The rise of artificial intelligence as the future of Korean culture diplomacy

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of technology, pushing everything online and necessitating human adaptation to computers. Industry 4.0 proved invaluable during this pandemic, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as a key player, particularly in the beloved South Korean music industry, which enjoys international acclaim. The pandemic played a significant role in the increased use of AI within the K-POP industry, with the emergence of the Aespa Girl Group being a pivotal moment in shaping a futuristic concept. This research aims to investigate the recent surge in AI usage as a futuristic K-Pop concept through a qualitative literature study method. This paper contends that AI has the potential to profoundly impact Korean cultural diplomacy, serving as a game-changing element in the realm of digital diplomacy. While AI has traditionally been applied in high-context scenarios, such as search engines or high-tech automotive control systems, its application in cultural contexts could propel South Korea's cultural diplomacy to unprecedented heights, rendering the concept difficult for other nations to replicate.