Understanding the Role of the Digital Economy for Education Systems in East Asia: A Comparative Analysis between South Korea and Japan.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a global comprehensive force, affecting businesses, labour markets, and societal norms and structures. Nowhere is this transition more visible than in East Asia, where fast technological adoption meets a diversified social and economic context. The main goal of this study is to examine the influence of AI development on society and the economy in East Asia, with a particular emphasis on South Korea, which is a leader in the study and implementation of AI in multiple facets of society. The study further seeks to identify the limits and opportunities associated with the adoption of digital technologies, including AI, within the education sectors of South Korea and Japan. This analysis focuses on the role of the digital transformation in shaping education systems in South Korea, in comparison with Japan. These case studies have been chosen because the rapid deployment of AI-driven platforms, digital curricula, and automated instructional systems is indicative of both significant opportunities, including personalised learning, enhanced administrative efficiency, and expanded access, and critical limitations, such as regional disparities, teachers’ preparedness, ethical concerns, and infrastructural constraints. The thesis addresses the following research question: How has artificial intelligence shaped the socioeconomic landscape of East Asia, and, more specifically, the education sector in South Korea and Japan? As both nations seek to position themselves at the forefront of technological innovation, their respective education sectors face mounting pressure to integrate digital tools, such as AI, with a view to enhancing learning outcomes, reducing inequality, and preparing students for rapidly shifting labour markets. Through a comparative analysis, the research highlights how national strategies, policy frameworks, and institutional capacities influence the adoption and effectiveness of digital technologies in education. By drawing parallels between South Korea’s approach and Japan’s more incremental digitalisation trajectory, the study identifies key factors that shape successful implementation and offers the digital transformation to strengthen education systems across the region.