Historian Yuval Harari warns of paradox of trust behind AI race
Author of 'Nexus' discusses threats to democracy, truth and equality
As humanity faces unprecedented changes driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, historian and best-selling author Yuval Noah Harari warns of significant potential risks.
While humanity has created many impactful tools -- such as knives, the printing press and even atomic bombs -- Harari, known globally for influential books such as 'Sapiens' and 'Homo Deus,' which examine humanity's past and future, stressed that artificial intelligence stands apart, as it's not simply a tool but an autonomous agent capable of independent decision-making and innovation.
'An AI weapon can independently decide whom to bomb, and an AI system can even develop entirely new weapons on its own,' Harari said during a press conference Thursday in Jongro-gu, Seoul. 'The invention of AI represents a completely different kind of revolution compared to all previous technological breakthroughs. Anyone who believes we can control AI just as we controlled previous tools fundamentally misunderstands what AI truly means.'
In South Korea to promote his new book, "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI," and to attend a forum hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Harari highlighted the troubling "paradox of trust" surrounding AI.
Given AI's profound potential impacts -- characterized by Harari as possibly the greatest transformation in human history -- he stressed the necessity for cautious development, pointing out that technology leaders are struggling with critical trust issues precisely when trust is most essential.
There is a growing global crisis of trust among people in which leaders spearheading AI development increasingly distrust each other, yet paradoxically place immense trust in the technology itself.
Harari noted that whenever he meets leaders in AI technology, their primary fear is competitors gaining supremacy in the AI race and eventually dominating the world.
He explained that this fear arises from the possibility that AI development could lead to disproportionate power concentrated in the hands of just a few countries or corporations, dramatically widening the gap between the technological "haves" and "have-nots" -- a scenario reminiscent of inequalities that emerged during the industrial revolution of the 19th century.
He also pointed out the rise of cheap, attractive fiction over costly, complicated truth in the era of information technology.
The rise of social media platforms has resulted in a mix of fiction and truth and preference for engagement, even pushing politicians to act for more engagement instead of being responsible and truthful.
'For social media platforms, engagement is important. Engagment is a good measure in the entertainment business but not in the news business,' the author said, stressing that the role of journalism is even more important than ever.
When asked about South Korea's political situation, Harari humorously noted his initial confusion when he first learned about it, thinking North Korea had finally experienced a coup. However, he also said he was ultimately unsurprised by South Korea's martial law declaration, amid similar political developments worldwide.
'The biggest problem with democracy is what happens if the person that you give power to doesn't want to give it back. Once they have the power, they can use the power that they gained democratically in order to stay in power,' he said, adding that check and balance mechanisms such as journalism and judicial oversight are essential in democracies.
Facing profound changes the direction of which remains uncertain, Harari said people should cultivate a wide range of skills -- intellectual, emotional and physical -- to adapt effectively to the rapidly shifting job market.
'The job market will become extremely volatile, continuously evolving as AI keeps improving,' he explained. 'People will need highly flexible minds, with the ability to keep learning and adapting throughout their entire lives.'
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Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
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Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Korea Herald
Full text: Lee Jae-myung's inaugural address
The following is an unofficial translation of President Lee Jae-myung's inaugural address to the people, delivered Wednesday morning at the National Assembly. It was generated by AI and edited by The Korea Herald. — Ed. Dear respected and beloved people of Korea, I am Lee Jae-myung, the 21st President of the Republic of Korea, chosen by you. I stand here with a boundless sense of responsibility and deep gratitude. With the 52 million hopes and aspirations entrusted to me by our 52 million citizens, from today, I take the first step as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea toward building a true democratic republic. The future is calling us. It is time to revive people's livelihoods on the brink, restore growth, and create a tomorrow where everyone can be happy. It is time to rebuild national security and peace, which have become tools of political strife, people's livelihoods and the economy, which have collapsed due to indifference, incompetence and irresponsibility, and democracy, which was shattered by armored vehicles and automatic rifles. It is time to build bridges of coexistence, reconciliation, and solidarity over the hatred and confrontation that have divided us — and to open an era of national happiness filled with dreams and hope. As the writer Han Kang once said, the past supported the present, and the dead saved the living. Now, it is our turn to become the past of the future and save tomorrow's descendants. I make this promise before the people. I will respond to your solemn