South Korea’s senior presidential policy secretary, Kim Young-beom, proposed distributing company profits from AI infrastructure developments as a ‘national dividend’ to citizens, sparking debate within political circles.
Presidential Office Clarifies Stance
The Presidential Office distanced itself from the idea on May 12, stating that the suggestions made by Kim on his personal social media reflect his individual views, not internal discussions or official positions. Officials emphasized that content raised in private channels remains the policy chief’s personal opinion.
Kim’s AI Dividend Proposal
In a Facebook post around 10 a.m. on May 11, Kim argued that opportunities from the AI infrastructure era extend beyond specific enterprises. He advocated sharing companies’ initial profits and reasons for gains directly with the public through a national dividend mechanism.
Kim highlighted ongoing massive investments, such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix repurposing semiconductor fabrication plants for AI chips, as potential sources for these dividends.
Opposition Parties Criticize Initiative
Opposition lawmakers voiced strong objections. Jang Dong-hyuk, a Democratic Party floor representative, remarked at a press briefing that another ‘corporate bond sale’ has surfaced, adding, ‘If companies earn substantial profits, the government compels them to redistribute to citizens.’
Lee Joo-seok, another floor representative focused on individual education, noted no precedents exist from Samsung and SK Hynix’s 2022 chip worker fabs. He warned that imposing regulatory burdens on businesses to address market distortions amounts to reverse corporate policy.
Market Reaction and Analysis
The Kospi index reached a record high, surpassing 8,000 points amid the proposal. Observers link the surge to optimism over Kim’s national dividend concept, viewing it as a signal for broader AI-driven economic benefits.
