SK hynix Drops Degree Requirements as Chey Tae-won Says Diplomas No Longer Guarantee Ability in AI Era

As generative AI becomes widespread, access to knowledge is changing dramatically and a university degree no longer necessarily reflects job competence. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said businesses and educators in the AI era should instead prioritize four core capabilities: critical thinking, adaptability, empathy and hands-on skills. The shift challenges South Korea’s longstanding emphasis on academic credentials and redefines the talent the technology sector needs amid the AI boom.

South Korean memory-chip giant SK hynix formally announced on June 17, 2026, that it would remove its requirement for new hires to hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university. The policy will initially apply to core technical roles in chip design and equipment research and development before expanding to production lines. To support the change, SK hynix introduced an AI video-interview system called “A!SK,” shifting its recruitment criteria toward practical job skills and experience in solving problems.