Part 2 | Introduction The development of new technologies, including AI and big data, and the transition towards an intelligent information society have brought about significant changes to various aspects of human life and rights. These advancements have implications for employment, finance, administration, and welfare, among others, and can also pose risks to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and demonstration, and labor rights. Accordingly, the UN recognizes the critical importance of a comprehensive human rights-based approach that carefully balances the benefits of AI technology and the challenges posed by its impact on privacy rights and other human rights issues, Furthermore, income polarization has far-reaching consequences, which extend beyond poverty and exclusion to education, health, housing, environment, medical care, selfdiscussions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies have gained momentum, with major corporations and economic departments actively participating. There is a growing consensus that companies have a responsibility to respect and uphold the human rights of all individuals, both directly and indirectly, and that they should actively engage in efforts to protect and promote human rights. Meanwhile, with the National Assembly agreeing to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2022, measures were put in place to prevent and punish enforced disappearance crimes and protect human rights. With the National Assembly’s consent to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, individuals will now have the opportunity to submit their communications that the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities conducts an inquiry, considers and transmits the findings to the government together with any comments and recommendations. Furthermore, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reviewed Korea’s second and third combined national report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and presented 79 recommendations. However, some local governments faced campaigns to repeal fundamental human rights ordinances and student human rights ordinances, and there were attempts to reduce or merge departments responsible for safeguarding and promoting human rights. These actions contradict the goal of achieving human rights values in our society. In response, the Commission issued statements from the chairperson expressing concerns and is working towards preserving and 49 Part 2 | Introduction development, and cultural enjoyment. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues,