No camera, just a prompt: AI video creators are taking over social media
"Create a video of a young Korean girl playing at a beach."
From the way the girl cautiously steps into the water to the sunlight glimmering on the ocean surface, it was remarkable how much detail the video managed to capture from such a simple prompt.
This prompt-based AI video also features realistic sound effects, such as crashing waves and the gentle splash of water with each step she takes.
Amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence, including the May 20 release of Google's Veo 3, content created using AI tools has taken over social media, ranging from "mukbang" eating shows to autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR, videos.
On TikTok, for example, AI-generated videos of glass fruits and vegetables being sliced or eaten have gone viral at a rapid pace, inspiring a wave of similar content from other creators.
A video uploaded by the channel WildWhispersASMR on June 13, showing a glass kiwi being sliced, received 68 million views in just eight days. The crisp, satisfying sound of a knife or teeth hitting the glass surface delivers a unique sensory satisfaction that keeps viewers hooked.
AI video generation tools like Veo 3 and OpenAI's Sora, which was released late last year, are now widely used not only by video professionals but also by ordinary users, with more people branding themselves as AI video creators.
Son Min-yeong used to be an ordinary office worker with no experience in video editing. but thanks to AI tools, she has recently become a digital creator with over 20,000 followers on Instagram.
"Because of health issues, I started looking for ways to earn money online. But I wasn't confident about showing my face or producing high-quality videos. It was AI video tools that helped me to enter the digital content market," she told The Korea Herald.
"Generating high-quality videos with AI requires detailed prompts that include specific examples — it's like having a deep conversation with the AI."
'Too real'
What draws people to AI-created videos is the challenge of determining whether they're real or not, fueling intrigue and fascination among viewers.
Yu Ha-seong, a 21-year-old university student in Daegu who follows creators of virtual mukbang content on Instagram, said, 'I was shocked by how realistic it looked. One video even showed oil dripping from a chicken drumstick as a female creator took a bite.'
'When she was shown in close-up, even her skin, double eyelids, and stray baby hairs looked completely real,' he added.
The realistic reproduction of human speech makes the experience even more immersive.
AI video generation tools have long struggled to synchronize lip movements with audio, but the recently launched Veo 3 has made notable improvements in this area, producing visuals so convincing they can easily fool viewers.
In one video, a YouTuber appears to be interviewing a passerby on the street. From the YouTuber's subtle facial expressions to the interviewee's natural pauses before responding, every gesture closely mimics real human behavior. Even the outfits and the urban backdrop resemble a typical day in Seoul. Yet none of it is real. It's all generated by AI.
Thrill of fakeness
Beyond replicating real-life scenarios like mukbang shows or street interviews, AI-generated clips portraying what would be impossible situations in reality have also captured viewers with moments of intense visual pleasure.
A recent viral video on Instagram features a middle-aged man from the Joseon era eating a bowl of freshly cooked rice topped with kimchi, mimicking the style of a modern mukbang YouTuber. The creative blend of historical settings and contemporary internet culture quickly drew widespread attention.
Among other quirky, surreal examples are slides flowing with tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), reporters interviewing dogs that speak Korean, and swimmers gliding through lava.
Creators often exchange ideas and tips for writing prompts via comment sections or private messages, helping one another produce more lifelike videos using AI video generation tools.
As AI video creation emerges as a new form of online play culture, concerns are also growing over its unintended side effects.
Some criticize digital creators for generating AI videos that feature women in bikinis or lingerie presenting news or mukbang content.
"With deepfakes already being such a big problem, I'm worried that these AI video tools will just make it worse," an X user wrote.
Hwang Ji-yeon, 26, a freelance illustrator based in Seoul, said, 'I once watched an AI-generated clip that presented false information about major political issues in the form of interviews, seemingly intended to promote the creator's personal views. What scared me was how real the people looked. I felt that older people might easily be fooled."
Lee Se-young, a professor of media communications at Sungkyunkwan University, echoed Hwang's concerns, warning that the lower barriers to creating AI-generated videos could further entrench the 'post-truth society,' where facts become less influential than emotions.
"The growing accessibility of AI tools to the general public brings about fresh creative possibilities, but also raises serious concerns over the spread of misinformation, such as fabricated interviews, altered quotes and reputational harm to public figures," Lee told The Korea Herald.
"These developments not only mislead audiences but also threaten the credibility of the media itself, ultimately deepening the 'post-truth' society, where facts matter less than emotions."
The professor stressed that clearly labeling AI content is essential for ensuring users can make informed choices.
"It reminds content creators of their ethical obligations and pushes platforms to be more cautious in handling AI-based material," he explained.
Under Korea's Basic Act on Artificial Intelligence, set to take effect in January, all content created using generative AI, including films and TV dramas, must carry a clear label indicating its AI origin.
Media users, the professor added, now require what he called a new form of media literacy: AI discernment.
'With technology advancing rapidly, viewers can no longer rely on visuals alone to assess videos' authenticity. That's why they need sharper analytical skills, from verifying the sources of videos and understanding how they were created using AI tools, to evaluating the cultural and social context behind the content.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
an hour ago
- Korea Herald
Korean film veterans share insights on cinema's growth and freedom at Da Nang Film Fest
DA NANG, Vietnam -- Leading figures in Korean cinema gathered at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival on Monday to reflect on the evolution of Korean cinema and how film festivals have supported its rise over the decades. The special panel discussion featured Kim Dong-ho, former chairman of the Busan International Film Festival; Park Kwang-su, filmmaker and current BIFF chair; Kim Hong-joon, director of the Korean Film Archive; Kim Han-min, director and screenwriter; Choi Seung-jin, director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam; Park Hee-seong, researcher at the Korean Film Council; and Ngo Thi Bich Hanh, producer and vice chair of the Vietnamese Film Development Association. When the penalists were asked how Korean cinema became a global cultural phenomenon, Kim Dong-ho pointed to the lifting of strict censorship and the advent of free speech as a key catalyst for creative growth. 'The end of Korea's long era of cultural censorship marked a pivotal moment,' Kim explained. 'With the guarantee of freedom of expression, Korean cinema began to thrive artistically. The launch of the Busan International Film Festival in 1996 was a definitive turning point that brought Korean films to global attention.' Director Park Kwang-su also shared his journey. 'I originally studied fine art but found a deep passion for filmmaking and produced a number of short films,' he said. 'Throughout my career, I've constantly asked myself how we can bring cinema closer not just to industry insiders, but to the everyday public.' As to what foundational elements are essential for a thriving film industry, Kim Hong-joon, director of the Korean Film Archive, stressed the importance of cultural appreciation and historical awareness. 'Loving and respecting one's own film history is crucial,' Kim said. 'The absence of national film schools and film festivals was once Korea's Achilles' heel. For a country's cinema to grow, it takes a triad: government support, public interest and a pool of talented industry professionals. For Korea, I believe that alignment began to take shape in the mid-1990s through the early 2000s.' Kim also reflected on Korea's cinematic past and his current preservation efforts. 'There was a time when many of us were reluctant to embrace Korea's classic cinema. Now, as the head of the Korean Film Archive, I've made it my mission to preserve and pass on these works to the next generation,' he said. Choi Seung-jin, director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the power of cultural exchange through cinema. 'Connecting Vietnam and Korea through film naturally opens up new horizons for Asia,' Choi said. 'We remain committed to fostering cultural exchange between our countries, using the power of film and art to bring people closer together.'
