Shaping AI: Ethics, Power, Responsibility

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, education, and everyday life in South Korea—shaping how we live, work, communicate, and make decisions. Yet its development is often concentrated in the hands of a few powerful corporations raising urgent questions: Who shapes AI? Who benefits? Who bears the risks? Current systems often amplify existing biases around gender, class and culture.

This workshop examines the ethical, social, technical and political dimensions of AI in the Korean context. Topics of this workshop will cover AI in education, media, governance, and art, with a focus on the future of building ethical frameworks for Korea’s AI ecosystem. The workshop is also part of a series of AI workshops currently taking place in Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and India. Together, we aim to discuss, among other things, the following questions:

• How can we ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems while giving communities the tools and support to create and manage their own datasets?
• Who controls AI—global tech giants or local innovators—and what does this mean for Korea’s digital sovereignty? How can AI become a shared cultural resource, created with and for the public?
• What roles do Korean policymakers, developers, and citizens play in creating responsible AI that reflects democratic values and cultural norms?
• What education and legal frameworks are needed so non-technical participants can understand, audit, and reject harmful AI components?

Program highlights include presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions led by leading Korean AI researchers, ethics and civics scholars, tech experts, and artists. (in Korean)

Gain insights into the Korean AI landscape, connect with experts, and help us shape responsible AI practices for Korea. Registration is encouraged, and participants can also sign up for individual slots. Please indicate your preferred slots when registering.

Program:

*You can find the latest information about the event on our social media channels.

**The workshop is part of the German Innovation Days 2025, hosted by the German Embassy in Seoul.