Lee Ji-young "In the AI era, instructors are one of the professions that will disappear"

Lee Ji-young, South Korea's representative top instructor with an annual salary in the tens of billions of won, expressed a sense of professional crisis due to the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Appearing on MBC's 'Radio Star' broadcast on June 24, 2026, Lee shared her recent news, revealing that she was recently appointed as a special professor at UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology), where she lectures on 'Ethics in the Age of AI.'

"Instructors are no exception"... Professional crisis in the AI era

During the broadcast, Lee Ji-young shared her honest feelings regarding the social changes brought about by technological advancement. She warned that the arrival of the AI era could lead many to lose their jobs and feel a sense of emptiness, suggesting that the education industry she belongs to is also not safe. In particular, Lee drew viewers' attention by expressing concern that instructors could be "one of the first professions to disappear."

Attitudes for a human life and humanities insight

Lee Ji-young also mentioned the human attitude required in an era of technological omnipotence. Praising fellow guest Kim Dae-ho as a "talent suitable for the AI era," she said, "When the AI era comes, many people may lose their jobs, but people who enjoy the present, like Kim Dae-ho, can live humanely." In response, MC Kim Guk-jin highly praised her expertise, mentioning the humanities lectures she conducts.

4.5 million cumulative students, the weight of an overwhelming career

Lee Ji-young proved her influence by revealing that she has recorded approximately 4.5 million cumulative students during her previous appearances. Her growth narrative of overcoming poverty to reach the top has left a deep impression on the public, and she is currently expanding her expertise beyond the educational field as a special professor at UNIST, lecturing on AI ethics.

Survival strategy in the AI era: Reconfiguring job competencies

The sense of crisis raised by Lee Ji-young aligns with actual changes in the labor market. Recently, an 'AI transfer' phenomenon has been appearing among office workers, where they transition into the AI field based on their existing job competencies. Representative examples include marketing experts moving to AI strategic planning leaders at fintech companies, or advertising planners transitioning into AI service PMs (Product Managers). This is interpreted as a movement to find new opportunities in the AI era by combining data analysis and strategic planning capabilities beyond mere technology development.