mandate to let hope blossom over deep and painful wounds, and to your earnest wish for a completely new country. Regardless of whom you supported in this election, I will become a 'president for all,' embracing and serving every citizen, in keeping with the meaning of the word 'daetongryeong' ('president' in Korean) that calls for broad national unity. The Republic of Korea continues to make new history. Among the nations freed from colonial rule, it is the only one to achieve both industrialization and democratization. It ranks 10th in global economic power, boasts the world's 5th strongest military, and leads global culture with K-culture. This proud country of the East has now opened a new chapter in the history of world democracy, overpowering a military coup with nothing more than light sticks in hand. The world watches in awe as we take this great journey and demonstrate the remarkable capabilities of the Korean people. A colorful light revolution, K-democracy, has become a clear model for people worldwide seeking new hope for democracy in crisis. Dear citizens, We now stand at a major turning point. Old orders are receding, and a new era — a civilizational transformation — is unfolding. We are entering a new scientific and technological era never before experienced, an age of limitless AI competition, where change happens in the blink of an eye. The climate crisis threatens humanity and presses for industrial transition. Rapid changes in the global order, including rising protectionism and supply chain realignments, threaten our survival. If we fall behind, we will be dragged by change. But if we lead it, the opportunities will be boundless. Regrettably, at this critical juncture, we face complex, intertwined crises in every area — people's livelihoods, the economy, diplomacy, security and democracy. The present and future of Korea are both at risk. To rescue the lives of weary citizens, to restore democracy and peace, to recover growth and our damaged national dignity, will require unimaginable sweat, tears and patience. But just like a rose blooming in June finds sunlight even in the shadow of a wall, our people, even amid chaos and despair, have found the way forward. I will take the people's will as my compass, and move forward — over high mountains and through thorny paths if needed. We will begin by restoring livelihoods and reviving the economy. With the resolve to battle a recession head-on, we will immediately activate an emergency economic response task force. We will use national finances as a priming pump to restart a virtuous economic cycle. This newly launched administration of the Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung will be a just and inclusive government, as well as a flexible and pragmatic one. Integration is a sign of competence; division is the result of incompetence. Only political forces lacking the will and ability to improve people's lives divide and sow hatred to maintain power. I will be a president who ends the politics of division. We will overcome this crisis through national unity. We will restore what was lost to the insurrection, including people's livelihoods, the economy, national security, peace, and democracy, and build a society of continuous growth and progress. An insurrection that uses the people's entrusted weapons to steal their sovereignty must never happen again. We will uncover the full truth, hold those responsible accountable, and establish firm measures to prevent recurrence. On the foundation of coexistence and integration, we will restore communication and dialogue, and revive politics based on compromise and mutual concession. Let us consign outdated ideologies to the museum of history. From now on, there is no issue of progressivism. From now on, there is no issue of conservatism. There are only the people's issues — only the problems of Korea. Whether from Park Chung-hee or Kim Dae-jung, if a policy is necessary and useful, we will use it without discrimination. The Lee Jae-myung government will be a pragmatic, market-oriented government. We will not control and manage, but support and encourage. We will shift to a 'negative list' regulatory system to ensure free and creative corporate activity. We will strongly support entrepreneurs so they can start businesses, grow and compete in the global market. But we will not tolerate gains made by breaking the rules, oppressing the weak, threatening lives, safety, or workers' rights, or manipulating markets through stock fraud. There must be no cases where those who follow the rules suffer losses. To drive innovation and future growth, we must build a nation where everyone's basic living conditions are guaranteed, and where thick social safety nets allow people to take bold risks. Both individuals and the country must grow in order to share. Through pragmatic, national-interest-centered diplomacy, we will turn the crisis of global economic and security shifts into opportunities to maximize national interests. We will strengthen the US-Korea alliance, bolster Korea-US-Japan cooperation based on it, and manage relations with neighboring countries from a practical, national-interest perspective. We will expand Korea's diplomatic reach and global stature to broaden our economic territory worldwide. Respected citizens, The great revolution of light does not conclude with ending the insurrection. It commands us to build a new, shining nation. I solemnly accept the people's mandate to build a hopeful new country. First, we will build a true nation where 'the people are sovereign.' The Republic of Korea is a democratic republic, and sovereignty rests with the people. We will communicate everywhere and always, and ensure the people's sovereign will is routinely reflected in governance. We will unwaveringly pursue the tasks of social reform raised in the plaza of light. Second, we will build