The Dawn of AI Cinema: How KT is Rewriting Korea’s Media History Books with ‘CODE: G’ 📖🖋️

Hello Korea Fam, and welcome to another insightful exploration of the evolving landscape that defines modern Korea. As a cultural historian, I’ve always found great fascination in how innovation intertwines with tradition, shaping new narratives. Today, we turn our gaze to a remarkable development from KT, a titan in Korea’s telecommunications and media sectors, as they unveil a pioneering project that could redefine cinematic creation itself. We at Hello Korea are keenly observing this significant moment, poised at the intersection of art and artificial intelligence. 🧐

In a bold move that signals a new era for media creation, KT has announced the exclusive theatrical release of their generative AI omnibus film, ‘CODE: G The Beginning of Attention’ (코드:G 주목의 시작). Slated to premiere at CGV on December 27, this project isn’t merely a film; it’s a profound experiment designed to assess and expand the commercial viability of AI-driven video content. It marks a crucial step in understanding how artificial intelligence will integrate into the creative fabric of entertainment, not just in Korea, but globally. 📜

The anticipation built up during a special preview and a ‘Conversation with the Directors’ (GV) session held on December 23 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall. Over 300 guests, including students from KT’s ‘A’school’ — a program fostering young AI talent — university students interested in AI video production, and laureates from the ‘KT AI Film Festival P.A.N’, were among the privileged attendees. This diverse audience engaged deeply with the filmmakers, posing questions about the innovative production methods and the technical implementation of AI, signaling a vibrant curiosity about this nascent field.

‘CODE: G The Beginning of Attention’ is a brainchild of KT’s joint planning and investment in generative AI film projects. The film is an omnibus, weaving together five independent short films centered around the profound theme of ‘humanity’. A collaborative effort by six directors, the anthology showcases varied approaches to AI integration:

• 📖 The segment ‘Memory Management Bureau’ notably employs a hybrid method, combining the performance of renowned actress Lee Sun-bin with over 90% AI synthesis technology, blurring the lines between human artistry and algorithmic creation.
• 🖋️ The remaining four films push the boundaries even further, constructed entirely from 100% generative AI synthetic images, narrating their stories without the direct presence of human actors. This truly opens up a new chapter in visual storytelling.

This ambitious undertaking aligns perfectly with the KT Group’s overarching media and content strategy. The project benefited from the collective expertise of KT and its media group R&D personnel, who contributed to the joint planning. Furthermore, KT underscored its commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem by leveraging its ‘Biz Collaboration’ program, which is designed to discover and support promising small and medium-sized ventures. This initiative not only propels innovation but also strengthens the symbiotic relationship between industry giants and emerging creators. ⛩️

During the post-screening discussion, the dialogue delved into both the limitations and difficulties inherent in AI technology, alongside its exhilarating potential. Directors universally acknowledged AI as a powerful tool for expanding expressive boundaries and enabling experimental production that would otherwise be challenging or impossible through traditional means. The consensus was clear: this project isn’t merely about AI replacing human creators, but rather a fascinating exploration of how audiences will engage with and perceive these novel forms of visual expression. It’s a testament to the adventurous spirit of these Korean filmmakers, becoming Sunbae (senior figures) in this new domain. 🧐

KT views ‘CODE: G The Beginning of Attention’ as a crucial first step in validating the commercial potential of nearly 100% generative AI-based cinema. Following its release, the company plans to meticulously analyze audience reactions and market data, using these insights to inform future discussions and strategies. Kim Chae-hee, Senior Vice President of KT’s Media Division, articulated the vision: “‘CODE: G The Beginning of Attention’ is an example of how AI can be utilized in the industry to lower barriers to entry for creation and expand experimentation. Despite technical limitations, it is meaningful to document the current stage of AI film production and can serve as a benchmark for future discussions on creative methods.” She further affirmed KT’s commitment to cultivating the media creation ecosystem by discovering new AI creators and facilitating their journey to commercial releases as an AICT-based media operator. 📜

Editor’s Comment: As a cultural historian, I see this not just as a technological leap, but as a fascinating evolution of storytelling itself. Korea has always been at the forefront of embracing digital advancements, and ‘CODE: G’ is a testament to this dynamic spirit. It raises profound questions about authorship, the nature of creativity, and the very definition of cinema. How will future generations look back at this pivotal moment? This experiment by KT is truly a canvas for tomorrow’s narratives, blending the historical craft of filmmaking with futuristic algorithms. 📖🖋️

This groundbreaking project from KT is more than just a film release; it’s a living laboratory, charting the unexplored territories of AI in cinematic art. We at Hello Korea will be watching closely as audiences engage with ‘CODE: G’, eager to observe how this bold venture shapes the future of creative expression in the vibrant Korean media landscape and beyond.

Editor: Minho Kang 📜