Naming Society: The Shift from Organizations to Individuals

Individuals are increasingly recognized over organizations, reshaping how we address and interact in society.

### The Evolution of Individual Identity in a Changing Society
* 👥 In organizations, it's common to refer to colleagues by titles such as **Mr. Kim** or **Ms. Kim**, reflecting a cultural tendency to **avoid using personal names**.
* 📚 The Korean language's lack of second-person pronouns means that using terms like "**you**" can be seen as **rude**, leading to a reliance on **titles or relational terms** instead.
* 🔄 Historically, individuals needed to join organizations to achieve significant goals, but as organizations shrink, the emphasis on **individual identity** grows.
* 📅 Author Song Gi-hyung discusses the concept of a "**Naming Society**," where personal names are increasingly recognized as individuals gain **prominence in their fields**.
* 💼 The rise of freelancers and digital platforms has shifted the focus from **organizational roles to individual contributions**, allowing people to **connect across various industries**.
* ⚖ Modern workplace culture has evolved to prioritize **work-life balance** over traditional values of promotion and salary increases, reflecting a **generational shift in attitudes**.
* 🌍 As industries adapt to technological changes, the demand for **human interaction in service roles** remains strong, emphasizing the need for individuals to **continuously develop their skills**.
* 🚀 Ultimately, individuals must navigate a **rapidly changing landscape**, balancing personal interests with market demands to **maintain their relevance and value in society**.

When referring to someone, it seems appropriate to call them by their name, but in reality, that's not the case. Once you enter an organization, it becomes natural to address people as Mr. Kim or Ms. Kim. Interestingly, the Korean language cannot use second-person pronouns as titles. Words like you or thou are second-person pronouns in Korea, but using you can come off as rude, and thou might evoke historical connotations. In the past, production was based on organizations, so if you wanted to do big things, you had to join an organization. However, organizations seem to be shrinking while individuals are growing. Ultimately, if we take it to the extreme, when organizations and individuals become equivalent, only the person's name remains. Today, we are going to explore how to plan our lives in a rapidly changing society. We have the author Song Gi-hyung, who is someone who reads the changes of the times a step ahead, here to discuss this with us. Welcome! Hello!

Hello, it's nice to meet you. Wait a minute, how come you only come out once a year? I'm lucky to be able to appear again. No, that's not true. I always keep an eye on the author's books and am one of those who read about new trends. I thought, Oh, it's time for you to come out again. But this year, you released it a bit earlier than usual, right? You started the series last year, on September 25, and you released it again this year on September 25, right? Oh, that's correct. I was lucky to be able to make the second forecast. Oh, please don’t mention it. So, since you are the one who organizes the trends for the next year in advance, let’s discuss the content of the book. The Shidae Ebo series has a main title, and then there’s a subtitle that reflects the book's title for that year, right? Yes, that's correct. But...

This year, I noticed that the title given was Naming Society. What does this mean? A Naming Society is defined as a society where we call each other's names. Normally, it seems appropriate to refer to someone by their name in our daily lives, but that's not always the case. Instead, we often use titles or other terms. For instance, when we enter an organization, it feels like we are only called by our names during our time as employees, but once we get promoted even a little, we are immediately referred to as Mr. Kim, Deputy Kim, or Manager Kim. Consequently, I've come to realize that we live in a society where names are not often used. Another aspect of this is seen in our relationships; for example, when someone asks, What is your student number? it naturally leads to a response like, Oh, you are my elder. So, I wondered why this happens.

Professor Shin Jae from Korea University explained that he wrote a book about the levels of language, and he mentioned that interestingly, Korean is a language that cannot use second-person pronouns as titles. After analyzing around 207 languages worldwide, he found that only seven languages share this characteristic. In Korean, pronouns like you or thou are second-person pronouns, but using you can feel quite harsh, and thou might sound too familiar. Because of this linguistic feature, people often refer to each other by their relationships, like older brother or older sister, or they use titles with the suffix -nim to show respect. He pointed out that when politeness is involved, second-person pronouns cannot be used. This made me realize that we truly live without calling each other by our names.

It's been established, yes. But now, the relationship is gradually loosening, and what I explained in the book this time is that we become stronger as individuals, just like organizations. Consequently, I realized that we cannot help but call out their names. Today, for instance, when we mention Park Jeong-ho's Economy in Hand Plus, people are already recognizing him. They have already acknowledged him as a member of the called-out individuals. 

Ah, I see. So what factors have contributed to this generational change? For example, in the past, there were fewer opportunities to work alone, and since we worked within organizations, it was natural to refer to titles. Nowadays, with the rise of freelancers and one-person businesses, is that the reason? Through platforms, we have developed the ability to exchange efforts and contributions seamlessly. In the past, production was based on organizations.

