Key facts
- South Koreans are using AI to create video messages from deceased loved ones.
- Companies like Vaice create these AI likenesses using photos and voice samples.
- The service costs approximately $390 for a short video.
- The practice offers comfort to some but raises ethical and psychological concerns.
- Experts warn of potential risks to vulnerable individuals and the need for legal protections.
A growing number of digitally-savvy South Koreans are experimenting with artificial intelligence to create video messages from deceased loved ones. Companies like Vaice use photos and voice samples to generate digital likenesses of the departed, which are then used to deliver personalized messages. These videos are often played during family gatherings for memorial rituals or holidays, providing a sense of comfort and connection for grieving relatives.
Lee Geon Hui, a 28-year-old office worker, commissioned a video of his late grandfather for his father, who deeply misses him. The AI-generated message, which included apologies for past disagreements and expressions of love, brought his father to tears. Vaice's CEO, Jeongu Won, stated that his company serves around 300 customers monthly, primarily individuals in their 40s and 50s seeking to recreate their late parents.
However, this emerging AI grief technology is also sparking significant ethical and psychological debates. While some find comfort in these digital recreations, experts like Yong Man Ro and Choung Wan warn of potential risks. Concerns include the blurring of lines between reality and the virtual world, the potential for exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and the impact on the natural grieving process. Professor Choung emphasizes the urgent need for laws to protect the dignity and rights of the deceased, suggesting that consent should be required and commercial use limited.
As the technology advances, the possibility of interactive 'griefbots' that simulate two-way conversations raises further complex ethical questions. While startups are exploring these possibilities, Vaice's CEO remains cautious about launching such services due to potential unsupervised interactions and unforeseen ethical problems. Despite these concerns, the technology is rapidly evolving, with AI now capable of replicating deceased individuals in remarkable detail, increasing both its acceptance and its potential impact on society.