In South Korea, Lee Geon Hui sought to give a heartfelt gift to his father, who raised him single-handedly. He chose an AI-animated video featuring a digital version of his late grandfather. Using a message written by Lee, the video showed the grandfather addressing his son, apologizing for past grievances, and expressing love.
Lee’s father initially hesitated to watch the video but was moved to tears when he did. Lee expressed feeling fulfilled, as the video conveyed sentiments he desired to share with his father.
Emerging AI Industry
A growing trend in South Korea involves digitally-sophisticated individuals employing AI to create videos of deceased loved ones. Startups offer services producing AI recreations, while TV programs have featured AI-generated versions of late celebrities.
Some see this technology as a source of comfort for grieving individuals, while others consider it ethically and psychologically complex. Yong Man Ro, an AI expert at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, described this as a “double-edged sword” due to the deep emotional impact.
Client Interests and Processes
Clients of Vaice, a Seoul-based tech company, often request AI versions of their late parents. CEO Jeongu Won mentioned they serve around 300 customers monthly. Clients typically provide photos and voice samples of the deceased, with prices starting at 600,000 won ($390) for a three-to-five-minute video.
Families typically play these videos during memorials or major holidays. Scripts usually express love and often address unresolved issues with the deceased.
Concerns and Ethics
JL Standard, another service provider, initially faced skepticism due to fears of intensifying grief. However, media appearances by simulated dead celebrities have increased acceptance. Won stated no customers reported worsened grief.
Choung Wan, a law professor emeritus at Kyung Hee University, underscores the need for regulations. Laws should protect the deceased’s dignity, banning AI recreations if opposed before death. Clear rules should govern commercial usage of personal images and voices.
Future and Challenges
Experts foresee ethical challenges with potential “griefbots” allowing two-way communication with AI likenesses of departed loved ones. These systems, they argue, might hinder healthy grief processing.
Won exercises caution regarding AI chatbots. Unsupervised conversations could lead to ethical dilemmas.
Technological advancements have improved AI likeness details, such as replicating wrinkles and skin textures. Nonetheless, chatbots face issues like inconsistent expressions and less human-like behavior in extended conversations.
Ro, who created a brief AI video of his late parents, shared it with his siblings. Though a touching experience, Ro and his family only viewed it once. “One time was enough,” he remarked, emphasizing a focus on moving forward.