Because it has been realized, if you want to do great things, you must absolutely join an organization. However, that is no longer the case; now there are more opportunities where I can exchange my chances sufficiently. Another thing is that these changes are happening in the relationships between people. My work can expand more; in the past, I only looked after my immediate surroundings, but now I can connect with other societies as well. This is becoming a digital phenomenon. Additionally, when I used to work, I relied on people's help, but now, depending on the platform services, AI can also assist. It seems that organizations are getting smaller while individuals are becoming larger. If we take this to the extreme, when the organization and the individual become equivalent, only the individual's name will remain. In this context, it is evident that our society is increasingly playing a central role, truly calling for the individual's recognition.

There has been an important shift towards a society where certain things are permissible. In such a situation, I can't help but ask about the current workplace trends. In the past, getting promoted and increasing one's salary was considered one of the most important virtues or aspects of work. However, it seems that a culture has emerged that places much more importance on work-life balance. This suggests that, unlike previous generations, today's younger generation has a very different attitude towards work. Fundamentally, this shift is in the right direction because a balance in life is necessary. To pursue a longer-term vision, one must take breaks and recharge, which is quite natural. Moreover, looking back, the scale of production no longer requires large-scale operations. Currently, there are over ten thousand cosmetics brands in Korea, and they rely on OEM.

Odm has developed so well that now, unlike in the past, we don't need to invest in large factories and equipment on such a large scale. Now, people with vision can come together to create beautiful brands, and if they design their products well, they can easily establish their own companies. Our lives are becoming increasingly automated and fluid, which is leading to a noticeable reduction in the size of organizations compared to before. Another thing to consider is that it seems difficult to stick with one thing for a long time. Among the various industries we are currently engaged in, for example, influencers have emerged after the rise of platforms. Just like before, some professions may disappear while new ones will be created. This leads me to think that the lifespan of my job is shorter than I expected. So, I...

If we have to work longer, the first task is that the first organization has become outdated, but the second task could involve doing something different, and if we expand further, we might even change our entire career. As a result, it feels like organizations are no longer constants in our lives. In the past, it was somewhat dramatic; once you joined a company, you became part of that organization for life, striving for your position and achievements within that framework, and even retiring there. However, the likelihood of that happening is decreasing. Additionally, since we are living longer, many people will likely take on second or third jobs. Therefore, it seems that the focus is shifting more towards ourselves. Ah, I see. In a way, it seems that the concept of organizations, as we traditionally understood them, needs to change gradually, right? Yes, it does. Until now, the state has been somewhat...

The worldview contained within it seemed to operate based on the organization, right? The interests of the organization came before my own. This is because, as I mentioned earlier, the collective is the subject of production, and the agreements and cooperation with those involved were extremely valuable. So, it was right to unite and work in harmony towards the organization's goals. To strengthen those aspects, culture was the same. Do you remember what was popular back in the day? It was the hiking club activities. Oh, that's right, the hiking club! The higher-ups enjoyed it, and on weekends, we would go together. Some people would even request, Oh, could you find a restaurant where we can eat beforehand? or Make sure to carry some extra supplies, and so on. In a way, during that time...

It used to be romantic, but now we are stuck going hiking on weekends. As a result, that company has started to become one that people no longer trust. All of this reflects how the culture and rules of our lives are changing. However, these changes happen gradually. Once a certain threshold is reached, a form of culture begins to emerge where people start to think, Oh, they have that kind of culture too. 

Listening to everything you said, I have one concern. It could be related to the characteristics of the industry or sector. Some industries still have to operate in a traditional way, while others are transitioning to a platform-based model, leading to the rise of new organizations and individuals. However, when these people coexist...

Some people find it much more natural to address others using titles like Mr. or Ms. However, on the other side, there are those who say, I am the vice president of a company, so why do they keep calling me 'Mr.'? How should we reconcile this? That's why we need to be cautious. There are two reasons for this. 

First, there are people who have been accustomed to this way of addressing others; these are the quicker ones. It's important to inform them that there is no method to change this habit. On the other hand, there are also those who are slower to adapt. For these individuals, it's crucial to let them know that others are moving in that direction and that they should not feel hurt when they hear someone else being addressed that way. If they are unaware of this, they can feel quite confused. 

It's similar to when we go out to eat together; who prepares first or who arrives early to secure a seat can vary. In Korean society, for instance, where the placement of utensils can be significant, it can become quite complex.

We fight over who will let go first. It doesn't matter who does it, but those who used to think of it as an old custom feel differently. Younger people, even if it's just by a year, want to take charge. There's no need for that; holding on to old thoughts can lead to hurt feelings. I want to convey that through forecasts like this, we need to understand how our values and society as a whole are changing. Of course, there will be economic preparations, but we also need to mentally prepare ourselves. It's understandable to feel disappointed. I don’t know the exact reason, but I just feel bad. I understand the reason; when I was younger, I had my own utensils, and now it's my turn to be served. Isn't it that you should let go of your own utensils? A representative I met last week mentioned this. He runs a very large company, and now...

