[DigitalToday reporter Chi-gyu Hwang (황치규)] AI and data-based HR tech platform JobKorea said on April 23 it published an “AX Recruitment Report” for corporate HR managers.

The report covers the status of AI use and perceptions in hiring, and the strategic direction for changes in the 2026 hiring environment. It was produced based on JobKorea’s own corporate survey and an analysis of recruitment data.

In the report, JobKorea defined this year’s hiring environment as a trend of expanded year-round recruitment and persistent budget constraints. Hiring periods have lengthened while resources remain limited, it said, pushing companies to secure talent in more efficient ways.

It also noted the spread of “outbound recruiting.” The report said the method of companies first proposing jobs to candidates rose 44 percent over the past 3 years, based on JobKorea platform data. It said the structure is shifting, with AI handling repetitive and wasteful tasks while hiring managers focus on judging fit and persuading candidates.

Companies also showed strong interest in adopting AI hiring agents. Some 63 percent of respondent companies said they are reviewing adoption positively, but actual adoption or planned adoption remained at about 3 percent. The report said AI adoption in hiring processes is still at an early stage of wider spread.

On last year’s hiring results, 62 percent of companies said they did not meet their goals. Hiring managers expect AI to cut work hours at 64.9 percent, automate repetitive tasks at 44.8 percent and boost productivity at 39.0 percent. The results also showed they hope this will let them focus on decision-making and designing the candidate experience.

A JobKorea official said that in an environment where outbound recruiting is expanding, AI use is not an option but a necessity because companies must search for and manage more candidates with limited resources. The official said it is important to support companies so they can reduce repetitive tasks and focus on core decision-making and communication.