AI video of late South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron sparks debate
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According to the video’s description, it was provided by the actress’ family.
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT FROM YTN/YOUTUBE
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SEOUL - An AI-generated video featuring late actress Kim Sae-ron
Titled ‘A memorial AI video created by Kim Sae-ron’s family’, the video was uploaded on March 14 to the YouTube channel of Kwon Young-chan, head of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association.
According to the video’s description, it was provided by the actress’ family.
In the video, an AI-generated version of her addresses her fans.
“To everyone who loved and supported me, the time I spent with you was incredibly precious,” the AI voice said.
“Having started acting at a young age, there were times I was lacking and moments I may have disappointed you. Despite that, I sincerely want to thank all of you who believed in me and patiently waited for me.”
The AI-generated actress concluded with: “If you remember me in the future, please remember me as someone bright and warm.”
While some viewers mourned her passing, others criticised the video’s creation.
“Seeing this, I couldn’t stop crying. … It feels like a final farewell,” one commenter wrote.
Another said: “Watching this breaks my heart. I hope her tarnished name can be restored.”
The video sparked broader debate after broadcaster YTN reported on it on March 16. Many questioned whether it reflected her wishes
“Kim Sae-ron is so pitiful. ... Her family made up words she never wrote in a will and used AI to create this? This isn’t about remembering her. It’s about seeking attention,” one comment said on YTN’s YouTube channel.
Another asked, “Did Kim Sae-ron request this? This could be disrespectful to the deceased. This is nothing more than an illusion created by her family.” THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