I mentioned that, and then they said they felt unfair about it. What I meant to say was that life is unfair, and I tried to comfort them by saying that things have gotten better, right? In a way, it seems that in our society, the importance of individuals is growing rather than that of organizations. I think we can summarize it like this. So, when we talk about choosing a good job or a good workplace for the future, what perspective should we have? The term good workplace carries a significant meaning, and it seems different from how we've previously used the term. First, there is the idea of a truly good workplace, and second, there is the aspect of how a good workplace should be presented on platforms like YouTube. When we create content, sometimes the meaning can get distorted or even reversed. I've heard discussions about how studying hard can lead to getting into a good workplace.

So what you're saying is that studying means to do well on exams, and if you seize opportunities to enter a good workplace, you will be selected. After that, it can be a bit more relaxed; for example, you don't have to work too hard, and since the resources and organization are substantial, there are many people to help you. In such cases, what you’re saying is, We come in at 9 and leave at 6, and the work is relatively easy. The reason is that there are partner companies' owners who can help with the tasks. However, this implies that I am saying I want to do less work. So what happens is that if you come in to work but prefer not to do much, then it's not a good workplace. That's right. If I were to explain it, it seems to be a workplace that is just easy to stay at. In that case, it wouldn't be beneficial for personal development. Yes, that's exactly the key point being made right now.

What is being discussed is that new professionals often fear the concept of watered-down experience. As their years of service accumulate, their actual skills may not develop correspondingly. This creates a situation where, while they may not face issues within their current organization, they find it difficult to transition to other companies. The reason is that other companies focus on skills rather than just years of experience. When there is a significant gap in this regard, it can be quite burdensome. In Korea, there is also a seniority system, where salary structures are largely tied to years of experience.

So, what constitutes a good workplace? It is a place that supports growth. When the experiences accumulated over time translate into tangible assets, it is viewed as a good job. The perception has shifted from the traditional idea of a good job to recognizing that a good workplace is one that genuinely enhances one's abilities. This distinction is becoming increasingly clear.

In a way, it seems that the reason for individuals to manage their careers more actively and seek the next opportunity is growing and becoming more pressing as the job market becomes more competitive. However, I have been thinking a lot lately. The notion of a good job has changed; the era when a company’s reputation and name alone were enough to define a good job has passed. 

There seem to be two main issues at play. First, as I mentioned, the duration of employment in organizations is shortening, while life expectancy is increasing. This fundamental change is altering the basic premise of career longevity. Second, there is the matter of industry stability. Recently, I looked at a market capitalization graph that illustrated the distribution of large companies in the United States. In the past, we would have seen a strong presence of energy companies, consumer goods, and finance...

This side used to be very large, but now most of it is shrinking. It's like looking back at the time when steam engines came out in 2018; it feels like the engines are changing now. Digital AI and similar technologies are moving different industries. As new industries grow, the existing ones will inevitably face challenges. New forms of technology will emerge, such as nuclear fusion and superconductors, which we hope for. When that moment comes, everything will change again. Then, the thought that comes to mind is that nothing lasts long. My field, as much as I think about it, will likely go through cycles repeatedly. If our company can endure until the end, it would be truly happy, but it may not be possible. Therefore, we need to create a plan B. Naturally, what happens then is that we may have to switch paths.

We need to prepare, so now I have to focus on building my muscles and strength. The changes we feel are happening quickly as we prepare for that. In my father's and grandfather's generations, they taught us through a kind of rote learning the saying, Dig one well; just work hard on one thing. It seems that this saying is gradually changing. Digging one well is correct, but that doesn't mean just one job. A job is not a well. In the past, working at one job would naturally lead to digging a well, but that's no longer the case. So, in our Korean society, including myself, many people still believe that if someone sets the direction and plants the flag, then we can just follow that and do it. We understand that well, and we are good at being diligent and hardworking, but the organization doesn't care for me.

It's not that we won't receive anything, nor is it a world where specific skills or capabilities can be guaranteed indefinitely. So, going forward, how can we continue to maintain and create our own value? These are some of the points addressed in this book. That's why I believe you are listening to the teachings we can grasp. In the past, I remember that as a child, we used to have patriotic gatherings every Monday morning, where all the students would come together to listen to a speech. Naturally, we heard messages akin to golden rules about living diligently and similar themes. There were people we trusted and followed. Conversely, one could say there were no alternatives; there was no YouTube back then. As a result, I heard what Seohui said, but now the situation is different, as we have an overwhelming amount of content available.

