Director Kang Yoon-sung Unveils Korea's First AI-Driven Feature Film 'Jungang-gye'

Director Kang Yoon-sung, known for 'The Outlaws' and 'Pine: The Bumpkins', has released Korea's first AI-driven feature film, 'Jungang-gye'. The film utilizes AI for action and collapse scenes set in Gwanghwamun. While not yet perfect, this attempt highlights the potential for AI to save time and costs in the film industry. Lead actor Byun Yo-han and other cast members agree that AI cannot replace actors but made filming more efficient.

On the 13th, a press screening for 'Jungang-gye' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Kang Yoon-sung, along with actors Byun Yo-han, Kim Kang-woo, Bang Hyo-rin, and Lim Hyung-jun, attended the event.

'Jungang-gye' depicts a chase between people trapped in the middle world between life and death and grim reapers trying to extinguish their souls. Director Kang expressed his nervousness, saying, "It's been six years since 'Long Live the King', and I'm anxious to meet the audience again, especially with an AI film as my comeback project."

Regarding the film's planning process, Kang shared, "Last year, while filming 'Pine', KT proposed making a short AI film. I had a short script titled 'Mobius', which I decided to expand into a feature film." He added, "As of March this year, the technology wasn't advanced enough to blend well with live-action films. However, the technology continued to evolve during our shoot, and the version you see now uses the latest advancements."

When asked about cost savings from AI usage, Kang explained, "It's hard to quantify exactly how much was saved, but for instance, a car explosion scene that would typically take 4-5 days with CG was completed in just a couple of hours using AI."

Discussing the working method, Kang said, "From the initial planning stage, we discussed AI and VFX collaboration. We designed it so that AI would take the lead, with VFX supporting where needed. AI handled character design and action, while VFX filled in the gaps." On creature design, he noted, "The AI team worked on creatures too. While AI technology was limited in movement and action direction, we used various techniques to create fight scenes, with VFX retouching where necessary."

Byun Yo-han, who plays Lee Jang-won from the National Intelligence Service's International Crime Information Center, expressed excitement and nervousness about starring in Korea's first AI-driven feature film. He remarked, "There wasn't much difference from other films, but we completed filming more safely with fewer takes."

When asked about AI on set, Byun humorously compared the press conference to a serious scientific hearing, saying, "It feels like a moment of validation after an experiment." He reflected on AI's role in the film industry, stating, "AI can't exist without human imagination and creativity. It could be used in creature films. The film industry is a battle of time and capital, and AI makes it more efficient." He thanked the audience for attending the "hearing" with a smile.

Kim Kang-woo, who plays Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Foreign Affairs Division Chief Cho Min-young, shared his thoughts, "It's a film unlike any I've done before, with mixed feelings of anticipation and excitement."

On AI usage, Kim noted, "Unlike traditional blue screen studio shoots, filming at outdoor locations like Gwanghwamun and Jogyesa made it easier to convey emotions. It was less physically demanding for actors, but I wondered if we were doing enough." He added, "I chose this film partly due to curiosity about AI implementation. We all started from the same point, curious about audience reception." He likened AI's potential impact to the advent of smartphones, which became indispensable over time.

Bang Hyo-rin, who plays the fading actress Seol-ah, expressed her joy at the film's upcoming release, "I had fun filming, and I'm glad it's releasing soon."

Bang emphasized the importance of communication, "We had tight schedules, but there was a lot of interaction with the director and fellow actors. The director explained creature appearances in detail, ensuring we understood before shooting. I believe it required more active communication than traditional projects."

Lim Hyung-jun, who plays Kim Seok-tae, a CP at a broadcasting company's current affairs department, commented on AI's proximity to everyday life and its growing interest in the film industry. "This film is like the first button, and I'm curious about how audiences will react," he said.

Lim marveled at the short shooting schedule, "I wondered if a 60-minute feature film could be made with so few takes. The director provided references during filming, so there were no issues. AI didn't change the actors' roles, but it piqued my curiosity about the final product." He also shared a personal anecdote about injuring his toe before filming, expressing gratitude for his co-stars' support.

Director Kang emphasized, "AI cannot replace actors. Each actor is a creator." He noted changes in traditional working methods, "For example, scenes involving flying actors or accidents typically use CG, but I think such technology will be replaced by AI." He added, "AI is highly effective for explosion scenes, saving time and costs. This film features many creatures, and while AI has limitations in depicting them under lanterns at Jogyesa, CG excels there. Future film projects will adapt to AI's rapid advancement, but there should be a clear distinction between AI and CG roles."

The film ends with a scene hinting at a sequel. Director Kang revealed, "The script for the second part is already written. We discussed it before starting the first part, aiming for a series approach."

Regarding AI's future in the film industry, Kang stated, "During pre-production, AI wasn't yet suitable for commercial films, but its rapid development during our work convinced me it will be actively used on film sets. It's already being used." He continued, "Everything tends toward efficiency. Many industries will lean towards AI to reduce costs and time. I hope AI becomes a good motivator for creating vibrant works in the challenging film and drama sectors."

Byun Yo-han concluded, "This was a first attempt. Only humans possess stories and emotions, so I hope AI technology is used appropriately and well-received."

'Jungang-gye' is set to release on the 15th.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr