SK Telecom CEO Jae-heon Jeong discusses AI talent and transformation

SK Telecom CEO Jae-heon Jeong delivered a lecture to approximately 300 students at Seoul National University regarding the opportunities and challenges of the AI era. During the session, which marked the first class of the decade-long SKT-SNU AI joint program, Jeong emphasized the importance of ‘Sovereign AI’ to ensure national and corporate independence from foreign technologies.

Jeong introduced the concept of the ‘AX J-curve’ to describe the process of AI transformation (AX). He explained that organizations may experience an initial dip in productivity due to the need for retraining, data reorganization, and workflow redesign—a period he termed the ‘valley of discomfort.’ However, those who endure this phase can achieve rapid productivity gains. To navigate this, he suggested three approaches: ‘looking at things differently,’ ‘facing extremes,’ and ‘embracing discomfort.’

Regarding future talent, Jeong argued that as AI improves its technical capabilities, human competitiveness will rely on insight, empathy, and domain expertise. He noted that while AI can handle technical tasks, the responsibility for making value judgments and decisions will remain a human role. He concluded by highlighting the need for ‘thinking muscles’ and ‘adaptation muscles’ to thrive in a changing landscape.