 2,400 hours. The principles we once knew are being disrupted by the density of time that AI has created."
He added, "Just as oil and semiconductors once did, AI is now extending competition beyond companies to nations. Relying on others' technology means you cannot set your own prices or conditions, which is why 'sovereign AI' is crucial."
Sovereign AI refers to a strategy where nations or companies build independent AI capabilities using their own infrastructure and data. Jeong stressed the importance of developing unique AI capabilities.
Having led SK Telecom's AI transformation over the past year, Jeong introduced the concept of the 'AX's J-Curve.' Originally an economic theory explaining the relationship between exchange rates and trade balances, the J-Curve suggests that while an increase in exchange rates may initially worsen trade balances due to adjustment lags, it eventually improves.
Jeong applied this concept to AI, noting that while one might expect immediate efficiency gains from AI adoption, there is often a lag due to the need for retraining, redesigning workflows, and reorganizing data and teams. Organizations that endure this initial stagnation will see a steep rise in productivity.
He remarked, "If you turn back in front of the valley of discomfort, you will remain on the left side of the curve forever. However, organizations that endure will eventually see a J-shaped rise." He advised that "looking at things differently, confronting extremes, and embracing discomfort" are ways to cross this valley.
In the AI era, Jeong stressed the importance of developing one's own domain expertise and maximizing productivity through AI, adding that connecting technology, industries, and people across domain boundaries can create new opportunities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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