Lee Sedol, a legendary Go player, shares insights on coping with employment challenges posed by AI during a special discussion marking the tenth anniversary of his game against AlphaGo.
On the evening of the 5th, despite inclement weather, a large number of students attended a special discussion at Seoul National University to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Lee Sedol’s famed matches against the AI AlphaGo. Lee Sedol, who faced AlphaGo in 2016 and was defeated, expressed the transformative impact of AI not only on the game of Go but also on various other fields. Following his retirement in 2019, Lee reflected on the changes AI has brought, indicating a profound evolution in how humans are engaging with technology and its implications for future employment.
The event, organized by the Korean Society for Science and Technology Studies and the Department of Science at Seoul National University, was titled 'From AlphaGo to AlphaFold: What Does AI Mean for Us?' Alongside Lee Sedol, Professor Seok Cha-ok from Seoul National University, who founded an AI-based drug development company, participated in the discussion. They explored both the challenges and potential of AI, particularly addressing concerns regarding the displacement of jobs due to AI advancements, which resonate strongly among today's youth navigating a rapidly changing job market.
During the discussion, while both speakers referred to their relationship with AI as a 'good bond,' they emphasized different aspects of its impact. Lee noted a loss of individuality among Go players who prioritize memorizing AI strategies over artistic expression in the game. Reflecting on his past matches, he expressed both nostalgia and a sense of bittersweet realization about the future implications of AI in creative and intellectual fields, highlighting the urgent need for society to rethink the role of human ingenuity alongside artificial intelligence.
