Kim Yong-beom, South Korea's presidential chief of staff for policy, proposed on May 12, 2026, that the country should implement a 'national dividends' policy to distribute profits generated by artificial intelligence to the public. The proposal was made during a policy briefing in Seoul, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Kim suggested that as AI technologies advance and boost productivity, the resulting economic gains should be shared broadly to prevent inequality. He did not specify exact mechanisms or funding amounts, but indicated the plan could involve direct payments or public investments.
The proposal comes amid global debates on how to manage AI's economic impact. South Korea has been investing heavily in AI infrastructure, aiming to become a top global player by 2027. No legislative steps have been announced yet.