You are present, but my life is already determined, and if my senior is someone who is ahead of me, then honestly, we wouldn't need these kinds of programs. It seems like you have been searching for information a lot during this long time. That's right. It feels like this is what you're experiencing. But the answer is actually different for each person because our goals are different, right? Therefore, after discovering myself first, if I look at the struggles of people who are similar to me, the chances of success increase. However, if I look at things that are less related to me, at some point, I end up receiving too much information. Yes, receiving too much information is fine as long as I keep trying to understand and work through it, but it can become overwhelming. So, even trying to take action becomes difficult because once I go through a few things, I end up falling behind again. Then naturally, nothing seems to work.

It's impossible, which means one can become exhausted. So, first and foremost, rather than just capturing information, I believe it's essential to focus on which aspects of that information I can add value to. I wrote about this in my book. 

Well, in a way, for those who are just starting to prepare for social life, it might be easier to decide where to take their first step by referring to the various points you've mentioned, dear author. However, for those who are already working, there are often people who have a great company name but, because they are in a comfortable greenhouse, have accumulated too much experience that doesn't translate into clear qualifications. What should such individuals do? 

In reality, I don't think this can be considered a clear career experience. It's that they've worked very hard and gained experience, but they can't explicitly explain it.

There can be cases where it is not objectively proven, and there may also be situations where feelings have built up inside without being expressed outwardly. So, I felt that I had fallen into such a situation this time, and I wrote about the concept of a second chance for those who might feel the same way. Naturally, those who are just starting out are trying hard to set up their broadcasting settings, but for those who have already started, I explained what they should do. If you are in a promising industry where your personal experience can be applied, then the problem is somewhat lessened. In that case, you can just focus on your work because the work itself will be quite relevant in the future. However, what’s important here is that it’s good to try to build a network outside of your company. Up until now, we have mainly focused on significant industries within our company.

You have researched and put in effort to create this. The problem is that I don't know if you are outside. That's right. So, even if I want to ask that person for something, it’s not easy because I don’t know they exist. Nowadays, I've noticed that on platforms like LinkedIn, more and more people are not only explaining their careers but also writing blogs to share their understanding of the industry. The reason is that they want to be discovered. They are saying, I am currently in deep thought. There are many gatherings related to business or various industries happening right now. If you go to these events, you will see a lot of people attending. However, some people participate actively, while others never show up. Those who have participated tend to find more opportunities elsewhere, while those who haven't attended have zero expectations. Therefore, attending these events can strengthen our profession.

I think I can prepare for my future step by step. However, there are some industries that seem to be facing difficulties ahead. In such cases, you need to reflect on what you like and dislike. After that, deeply consider your interests. Think about what you really enjoy and what you have done so far, but also what you would like to try in the future. The important thing is that it's better to explore these options before you quit your current job. Some people might realize that it's not for them and immediately quit, but this can be challenging. When you find yourself in a desperate situation, it becomes hard to make rational decisions. If you enjoy what you're doing, you can approach it like a hobby. However, forcing yourself to prepare for something you dislike is not advisable.

I'm not really preparing for an exam; I actually enjoy this. So, I do it even on weekends and holidays. When a hobby becomes your profession, you become a successful person in that field. Therefore, I would like to suggest that you try to overlap these experiences. 

That's true. After resigning, while preparing, you might experience a break in your career, and that preparation might not go as planned. This can lead to a situation where you are putting yourself on the market at a low value, which incurs switching costs. 

Indeed, when we are preparing for something, having a role model can be quite helpful. In a way, preparing for a society where you are recognized involves having a solid presence in a specific field. It’s good to see the commonalities that people have in that area. What could those be? In the past, role models were often found in biographies. I remember from my childhood...

I think there were always literary works and biographies of great figures. However, the difficult part is that these individuals possess transcendent will. It's something that cannot be easily emulated. Additionally, since this is about events from a hundred years ago, trying to follow them now doesn’t align with the current times. In a way, it seems like we were listening to somewhat embellished stories. 

Now, what people are doing is, first of all, they tend to follow individuals who have a significant reputation in their fields. For example, if one were to follow Professor Park Jeong-ho, they could gain an understanding of current affairs, common knowledge, and economic issues, and he even communicates these well. So, some might be following him. However, it is quite challenging for us to do this because when it becomes too deep, it takes a long time to accumulate that knowledge. Additionally, the utility itself requires a significant investment of one’s life.

If it's something I can handle, then I might not know, but there are cases where I do. In those situations, I search for information. I simulate it like this: I was planning to go somewhere this weekend to hang out with my friends, so what's the best option? Then, I get a list starting from Mangwon-dong. People who have been there leave blogs, and I use those to gather their experiences or insights. Through this simulation, I am regularly obtaining information. However, if the simulation becomes excessive, everyone ends up heading towards the same goal, which causes a significant inflation of competition. This is an issue we need to consider. 

Now, if we want to strengthen our careers, when I say my career is solid, we need to look at other fields as well, not just my own.

