The Korean film industry faces challenges with declining productions, rising costs, and poor ticket sales. In response, filmmakers are exploring low-budget techniques and innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Director Kang Yun-sung implemented AI in his film, Run to the West, effectively utilizing it for special effects, which significantly reduced production time and costs. The 60-minute film stands out as a pioneering project in AI usage, achieving complex scenes—such as a car explosion—within minutes rather than days. Despite these advancements, Run to the West struggled at the box office, highlighting that technological innovations alone cannot guarantee success. Viewers’ expectations remain pivotal for a film’s reception, emphasizing the need for a balance between technology and storytelling quality. The industry must continue adapting while ensuring films resonate with audiences to revive its momentum.
