As South Korea’s government continues to invest in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, one K-pop pioneer is amplifying the calls for an industry-wide embrace of the technology.
According to a report from the Korea Herald, Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment, urged industry participants to increase the adoption metrics for AI in the creative sector. The music veteran aired his views via a keynote address at the annual gathering of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers.
In his speech, Lee argued that AI has the potential to jolt new creative zest in the South Korean entertainment space, providing novel strategies for fans to connect with their favorite creators and idols.
“AI and chatbot technologies are changing how creators and consumers communicate at the speed of light,” said Lee. “AI will help K-pop connect with its fans around the world.”
Lee added that songwriters can leverage generative AI to assist in the songwriting process while public relations teams can lean on the offerings to keep consumers in the loop. In his submission, AI could be the final piece of the puzzle in giving K-pop a competitive advantage over its global peers.
While his speech highlighted a string of AI positives, Lee said that challenges also plague the full-scale adoption of AI in South Korea. The veteran raised the alarm over the rising cases of copyright infringement by AI developers and illegal content distribution.
Lee disclosed that AI puts creators at a significant disadvantage in terms of economic loss, with AI firms raking in a fortune from the intellectual properties belonging to artists, composers, and writers. Other downsides stemming from AI include the risks of data leaks and misinformation from bad actors via deep fakes.
To solve the challenges, the K-pop legend urged stakeholders to turn their gaze toward blockchain, calling for integrating both technologies. South Korea has significant experience with blockchain, but Lee says a seamless integration will only be possible by establishing minimum operating standards.
“If the standards for smart-contract systems (of blockchain) related to content royalties, license management, etc are unified globally, it will be optimal for protecting the creators’ property rights,” said Lee.
A heavy investment in AI
Following its significant investments in blockchain, South Korea’s government appears keen on towing the same path by announcing a series of heavy AI investments. In April, South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, confirmed plans to invest $6.9 billion to prop up the local AI ecosystem and deepen the talent pool.
The country is also focusing on use cases related to public services, with insiders hinting at a $526 million investment. One report revealed that the fund will be earmarked to support up to 18 AI use cases in health, education, entertainment, and internal government processes.
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