How can I add more value? Will I like it? If I look into these things, I might easily end up in a circular pattern, right? The work might fall apart. So, how can I maintain consistency in my career and give the impression that I am progressing? The first thing to consider is why I want to do something. For example, if I want to become a YouTuber, I need to ask myself why. Is it because they have good income? Or is it because they gain fame and become known to people, which is also a wonderful thing? However, some people get hurt easily when interacting with others and delivering information. They might be shaken by just one comment. Additionally, is the process of filming and uploading suited to my abilities?

It's not right. Every time, I make a lot of mistakes and struggle. The truth is, I like the result, not the process. That's similar to how I feel; I want to be a healthcare professional, but I faint at the sight of blood. That's something I shouldn't do. So, what should come first is to see if the achievements I get, at least in the process, bring me immense joy. However, there’s something that needs to be added: we have to check if there is a demand in the market. The market demand is continuously decreasing, and if I enter that industry, even if there is a sense of mission, it might be difficult to receive any economic support. Therefore, I need to look at social changes and think about what I like. If I consider these two as a crossroads, my path might become clearer. Yes, that could be a way. But there's one more thing.

In our country, we tend to have a strong comparative mentality and become overly conscious of others' opinions. For example, even if a certain field may lack marketability or future prospects, I still find great joy in the process of that work. However, when I engage in something that seems to lack direction, people around me might say, You won't make money from that, or That will be over soon. This can really shake a person and make them feel small. So, how can we overcome this? Right, we should avoid meeting such people. The reason is that when you are involved in a certain work, there are colleagues who support you and those who worry about you. Often, those who only express concern are projecting their own anxieties, which can overflow with negative energy, causing me to feel small without realizing it. But the important thing is that if those individuals are connected to a broader vision for the future, it can serve as a catalyst for change.

They are very sharp individuals; you really need to listen to them. There are definitely things that don't work anymore. For example, in the past, being good at typing was an opportunity. There used to be first-class and second-class typing certificates, and there were people who got jobs just with that. Someone mentioned that before, there were people who wrote beautifully, and having good handwriting was considered a kind of opportunity for employment. But now, being able to speak quickly is more advantageous, right? This is due to dictation software. So, we must continuously adapt, and we cannot afford to fall behind. Oh, I see. In this process, we now have to worry about even more competitors. It's not just about who my competitors are or what the competing companies are doing; we now also have to be concerned about artificial intelligence.

We've come to this era, and those who are just starting their careers or working in rapidly changing fields are really worried. What direction will artificial intelligence technology take, and what should we do? It's truly a concern. The reason it's a concern is that development is still ongoing. Once we understand certain limits, we can think, Okay, I can avoid that, but since AI is constantly expanding in real-time, we can infer that it will likely require a significant amount of effort. Consequently, it seems that the time and resources we have will increase. This leads to the thought that we need to work more deeply than before, and since interacting with people is still valuable, we should focus on deepening those connections.

People will come out because, after all, artificial intelligence requires a human counterpart for certain services. Another aspect is, if we bring in effort, what kind of emotional impact should we provide? This is where the layers begin to rise. So, when these means become automated, the purpose behind them will deepen. In our current education system, aspects like standardized testing and diligence may no longer be effective. Therefore, creativity and openness to new ideas will likely increase. We need to adapt and prepare for this evolution. The pace of technological advancement is so rapid that it may not be visible yet. Should we consider that the ability to name or call out in society has now entered this realm?

The problem is that simple pluralization is an issue. Until now, each person had their own capabilities and characteristics, but now it’s like pulling the hair of Son Goku; when you pull one, a hundred or a thousand come out, which is quite scary. Therefore, I think we really need to understand artificial intelligence as another work partner in this increasingly competitive society. In the process you mentioned, the demand for content, especially in our Handheld Economy Plus and content business, seems to be growing deeper and deeper. Yesterday, I visited a very famous YouTube channel and shared some of what I had learned. Interestingly, this morning, a blog post has already come out with remarkable detail.

I noticed that everything is created by artificial intelligence. As a result, those who used to write blogs by hand simply cannot keep up in terms of quantity. So, what I mentioned earlier is that traditional blogging no longer holds significance. What you need to do now is to watch clips and organize your own experiences, thoughts, and new ideas. Those who can present their sharp perspectives will stand out. The mere act of conveying facts seems to be fading away. Instead, those who can offer a sensory form of new discoveries or deeper thoughts will rise higher. For those of us who study and try to read a few more pages or contribute even a little, we are somewhat aware of the methods to seek depth. Earlier, that word felt heavier to me, but this...

