[CEONEWS=Reporter Lee Jae-hoon] Elon Musk, the ‘icon of innovation’ and the ‘center of controversy.’ He revolutionized the automotive industry with Tesla’s electric vehicles and opened a new frontier in the space race through SpaceX. His ambitions to dominate the flow of information and public opinion via AI ‘Grok’ and social media platform ‘X’ are now creating massive waves across the economy, society, and politics. However, opinions on Musk’s actions are divided. While some hail him as a “pioneer opening the future,” others warn that he is “a source of social turmoil.” In this Special Leader episode 37, we meticulously analyze how the name Musk, synonymous with innovation and controversy, continues to shake the global stage. We examine the risks behind his success, his clashes with political powers, and the influence of ‘Grok’ leading the AI era to gauge Musk’s present and future.

■ The Birth and Growth of a Disruptive Innovator

Elon Musk was a genius with an extraordinary vision. He revolutionized digital finance with PayPal and led the eco-friendly automotive revolution with Tesla. With SpaceX, he overturned the space industry’s status quo. His innovations often boldly defied existing industries and regulations. His challenge to turn the ‘impossible’ into ‘possible’ has inspired countless entrepreneurs and scientists worldwide. Yet, he is also dubbed a ‘dictator’ and ‘tyrant.’ The intense work pressure he imposes on employees, his unpredictable behavior, clashes with the media, and controversial social media remarks have all amplified social tensions. Musk believes his approach embodies the essence of innovation, but the ‘Musk risk’—uncertainty associated with him—has become a source of anxiety for investors and markets alike.

■ Vanguard of the AI Revolution: ‘Grok’ and New Power

Musk’s ambitious AI chatbot ‘Grok’ wields influence beyond technology, impacting politics and society broadly. Integrated with the X platform, Grok analyzes real-time public opinion, creating a manipulable ‘information power.’ Musk champions AI as a tool for ‘freedom of expression’ and ‘truth-seeking,’ but critics warn that Grok risks spreading biased and false information. Moreover, Musk’s AI business exhibits an innovation-driven approach that disregards traditional regulatory frameworks, resulting in inevitable clashes with governments worldwide. The US, EU, China, and other key countries are engaging in tense relations with Grok over AI safety and ethical issues.

■ Musk’s Strategies and Conflicts Shaking Politics and Economy
Musk’s declaration to establish the ‘America Party’ confirms his role as a key player beyond business into politics. His public conflicts with former President Trump and the foundation of a centrist new party are shaking the US political landscape. Economically, Musk expands his power by leveraging his companies and AI technologies to secure a competitive edge in global markets. Yet political circles voice concerns over his autocratic behavior and reckless remarks, warning of ‘market distortion’ and ‘social division.’ His companies Tesla, SpaceX, Grok, and others directly and indirectly affect global supply chains and investment environments, influencing competition between nations.

■ Challenges and Ambitions Toward the Future
Musk remains at the forefront of innovation. His grand visions include commercial space travel, AI-based autonomous driving, drug development, and humanity’s migration to Mars. However, voices calling for ‘responsibility’ and ‘social consensus’ alongside ‘innovation’ are growing stronger. Musk’s next moves will decisively impact global economic and technological development as well as social structures. How his leadership balances growth, disruption, and social instability is a major concern for global intellectuals and policymakers.

■ Elon Musk: The Innovator Who Shakes the World

Elon Musk is the icon of 21st-century innovation. The future he creates holds unprecedented opportunities as well as unparalleled challenges. CEONEWS will continue tracking his path, deeply illuminating the intersection of innovation and turmoil. “Innovation is not always safe. But without innovation, there is no future.” This is the most burning question Elon Musk throws to us all.