South Korea’s three telecom operators are accelerating efforts to secure talent to lead AI transformation, as they expand beyond telecoms into AI infrastructure and solutions such as data centres. The companies are widening B2B services built around AI infrastructure and say manpower is needed to connect models, data and cloud infrastructure to services. SK Telecom is expanding project-based programmes and AI security and network training, KT is running long-term and regional courses plus in-house hackathons, and LG Uplus is pushing company-wide AI use.

SK hynix is overhauling its hiring process to move away from specification-focused recruitment and directly assess AI application skills and fundamental thinking. It will accept applications for rolling entry-level hiring from Aug. 20 to Aug. 26, covering roles including design, device, R&D process and mass production technology. The company will introduce half-day in-depth interviews and revise application forms, while expanding briefings and planning an AI hackathon in the fourth quarter.