a country of renewed growth and progress. As inequality deepens and the vicious circle of disparity blocks growth, low growth reduces opportunity, leaving only winner-takes-all competition. Young people are driven to the extremes — men vs. women. A society where falling behind means death meets divisive politics and gives rise to extremism that threatens social cohesion. We will usher in a better world through 'fair growth,' which creates new engines and shares the opportunities and outcomes of growth. Just as older generations sacrificed and sent their children to school despite poverty, we will prepare for the future through bold public investment and support. With large-scale investments in advanced industries like AI and semiconductors, we will leap forward as an industrial powerhouse. We will swiftly transition to a renewable energy society to respond to the global climate crisis, boost corporate competitiveness through energy independence and RE100 compliance, and revitalize declining regions by building an energy superhighway that enables renewable energy production anywhere in the country. Third, we will build a country where all live well together. Lacking in natural resources, the Republic of Korea achieved rapid growth to become the world's 10th-largest economy through an unbalanced development strategy that concentrated investment in specific regions, industries, and social groups. But today, unbalanced growth has reached its limit. Inequality and polarization now hinder further progress. Sustainable growth now requires a strategic shift. We must pursue balanced development, fair growth, and a just society. We will move beyond Seoul-centered development and foster an industrial ecosystem where large, medium, small, and startup firms cooperate. We will transition to a fair society without privileged status or special favors. Sharing the benefits and opportunities of growth is the path to sustainability. Growth and distribution are not contradictions — they complement each other. Corporate development and respect for labor can fully coexist. Fourth, we will build a country where culture flourishes. Baekbeom Kim Koo once said, 'the one thing I desire endlessly is the power of high culture.' That dream is now becoming reality. From K-pop and K-dramas to K-movies, K-beauty, and K-food — Korean culture is captivating the world. Culture is economy. Culture is global competitiveness. We will link this cultural wave to cultural industry growth and good jobs. We will expand Korea's cultural industries and invest boldly in arts and culture to become a cultural powerhouse that sets global standards — one of the world's top five soft power nations. Fifth, we will build a safe and peaceful country. Safety and peace are prerequisites for national happiness. Safety is livelihood, and peace is economy. We will uncover the full truth of tragedies like the Sewol Ferry, Itaewon and Osong Tunnel disasters, and build a safe society where citizens' lives and property are not threatened. We will heal the scars of war and division and chart a future of peace and prosperity. No matter how expensive, peace is better than war. It is better to win without fighting than to fight and win — and a peace that requires no fighting is the most secure form of security. With defense spending twice the size of North Korea's GDP, a military ranked among the world's top five, and the US-ROK alliance, we will maintain strong deterrence against nuclear threats and provocations. At the same time, we will reopen communication with North Korea and build peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation. We will restore the military's honor and public trust, damaged by the illegal martial law attempt, and ensure that the military is never again used in politics. Beloved and respected people of Korea, Through countless life-or-death crises, I held onto our faith in the people and followed the path led by the people. Now, I will follow the mission entrusted by the people to find hope. Our people have always been strong when united, and they have overcome every adversity through unity. We resisted Japan's tyranny with the March 1 Movement and established the Provisional Government of Korea. We achieved stunning industrial growth from the ruins of war and division. We won democracy through resistance to dictatorship, and reclaimed popular sovereignty through two peaceful revolutions unmatched in global history. With such great strength, there is no crisis our people cannot overcome. Let us build a nation that leads the world with cultural excellence, leads change with advanced technology, and inspires others with exemplary democracy. When Korea acts, it sets the global standard. Respected citizens, Recovery and growth, ultimately, are for the happiness of our people, the true owners of this land. Let us build a genuine democratic republic where all national power is used solely for the people. Let us overcome small differences, acknowledge and respect one another, and move forward together toward a Korea where the people are the true owners, and the people are truly happy. You, the citizens who resisted a coup d'etat carried out with national power, and opened a hopeful world with the light of democracy — you are the true protagonists of this historic journey. As a faithful servant of the sovereign people of Korea, as the entrusted agent of 52 million lives and our nation's future, I will fulfill the responsibilities given to the 21st President of the Republic of Korea.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Korea Herald
AI linked to a fourfold increase in productivity growth and 56% wage premium, while jobs grow even in the most easily automated roles: PwC 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer
