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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Hit K-drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated' becomes first in Korea to use AI for extended scene

Hit K-drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated' becomes first in Korea to use AI for extended scene

Published Jul 13, 2026 09:26 am
AI-generated scene featuring So Ji-sub in "Agent Kim Reactivated" (Morpheus Studio)
AI-generated scene featuring So Ji-sub in "Agent Kim Reactivated" (Morpheus Studio)

Hit Korean drama "Agent Kim Reactivated" has become the first Korean television series to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create an extended dramatic sequence—an experiment that appears to have only boosted interest in the already successful show.

The AI-generated sequence, which runs for about three minutes, aired in episode six on July 11. It depicts the past of Manager Kim, played by So Ji-sub, as the former special agent carries out a secret mission.

Developed with Korea-based Morpheus Studio, the scene marks the first time in Korean drama history that AI has been used to generate an entire narrative sequence rather than just a few seconds of visual effects, according to Korean media.

The milestone comes at a time when AI remains a divisive topic in the entertainment industry.

In the Philippines, the use of AI-generated visuals in the series "Sigabo" and "Blood Vs. Duty" has been met with criticism online, with many viewers describing the results as "cringe" and questioning whether the technology diminished the quality of the productions. The backlash has fueled a broader debate over AI's role in local filmmaking and television.

The reception in South Korea, however, has been markedly different.

Rather than turning viewers away, the AI sequence has become another talking point for "Agent Kim Reactivated," which continues to dominate television ratings.

Since premiering on June 26, the drama has topped viewership charts, with episode six recording a nationwide rating of 22.3 percent and 23.2 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area.

"The most important aspect of this project is that we didn't just replace a few seconds of VFX cuts with AI; instead, we used AI to work on entire sequences essential for enhancing the completeness of the story," Morpheus Studio Vice President Ryu Jae-hwan said.

He added that the production team had a clear vision from the outset on how AI would be integrated into the series, allowing the technology to complement the story rather than simply serve as a visual effect.

While debates over AI in entertainment are unlikely to end anytime soon, "Agent Kim Reactivated" has shown that when used to support storytelling, the technology can be embraced by audiences instead of becoming a distraction.

AI production scene for
AI production scene for "Agent Kim Reactivated" (Morpheus Studio)

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Agent Kim Reactivated So Ji-sub Korean dramas
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