[By Samuel Jeong ten@tenspace.co.kr] In a forward-looking seminar held on March 28 at Seoul National University, legal scholars, technologists, and business leaders gathered to discuss how artificial intelligence might transform the future of legal services — not as a replacement for human attorneys, but as a powerful ally in the pursuit of justice and social impact.

Titled “AI and ESG: The Future of Legal Collaboration”, the event was co-hosted by the ESG Social Innovation Center at Seoul National University and SeoulLawBot, a rising AI legal services company. The gathering took place at the university’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies and tackled urgent societal issues — such as rental fraud and legal inequality — through the lens of emerging technology.

“AI lawyers have the potential to significantly enhance access to justice, especially for working-class citizens who are often left behind by the traditional legal system,” said Professor Kim Kyung-min of SNU. He underscored the need for innovation in legal accessibility.

Professor Bae Ki-chul of Kyung Hee University echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that AI legal services could also serve the public interest by bridging critical service gaps.

From the industry perspective, Lee Young-tak, Executive Vice President at SK Telecom, stressed that the advancement of AI in the legal domain requires not only robust infrastructure but also a cultural shift in how the public perceives legal technology. “We must ensure society is ready to trust and embrace this innovation,” he said.

Ku Eun-seok, CEO of SeoulLawBot, framed the issue succinctly: “There are many lawyers in Korea, yet many people still struggle to get legal help. AI lawyers are not here to replace professionals but to complement them.” He pointed to the AI’s role in preliminary consultations, where it provides essential guidance before human lawyers step in.

Co-founder Koh Jin-seok added that the government must play an active role — not just in fostering AI legal startups, but also in adjusting regulations to accommodate and guide this emerging industry.

As South Korea explores AI’s role in the public sector, this seminar marks a pivotal step in redefining how law can serve society in the digital age. The question is no longer whether AI belongs in the courtroom — but how fast we can build a system where it can make a difference.