LONDON, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AI is making workers more valuable, productive, and able to command higher wage premiums, with job numbers rising even in roles considered most automatable, according to PwC's 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer, released today. The report is based on analysis of close to a billion job ads from six continents. The report finds that since GenAI's proliferation in 2022, productivity growth has nearly quadrupled in industries most exposed to AI (e.g. financial services, software publishing), rising from 7% from 2018-2022 to 27% from 2018-2024. In contrast, the rate of productivity growth in industries least exposed to AI (e.g. mining, hospitality) declined from 10% to 9% over the same period. 2024 data shows that the most AI exposed industries are now seeing 3x higher growth in revenue per employee than the least exposed. Carol Stubbings, Global Chief Commercial Officer, PwC, said: "This research shows that the power of AI to deliver for businesses is already being realised. And we are only at the start of the transition. As we roll out Agentic AI at enterprise scale, we are seeing that the right combination of technology and culture can create dramatic new opportunities to reimagine how organisations work and create value." Job numbers are rising in virtually every type of AI-exposed occupation, even those highly automatable Contrary to some expectations, the data from the report does not show job or wage destruction from AI. While occupations with lower exposure to AI saw strong job growth (65%) in recent years (2019-2024), growth remained robust even in more exposed occupations (38%). Within more exposed occupations, jobs can be further divided into 'automated' (i.e., the job contains some tasks that AI can carry out) and 'augmented' (i.e., where AI helps a human do their job better). Across both classifications between 2019-24, job numbers are growing in every industry analysed, although augmented jobs are generally growing faster. Wages are growing twice as fast in AI-exposed industries Wages are growing twice as fast in industries more exposed to AI versus less exposed, with wages rising in both automatable and augmentable jobs. Jobs which require AI skills also offer a wage premium (over similar roles that don't require AI skills) in every industry analysed, with the average premium hitting 56%, up from 25% last year. Jobs that require such AI skills also continue to grow faster than all jobs – rising 7.5% from last year, even as total job postings fell 11.3%. Joe Atkinson, Global Chief AI Officer, PwC, said: "In contrast to worries that AI could cause sharp reductions in the number of jobs available – this year's findings show jobs are growing in virtually every type of AI-exposed occupation, including highly automatable ones. AI is amplifying and democratizing expertise, enabling employees to multiply their impact and focus on higher-level responsibilities. With the right foundations, both companies and workers can re-define their roles and industries and emerge leaders in their field, particularly as the full gambit of applications becomes clearer." The skills earthquake accelerates – AI is creating deep change in the skills workers need to succeed While the picture on productivity, wages and jobs is broadly positive, the research does highlight the need for workers and businesses to adapt to a much faster pace of change. The skills sought by employers are changing 66% faster in occupations most exposed to AI, up from 25% last year. What it takes to succeed in AI-exposed jobs is changing in other ways. Employer demand for formal degrees is declining for all jobs, but especially quickly for AI-exposed jobs. The percentage of jobs AI augments that require a degree fell 7 percentage points between 2019 and 2024 from 66% to 59%, and 9 percentage points (53% to 44%) for jobs AI automates. The findings show that AI's impact on women and men may be unequal – in every country analysed, more women than men are in AI-exposed roles, suggesting the skills pressure facing women will be higher. Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said: "AI's rapid advance is not just re-shaping industries, but fundamentally altering the workforce and the skills required. This is not a situation that employers can easily buy their way out of. Even if they can pay the premium required to attract talent with AI skills, those skills can quickly become out of date without investment in the systems to help the workforce learn." The AI business imperative If businesses are to turbocharge their growth and leverage the opportunity afforded by AI, they must put AI front-and-centre, now. The report recommends five key actions for businesses: About the PwC 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer The AI Jobs Barometer analysed close to a billion job ads and thousands of company financial reports across six continents to reveal AI's impact on jobs, wages, skills, and productivity. The Barometer includes some of the most recent available data on AI's impact including the latest available job ads and company reports through the end of 2024. We define a job as 'AI-exposed' if it contains many tasks in which AI can be used according to the well-established AI Occupational Exposure index. Definitions: 'More exposed' jobs are the 50% of jobs with greater AI exposure; 'Less exposed' jobs are the 50% of jobs with lower AI exposure; 'Most exposed' jobs are the 25% of jobs with the greatest AI exposure. We use the IMF's methodology to separately analyse AI-exposed jobs that are highly automatable (which means the job contains many tasks AI can perform) versus jobs that are highly augmentable (which means the job contains many tasks in which AI supports human expertise and judgment). You can read the full report and learn more about the key takeaways for business at About PwC At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. Find out more at
