IT Job Postings Jump 51%, Yet 63% of Seekers Fear AI Will Replace Them

The expansion in South Korea's IT job market, driven by AI advancements, shows a distinct preference for experienced candidates. While entry-level postings grew at a faster percentage rate, the absolute increase in experienced-hire openings was nearly double that of entry-level roles. This suggests that the current wave of AI-driven demand favors those with established skills, potentially leaving entry-level applicants with fewer direct opportunities.

This preference for experienced talent contributes to a growing sense of job insecurity among IT job seekers. The survey data indicates that a majority are concerned about AI displacement, a sentiment more pronounced within the IT sector than among job seekers generally. This suggests that the perceived threat of AI is not abstract but specific to their field, even as it creates new demand.

The mixed views on AI's impact on job prospects highlight a complex dynamic. While 45.3% of IT job seekers reported decreased confidence, 35.1% also expressed increased confidence, a share higher than among all job seekers. This indicates that concern about AI taking jobs coexists with hopes for new opportunities, particularly among those already in or seeking to enter the IT field.