Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) invited Yoon Ji-woong, President of the Korea Institute for Science and Technology Policy, as the speaker for the 674th Thursday Special Lecture, held on the afternoon of Thursday, October 29, in the Academic Conference Hall. President Yoon is an expert who has researched the development of science and technology policies and innovation ecosystems. On this day, under the theme “The Ideal Talent in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” President Yoon examined the impact of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology on the economy and society, and delivered a lecture on the competencies required and the direction of talent in a future society that coexists with AI.
 
President Yoon explained that as artificial intelligence technology advances rapidly, new changes are emerging across industries and daily life. In particular, he cited examples such as the emergence of AI-based companies, the introduction of autonomous robots in industrial settings, and the expanded use of AI in the public sector to illustrate how technological advancements are transforming existing work methods and industrial structures. He also emphasized that as AI technology advances at a rapid pace, the job roles and competencies that were previously gaining attention are constantly changing; therefore, rather than defining the ideal talent profile for the AI era as a fixed standard, we must continuously reflect on and adapt to these technological changes.
 
He then identified the ability to ask questions and solve problems based on foundational knowledge as key competencies needed in the AI era. Director Yoon explained that asking AI the right questions and effectively utilizing the results requires a basic understanding and knowledge of the relevant field. In particular, he introduced activities that encourage formulating questions from diverse perspectives rather than simply seeking the “correct” answer, emphasizing that the quality of a question ultimately stems from an individual’s foundational competencies. He also noted the need to possess resilience and agility to respond flexibly to unpredictable changes, and to view AI not merely as a tool but as a collaborative partner in solving problems.
 
Finally, President Yoon emphasized that the values of humanity, consideration, and communication will become even more important in the age of AI. He explained that even as interactions with AI increase, cooperation and trust between people remain crucial competencies, and that in the future, we may need to consider not only communication between humans and AI but also the ways in which AI systems communicate with one another. He added that safeguarding human dignity and the value of free communication is just as important as technological advancement. President Yoon concluded his lecture by urging students that if they cultivate problem-solving skills, the ability to ask questions, and communication skills grounded in humanity and resilience, they will not only be able to collaborate with AI but also grow into the kind of talent that peers, seniors, and juniors alike will want to work with.
 
Kookmin University’s Thursday Special Lectures—the first and longest-running regular lecture series at a Korean university to feature weekly guest speakers—have hosted approximately 670 speakers from various fields, including politics, society, science, and the arts, over the past 30 years. Notable figures who have taken the podium include former President Roh Moo-hyun, Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan, author Ryu Si-min, film director Park Chan-wook, National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, and U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark William Lippert.