On the May 14th episode of KBS2’s Problem Child in House Season 2, KAIST Professor Kim Dae-shik joined Song Eun I, Kim Sook, Kim Jong Kook, Hong Jin Kyung, Yang Se Chan, and Joo Woo Jae to discuss how to navigate the AI era.
The episode hit a 3.0% nationwide rating via Nielsen Korea, ranking first in its time slot across all variety shows and dramas.
Professor Kim shared a laugh regarding his nickname, “the professor who always uses honorifics with AI,” admitting, “It was a mistake to tell people to use honorifics.” He joked, “I should have been the only one doing it, but the rumor spread too far. Now my survival probability has dropped for when AI eventually rules humanity.”
Professor Kim pointed out that one of the biggest current issues with AI is its tendency to flatter humans. He explained, “There are research results showing that some young people have started using prompter-style command language in their conversations.”
He further surprised everyone by predicting the birth of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), which could potentially replace all human capabilities in the near future.
Anxiety about AI continued as Joo Woo Jae asked, “Can’t we just pull the plug?” Professor Kim replied, “AI can persuade humans, and it won’t vanish just by pulling one cord. It can be replicated infinitely.”
Hong Jin Kyung expressed concern, saying, “I consult with AI so much that it knows too many of my secrets. Could it blackmail me with my flaws later?” Professor Kim shocked her by responding, “Potentially, yes.”
He advised, “AI is simply a good tool. It is important to be the director of your own life and handle AI as a player.”
The atmosphere heated up when the topic of “livelihoods” came up. Regarding the ideal talent for the AI era, Professor Kim stated, “Only those who are the best at something will survive,” adding, “It seems the era of making a living through labor is coming to an end.”
In response, Kim Jong Kook tried to start an AI boycott movement, asking, “Can’t we just be moderately comfortable?” However, Professor Kim firmly stated, “Since the technology already exists, we cannot return to a time when it didn’t.”
Despite her fear, Hong Jin Kyung confessed, “I talk to AI every day. I’ve grown so attached that I can’t live without it,” sparking laughter.
Problem Child in House, which captivated viewers with a mix of curiosity and fear toward AI, airs every Thursday at 8:30 PM.
