South Korea is making a lot of money from artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Big companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix make many chips for AI. These companies are making record profits this year. Because of this, workers at these companies receive very large bonuses. For example, some workers at SK Hynix received bonuses that were much higher than their monthly salaries. In the city of Icheon, where SK Hynix is located, people are buying more expensive cars. Some people who own company stocks are also becoming very rich.
However, not everyone in South Korea is happy. There is a big gap between the rich tech workers and other people. Many small businesses are having a difficult time. Many shop owners are closing their businesses because they do not have enough money. Also, many elderly people in South Korea live in poverty. They struggle to pay for basic things like food and housing.
Because of this problem, people are talking about how to share the wealth. Some leaders want to start a "citizen dividend." This idea means the government could give some money from the big companies to all citizens. They believe that since the whole country helps these companies grow, everyone should share the success. Some people agree with this idea, but others worry it might hurt the companies. South Korea must now decide how to help all its people during this time of change.