Kim Kwang‑Seok — The AI‑Powered Comeback
Longtime fans of the legendary Korean folk‑rock icon Kim Kwang‑Seok will finally hear him sing again on Friday, January 29. And no, this isn’t a time‑travel gimmick; it’s the result of cutting‑edge AI called Singing Voice Synthesis (SVS).
How the Technology Works
- SVS was fed 20–song reels of Kim from the original 700‑track training set, giving the AI a solid feel for his style.
- After mastering those classics, the system pitched in a brand‑new ballad: “I Miss You” (the famous 2002 Kim Bum‑soo hit).
- The result? A performance that sounds like it could have come straight off Kim’s own guitar.
This Is A TV Show… But With a Superpower Twist
South Korean broadcaster SBS is airing “Competition of the Century: AI vs Human” on Friday. The late singer’s AI‑generated voice is slated to deliver “I Miss You,” turning the show into a kind of musical duel.
Family Check‑In: The Big “OK”
“We made it a top priority to get Kim’s family on board,” said Kim Min‑ji, a producer. “They were skeptical at first, but after hearing the AI rendition, they said, ‘It’s like Kim Kwang‑Seok returned to life!’”
Emotion Is the Real MVP
Chief producer Nam Sang‑moon emphasized that a perfect AI mimic isn’t just about sound–it’s about feeling. “If each note feels like a heartbeat, the whole performance becomes an emotional story, which is exactly what the tech learns to do,” he explained.
Ethics, Copyright, and the Future of AI
Yes, there are concerns. Some worry that AI could blur the line between genuine talent and synthetic mimicry. But the production team believes that AI should be seen as a tool—one that can help lift us, not replace us.
- “Let’s not hold AI only to copyright debates,” Nam said. “Instead, let’s look at ways it can bring joy and help humans.”
- “If AI starts copying every skill a human has, who will be truly ahead?” a Seoul resident, Im Uk‑jin, said. “I’m a bit worried about that.”
So, whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a curious skeptic, you’ve got something to look forward to this Friday: a fresh, AI‑created earworm that feels just as real as a concert in a dimly lit club. Let the music—and the debate—begin!
