“I’m Popo,” billed as the first full-length Korean film created with generative artificial intelligence (AI), is set to open in theaters on May 21. The film centers on Popo, a robot designed to protect humans, who begins killing people identified as potential criminals. Its premise sets up a clash between an AI that bases its decisions solely on statistical probability and humans who continue to believe in hope. At the same time, the film tackles one of today’s most pressing social questions: the rapid development of AI technology and the threat it may pose to humanity. The movie marks the latest extension of AI use, which continues to expand across short-form viral videos on social media, advertising and short films. And while bold attempts to use new technology, along with broader industry changes driven by technological advances, are generally welcomed, this case has been met with considerable concern over whether films created by AI can be regarded as creative works. As a first-of-its-kind project, “I’m Popo” carries significance as the first full-length Korean film cr
