"Kedeheon" Becomes Reality... People Enthralled by AI Fantasy

[Financial News] "I often imagined what it would be like to see the characters from 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' as real people instead of animation, and seeing them perfectly realized in AI live-action videos was truly satisfying. I even felt that the appearances in the AI videos were more perfect than those of actual actors or idols." (50s Netflix viewer Mr. Lee)
Instead of entertainment agencies or broadcasters, general users are creating and enjoying non-existent things with AI, leading to a mainstream 'virtual fantasy' culture. Recent global hits include the AI live-action videos of Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters (Kedeheon)', 'Glass Fruit ASMR', and 'AI Animal Mukbangs'. Experts advise that while there are positive aspects in terms of creativity and content diversification, there is a need to establish systems for fair revenue distribution while avoiding misuse.
On the 23rd, a look at social networking services (SNS) and online communities reveals that AI short-form videos bringing the virtual idol groups 'Huntrix' and 'Lion Boys' from 'Kedeheon' to life as real people are spreading. Many videos have recorded views ranging from thousands to over 10 million.
These videos recreate everything from stage scenes like 'Golden', 'Soda Pop', 'Your Idol' to fan-imagined images of the characters using AI. This has led to positive feedback such as 'It feels like a person is walking out of the video' and 'It provides vicarious satisfaction'.
The desire to bring fantasy to reality doesn't stop at live-action portrayals. Recently, ASMR videos of slicing and breaking glass fruits or desserts made with AI to produce pleasing sounds are gaining popularity on SNS. Videos of slicing non-existent glass strawberries, glass cakes, or making glass pizzas have become established as 'healing content'.
'AI Animal Mukbangs', where animals like Jindo dogs, Shiba Inus, and hamsters cook and eat spicy chicken stir-fried noodles, are also a hot topic. Office worker Mr. Kwon (28), who has experience creating AI animal mukbang videos with pet images, said, "There are so many things animals can't do in reality, but seeing a dog enjoy food it can't eat in real life through AI videos feels like a dream come true."
Experts agree that while these virtual contents bring positive effects, they also pose risks, necessitating strengthened ethical awareness.
Professor Kwak Geum-ju of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology said, "AI content satisfies the desire for new stimuli and helps unleash imagination and creativity beyond what humans can practically do," but also warned, "Confusing reality with imagination or pursuing extreme and provocative things can lead to crime, so caution is needed."
Professor Im Myung-ho of Dankook University's Department of Psychology also noted, "AI provides experiences similar to learning and experiencing with our senses, and is a good tool for stress relief and fulfilling desires," but cautioned against abusing AI to realize one's fantasies.
As the focus of content creation shifts to the public, revenue sharing and easing excessive regulations have emerged as new challenges.
Professor Cho Hyun-rae of Yongin University's Department of Cultural Content (former head of the Korea Creative Content Agency) explained, "Thanks to AI, anyone can easily create content, broadening the creator base and diversifying consumer choices. A true prosumer (producer+consumer) ecosystem has opened," and emphasized, "As new forms of content production and global distribution targeting niche markets become more active, fair revenue distribution and regulatory adjustments have become important."
yesji@fnnews.com Kim Yeji Reporter