The Rise of AI-Generated Memories in South Korea

In Seoul, South Korea, Lee Geon Hui desired to gift his father something unique in honor of his sacrifices as a single parent. Lee chose to provide a digitally animated video from his late grandfather, someone his father deeply misses. Collaborating with the tech company Vaice, Lee crafted a short clip featuring a virtual representation of his grandfather. During the video, his grandfather expressed regret for past conflicts and addressed his father as “my most precious son.” Lee shared that, although initially resistant, his father was moved to tears upon watching the video.

Many tech-savvy South Koreans now explore the potential of AI to recreate video likenesses of loved ones who have passed. Companies replicate not only family members but also reanimate celebrities for TV appearances. This trend, however, brings mixed reactions, balancing comforting benefits with ethical and psychological concerns. Yong Man Ro, an AI expert, remarked on the dual impact of such technology, capable of altering human experiences and cultural expectations.

Vaice, headed by CEO Jeongu Won, sees around 300 monthly clients, typically individuals in their 40s or 50s seeking videos of their deceased parents. The company requires a few photos and short voice recordings to create an accurate likeness. A basic video ranges from three to five minutes and costs approximately 600,000 won ($390). These videos are often used during family gatherings for memorial rituals or holidays. Customers usually provide scripts, often including sentiments like “I love you” or expressing unresolved conflicts.

AI advancements in grief technology prompt ethical questions. Choung Wan, a professor at Seoul’s Kyung Hee University Law School, stresses the need for laws that protect the deceased’s dignity and restrict unwanted AI recreations of individuals. As technology evolves, so do concerns about interactive “griefbots” that facilitate conversations between AI recreations and the bereaved. While potential exists for beneficial mourning support, experts like Choung caution against fantasies that prevent healthy grieving.

Despite hesitations, the technology’s rapid acceptance continues. Choi Yu Ha from JL Standard noticed increased interest prompted by modeled appearances of deceased celebrities. Won from Vaice expressed caution over introducing AI chatbots due to possible ethical complexities and lack of oversight. Advanced technology now refines even fine details of recreated images, matching them closely with the actual appearances.

Mismatches between the chatbot’s verbal and facial expressions remain a barrier. Ro, who lost both parents last year, created a brief video to cherish their memory, experiencing a powerful moment with his siblings. Though meaningful, Ro shared that their single viewing provided adequate closure.