SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won (최태원) will appear as the first guest of season 6 of EBS' "Great Lessons, Great Minds". SK Group said on Wednesday that Choi will appear on EBS 1TV at 11:45 p.m. on weekdays from Oct. 12 to 16 under the theme "AI, a new capitalism and youth". "Great Lessons" is a programme that has invited leading figures from fields including economics, philosophy, science and the arts for lectures over the past five years.

The lectures address the roles companies, the economy and society must take on in the AI era. The premise is that new social problems keep emerging even as the economy grows, and that rapid advances in AI are changing industrial and job structures, making problems more complex. Choi stresses the need for a "capitalism of new value" in this environment.

The first lecture starts by asking whether the economy can solve social problems. Based on an experiment Choi has conducted for 10 years, he examines how a "capitalism of new value" works. The concept is that measuring the results of solving social problems and providing commensurate rewards turns problem-solving itself into economic activity. Choi also suggests ways for young people to use AI to become problem-solvers for social issues.

The second lecture looks at an AI-native society that operates with AI as a basic premise. Choi's view is that preparations are needed from now because it is still unknown how far AI will develop and when the era of AGI, or artificial general intelligence, will begin. He explains that AI services tailored to Korea's data and circumstances can reduce social costs and be used to solve difficult problems. He also presents ways to apply and test ideas ranging from "AI agents" to an AI City.

The third lecture focuses on "Korea-Japan economic solidarity". Choi sees it as difficult for South Korea to solve every problem alone as the global economic order rapidly shifts and U.S.-China conflict deepens. He puts forward a path for South Korea and Japan to move toward an economic community as a new option for South Korea. He also points to tasks the two countries can tackle together, including energy, AI, healthcare, tourism and jobs.

The fourth and fifth lectures are structured as talks with young people. Choi answered questions based on his own experience, including how he has viewed and prepared for the AI era, how he uses AI himself, and what he would take on if he could return to his 20s. The fourth lecture covers the capabilities needed for leaders in the AI era and ways for small and medium-sized companies to transition to AI, while the fifth discusses the value of labour and what young people should learn.