I really don't know how to approach this. I need to evoke emotions. Of course, I will study harder to find the depth of emotion that comes from a deep understanding, but how should I create this emotion? Emotion comes from the narrative. When we usually watch a piece of work and think, This is a wonderful piece, it often stems from seeing the life of the writer or the artist. You realize the tremendous journey they have taken to get to this point. You can see their growth and the process of their practice. Another thing is that many individuals face difficulties in their personal lives; everyone has their struggles. The moment we start to look at those aspects, we can see the struggles they have faced offstage. These experiences accumulate the intensity and density of life, and the process of building up those experiences is significant.

When it comes to being moved, I think the process of creating that narrative is very similar to how we live our lives. I see. So, the most important elements you just mentioned—depth and emotion—do you think that if artificial intelligence technology advances further, it might also be able to replicate these aspects? Because, from an individual perspective, emotion ultimately comes from the experiences we've had. So, there needs to be a certain level of everyday actions and free will as an individual to carry that narrative forward. Therefore, I think it might be a bit difficult for a while. 

Now, could you pinpoint, like a precise tool, and tell us? Many people are listening to how we are evolving and developing in this significant era through forecasts. But if you could just highlight one thing, what would you say about the jobs that will be replaced and those that will not? What do you usually respond with regarding the jobs that will be replaced? There’s currently a list being researched.

We're creating new things every period. So, Goldman Sachs said that 300 million jobs will disappear, and they listed that most of them are white-collar jobs. It’s said that a lot are coming from office jobs. Over the past 100 years, we’ve seen things like Taylorism and conveyor belts, and now automation is moving into areas where people handle paper. This has been made clear. But it doesn't stop there; now that robots are coming out, there are discussions about the field as well. So, while a lot is emerging, some areas are advancing quickly while others are lagging behind. What is certain is that we are witnessing how automation is providing us with more free time and elevating human rights. For example, 52 hours a week and some companies...

With remote work, people can go out and spend time with their children while working, which is a lifestyle that humans tend to prefer. Therefore, we will move towards that direction. This means that the traditional roles we used to occupy will likely decrease significantly. However, this change is visible and inevitable. The issue lies in the established professions, which tend to be very conservative. This conservatism stems from a lack of understanding. If people were to understand these changes, they would likely adapt. Thus, it seems like an endless struggle. What is certain, though, is that in industries that rely on human-to-human interaction, humans are necessary. The reason is that the counterpart must be a person. Therefore, I believe the demand in this area will continue to grow. We refer to this as extreme hospitality.

There is a profession that involves speaking English and providing hospitality. In the past, this was primarily associated with high-end restaurants and hotels within the hospitality business. However, even there, the wave of automation is accelerating. Whether it's kiosks or robots taking orders, the same high-quality service that makes people want to go to those places will still rely on humans. The reason is that it needs to be human. Therefore, the demand in this area will continue to grow in the future. Is it only about customer service? Not at all. For example, consulting about life is also based on human-to-human interaction. The demand for this type of service will continue to increase. Ah, I see. In fact, recently, things have been flowing in a direction that is quite different from what we predicted. For instance, the future...

Society is a highly knowledgeable society, and I thought that there would be more valuable opportunities in the service sector. However, when I look at the most sought-after jobs for students graduating from universities, most of them are in manufacturing companies like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motors. This is because manufacturing companies cannot easily lose employees who have built up expertise on the production floor, and it is also difficult to find replacements from outside. Therefore, high salaries tend to remain stable and substantial in this sector. 

On the other hand, while there are individuals in the service industry who earn a lot, many are easily replaceable and often work for very low wages. Additionally, labor costs are not increasing, which forces them to continue working under tough conditions. Listening to our writer, it seems that at some point in the future, even in manufacturing, robots may replace human workers, and artificial intelligence may take over roles that are currently performed by people.

As it is replaced by something else, one might say it is a nostalgia for people or perhaps an extreme form of service. This leads to a phenomenon where there is a return to valuing human involvement. Should we then look for answers in the service industry? It’s similar to the concept of a pendulum swinging from left to right. For example, when artisans continuously moved along the path, people were incredibly valuable. However, as securing production became difficult and those led by artisans garnered less interest, some might have thought, Should I try to automate this? This was the Industrial Revolution. Then, as the Industrial Revolution expanded and organizations grew, it became clear that treating people merely as components in organizational theory was not right. There was a need to automate again and then enhance it, allowing individuals to regain importance. This cycle continues endlessly. So ultimately...

Every time we move, we need to recognize that there is a transformation happening and prepare for our future. Regardless of what we see, we must cultivate a deep understanding of ourselves to ensure that we are not easily replaceable. We should also engage and interact with others. In a way, this transformation has been well expressed, and it seems quite fitting. However, this transformation may lead to new types of jobs that were not part of the traditional value system of having a good job or a good workplace. After this change, a good job could be something entirely different. For those who were not selected in the traditional good job market, is it better to fully bet on this new future? It is important to prepare in advance during this transition period. If you enter the market after it has already been established, you will just be a follower. There will be those who led the way, and the competition will become denser again. Therefore, the situation is...

