SBS drama Agent Kim Reactivated has drawn attention after using artificial intelligence to create a nearly three-minute sequence that explores Manager Kim’s past.
The story follows the character played by So Ji-sub during a secret mission in North Korea, giving viewers a look at his earlier life through AI-generated scenes instead of traditional filming. The sequence appeared across the drama’s first two episodes and stands out as one of the longest AI-generated story segments used in a Korean drama.
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The production relied on AICRON, an AI platform developed by Korean visual effects specialists. The sequence includes large-scale explosions, snow-covered car chases, tunnel pursuits, vehicle crashes, underwater recovery operations, gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and close-up character shots while keeping the characters visually consistent from beginning to end.
AI helps bring Manager Kim’s story to life
At an SBS Drama media event, Studio S CEO Hong Sung-chang explained why the company invested heavily in AI for upcoming productions.
“We have incorporated AI extensively into upcoming productions. Viewers will be informed through on-screen captions whenever AI is used. Reducing production costs is certainly one advantage, but the greater significance lies in proving that it can be done. I believe audiences will come to appreciate it even more over time.”
The AI work was completed by Morpheus Studio under the supervision of vice president Ryu Jae-hwan, whose previous film credits include 1947 Boston, Swing Kids, and Flu.
“We completed an entire story sequence essential to the narrative using AI. Manager Kim was conceived from the planning stage with a clear purpose for incorporating AI. It demonstrates the potential for AI to become a new production tool that brings creators’ imagination to life,” Ryu said.
Morpheus Studio also highlighted that the complete sequence was produced using the Korean-developed AICRON platform, calling it an important milestone for domestic AI technology. The company said this experience will help expand the platform for wider commercial use, showing how AI can support ambitious storytelling while reducing the need for expensive overseas shoots, large sets, practical effects, and heavy visual effects work.
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