When things are changing, it's better to try it out first. The good news is that it's no longer about going all in; now, it's possible to just give it a try. For example, there’s YouTube, and then there are countless forums, which naturally increases the opportunities to learn new things. If you want to try something new, you can stop and come back. Nowadays, platforms like Carrot Market are continuously mediating part-time jobs, so the situations where you can test things out are increasing. Therefore, instead of diving in like before and doing everything at once, it’s becoming feasible to just try it out. I think it's a good idea to give it a shot. Personally, I’ve been feeling this more intensely lately. Among my acquaintances, the two wealthiest individuals right now are in new job sectors that emerged during the early days of the YouTube market.

Those who entered the market early, such as YouTubers with millions of subscribers—like 1 million, 2 million, or even 3 million—are financially better off than many doctors and lawyers. Additionally, there are those who have experienced the cryptocurrency market from the beginning and have invested in it; some of these individuals possess unimaginable wealth. However, for those who entered later, as the writer mentioned, it has become quite a tricky situation. It feels difficult to let go, yet at the same time, it's also ambiguous to say that one is gaining significant success or value from it. Therefore, if one is going to engage in something, it seems very important to first get a taste of it and determine whether they can continue pursuing it. Not everyone has the same temperament; while some people dive into new changes with curiosity, others are more steadfast and focused solely on their own paths. Those with such personal dispositions may inevitably need to change their mindset.

At least this seems certain: someone comes along and says, Something new has come out, give it a try. There are already successful people, and above all, it's something you can do very easily. If you say you can do it, you should do it. But the problem is, if it's easy, others will do it too. That's right. Because of that, this work is really difficult, but it's something that will be essential in the future. You can do this because it's a challenging task; if you achieve it, the returns and the sense of fulfillment you get from it will be significant. So, the premise is that you shouldn't start with something easy. The second point is about what you will do next. It seems a bit extreme, but how many people achieve 1 million subscribers on YouTube? That's right; it requires talent too. But it's not just about that.

I've been doing something for a long time that relates to my preferences and hobbies. It's actually quite enjoyable. As I continue doing it, I naturally gain more knowledge because I like it. Then, people around me say, Why don't you try starting a business? or members of my club suggest, Since you are very active as the leader of the entire club, you should consider it. In this case, even a small market can have a solid structure, so there’s no problem making a living. Therefore, what I really need to focus on is not making a lot of money, but rather doing good work while having regular customers; that is the most beautiful aspect of it. 

Oh, that makes sense. If we summarize what we've been discussing, we should start thinking about our conclusions not just for next year but also for the medium to long term. I have this thought: one of the reasons I used to join large organizations was that they offered me great opportunities.

Because of that, I went there. But now, I feel like there are more opportunities as an individual rather than as part of an organization. It’s a blessing. In the past, if you wanted to create a broadcast, you had to focus on your education and do well on exams because you needed to pass the producer's exam. But now, you can do a podcast or create a YouTube channel on your own. So, if I have the interests and skills, the gatekeepers that used to be in the way have disappeared. It's truly a blessing. The reason is that I was not good at math, so I didn't have confidence in doing well on exams. Therefore, the access has broadened, which is a blessing. However, the challenging part is that in the past, when you joined an organization, there were only a few people to compete with, so the competition was relatively relaxed. Now, you have to compete with 50 million people.

Because if you don't do it properly for just one month, you can miss out. You won't benefit from the algorithm. So now, we live in a world where we must continuously create our own value throughout our lives. In a way, it's true that individuals need to take more initiative, but there are so many opportunities that it could even be considered a blessing. I remember one of my friends who loved music but ultimately couldn't become a producer. The reason is that you have to get a job at a broadcasting station, right? But then you would need to work as a pop columnist, and there aren't that many positions available. It's difficult to make a living while also developing your own tastes. Now, anyone can pursue this path. So, the work that needs to be done now is...

What I mean is that the old way was like this. This is something that especially parents should listen to. The idea was that if you worked hard until you were 20 and then obtained a good education, you would eventually have a good life. This leads to problems because you end up doing things you don't like, and in the middle of it all, you become exhausted from trying so hard. So, I think it would be more beautiful to have a society where people can take their time, enjoy themselves, do what they love, and live well. 

Ah, I see. Now, I would like to ask you about a more historical perspective. Last year's book title contained the term nuclear game. I encountered that word for the first time. In a way, just that one word gives a strong sense of what you want to convey about last year.

It was a keyword, and I felt the resonance of the calling society. So, in this year, we might introduce something like please pay attention to this. However, as this trend continues, it seems that our society is ultimately flowing towards a certain direction. After writing the book, I decided on the title, and although it was published last year and this year, it’s not just about last year or this year; it’s about the present. It seems that our era is becoming one where individuals can manifest and realize their dreams to a significant extent, rather than focusing on the collective. Naturally, individuals want to explain and showcase what they have achieved, and they also desire to be rewarded accordingly. Furthermore, they start to demand a certain level of density from others as well. This is why I referred to it as a calling society, and in the book, I called this the era of choices. It’s about independence.

Individuals are starting to form connections with each other. This will likely continue naturally, and as a result, these groups will become more structured, closer, and more transparent. Therefore, a healthy society will emerge that demands a certain level of density from each other. Consequently, new points of agreement will be required by our institutions and systems. I believe all of this will eventually lead to an era of protection. 

Oh, I see. In this process, I am quite worried these days. When measuring performance at an individual level and receiving the benefits of that performance, and when engaging in activities on an individual basis, organizations used to consider when someone was lagging behind. That's right. However, as the proportion of individual activities continues to increase, the gap between the winners and losers in terms of benefits becomes extremely large, leading to polarization. If that happens, it will naturally lead to situations where those who cannot produce results...

Those who are categorized or not selected by society are expressing their anger towards that society or structure, and it seems that we are witnessing various side effects. Within organizations, issues of fairness are emerging. In the past, it was nice to say that our team worked together, but now it's more about, I did everything, and that person has a low contribution, which is reflected in the system. Therefore, it is clear that there is a new awareness regarding this. Additionally, the aspect of fairness in private life is being developed as a safety net and will be demanded more in the future. 

Secondly, the methods of production or contribution are likely to move away from the uniform manufacturing processes we have now. As our society transitions towards service and knowledge industries, considering the current educational preparedness and global competitiveness, it is evolving to become more advanced.

I think we require various forms of gears, but we may not perform them. Recently, there have been many books released, but among the titles I've seen in the past two to three years, the most persuasive and important book is Forecasting the Era. I believe that the author accurately identifies what our society needs right now, which is why I invited him again. If I may be greedy, I hope he can come out more often. I will work hard. Until now, this was writer Song Gi-hyung. Thank you.

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손에잡히는경제

The Naming Society and Changing Work Dynamics

The Korean language's unique use of titles instead of second-person pronouns has led to a society where names are rarely used.

The rise of freelancers and one-person businesses, along with digital platforms and AI assistance, is causing organizations to shrink while individuals grow in prominence.

This shift is leading to a greater emphasis on work-life balance and a redefinition of success in the workplace, with the younger generation prioritizing personal recognition and well-being.

The Changing Landscape of Work and Organizations

ODMs have reduced the need for large factories, allowing individuals to establish their own companies more easily.

The fluidity of work and the rise of influencers are leading to shorter job lifespans and a shift in focus from organizations to individuals.

As traditional ways of addressing colleagues clash with modern practices, there is a need for understanding and adapting to these changes in the workplace dynamics.

The Changing Landscape of Work and Career Development

The traditional notion of a good workplace is shifting towards one that genuinely supports personal growth and skill development.

New professionals often fear a watered-down experience, leading to difficulties in transitioning to other companies that prioritize skills over years of experience.

The changing job market and industry instability are prompting individuals to actively manage their careers and seek new opportunities, while the overwhelming amount of information available can make it challenging to take effective action.

Navigating Career Transitions and Building a Network

Transitioning careers can be challenging, especially for those with extensive but untranslatable experience.

Building a network outside of one's company and attending industry events can create new opportunities and connections.

Exploring personal interests and overlapping experiences can lead to a successful transition, while role models and information gathering can provide valuable insights for career development.

Navigating Career Progression and Market Demand

Maintaining consistency in a career requires self-reflection on personal motivations and market demand.

It's important to find joy in the process of work, while also being mindful of external opinions and societal pressures.

Adapting to rapid technological changes, including the impact of artificial intelligence, is crucial for staying relevant and competitive in the job market.

The Impact of AI on Blogging and Employment

AI's rise has rendered traditional blogging less significant, with a shift towards personal experiences and unique perspectives.

The future job landscape is changing, with white-collar and office jobs at high risk of automation.

While some professions may be replaced, human-to-human interaction roles, such as extreme hospitality and life consulting, are expected to grow in demand.

The Cycle of Change and New Opportunities

The shift from valuing human involvement to automation and back again is a continuous cycle, influenced by historical events like the Industrial Revolution.

The current transformation is creating new job sectors and opportunities, making it easier to try out different paths without fully committing.

The rise of individual opportunities, such as starting a YouTube channel or podcast, has disrupted traditional gatekeeping, but the competition has also intensified.

The Shift Towards Individual Value Creation

The modern world demands individuals to continuously create their own value, with abundant opportunities available.

The traditional path to success is being challenged, as more people now have the chance to pursue their passions.

This shift is leading to a society that values independence, connection, and mutual support, but also raises concerns about polarization and fairness in the distribution of benefits.