Korea Herald
12 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Saudi Vision 2030's smart city has S. Korea at its heart: NMDC CEO
Naver Cloud forms first Korean partnership with megasized smart city project to work on autonomous, smart technologies Saudi Arabia's capital is undergoing a massive urban transformation aimed at reshaping not only Riyadh, but the entire Middle East -- and the kingdom wants South Korea to be part of the initiative, according to the head of the state-owned developer leading the project. New Murabba Development Co., wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, was established to build the world's largest modern downtown in Riyadh as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative. Michael Dyke, CEO of NMDC, said Korea is emerging as a key partner for the project, citing the country's advanced technology and strong cultural ties with Saudi Arabia. 'Korea's advantage is that it already has a history and track record of operating within the kingdom,' Dyke said in an interview with The Korea Herald on the sidelines of the New Murabba Investment and Partnership Forum on Monday in Seoul. He referred to the economic boom of the 1970s and '80s, when Korean construction companies were instrumental in developing Saudi Arabia's infrastructure. 'The relationships are long and strong, and partnerships with Saudi companies are already well established from within South Korea,' he added. Dyke pointed to three pillars of partnerships with Korea: industrial, technological and real estate. 'One thing I would emphasize is that because of the scale of New Murabba, there will be multiple partnerships required to cover all areas,' he noted. New Murabba, spanning 19 square kilometers in Riyadh, is envisioned as a megasized smart city. At its center will be the Mukaab, a 400-meter-tall cuboid skyscraper that will house residences, retail, hospitality, cultural and leisure facilities under a single dome. Set to be the largest structure by volume, the Mukaab will be spacious enough to fit 20 Empire State Buildings. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2030. 'We're in the capital city of Riyadh, and New Murabba will become the downtown of the capital city of the Middle East. The Mukaab, where we will have the high-tech core, will be the beating heart of this downtown,' Dyke said. Regarding the integration of Korean culture into the project, Dyke responded with enthusiasm. 'The simple answer is yes. With 100 million annual visits projected for the Mukaab, and 35 percent of those being international visitors, we need familiarity in food, retail and entertainment,' he explained. Dyke highlighted that his interest in Seoul is rooted in how it 'pushes the boundaries of technology and redefines how entertainment and food and beverage experiences are created.' In the years ahead, as Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Dyke is confident that New Murabba will be ready to welcome millions of visitors with its state-of-the-art stadiums and integrated transit connectivity. 'So we are designing our city to be smart from the very beginning, and that's where our collaboration with Naver comes in, helping us ensure the city is future-proof for generations to come, not just for the next five, 10 or 20 years.' Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Dyke appeared unconcerned, calling it a fact of life in today's world of constant change. 'Clearly, some things have happened more recently in the Middle East, but I know that much of the region is back to normal,' he said. 'It remains business as usual." On the day of the forum, Naver Cloud signed a memorandum of understanding with New Murabba, becoming the project's first Korean partner. The agreement opens the door to future collaboration in areas such as robotics, autonomous driving and smart city platforms, according to NMDC. 'Mukaab is a very complex ecosystem and requires companies of scale to match its scale,' Dyke said, explaining that Naver's technological prowess and capacity align with their needs. New Murabba planned to explore future collaborations in Seoul through a two-day closed-door forum on Tuesday and Wednesday, where more than 500 participants, including company executives, investors and government officials, were to engage in discussions on investment and partnership opportunities under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. minmin@
Korea Herald
14 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Stablecoin hype dims BOK's CBDC ambition
Central bank's 'Han River' project loses traction due to high cost, low feasibility South Korea is poised to take a major step in digital finance with the push for a stablecoin tied to the Korean won. But as enthusiasm for private-led innovation grows, the Bank of Korea's central bank digital currency project appears to have lost steam. The shift underscores the country's lack of a coherent roadmap for integrating digital assets into its financial system, even as the transition to digital finance approaches a pivotal moment. BOK backs off The BOK recently notified local banks that the second phase of its central bank digital currency testing program, titled 'Project Han River,' has been put on hold. In April, the central bank launched the first phase of a pilot program to test the feasibility of a digital currency. Over a three-month test period, participants used tokenized deposits to purchase goods and services. The second leg of the pilot project was to take place in the fourth quarter, testing additional features such as person-to-person transfers and a simplified verification process. But the BOK has suspended the plan. "We plan to resume testing after thoroughly reviewing institutional changes, such as the clarification of stablecoin-related legislation. Once the uncertainties are somewhat resolved, we will discuss effective testing measures with participating institutions," a BOK official said. The suspension stems from the participating banks' uneasiness about the project, burdened by the costs of setting up the infrastructure for testing. The banks reportedly spent a combined 30 billion won ($22 million), a significant amount considering the absence of a clear timeline for full-scale implementation. Are stablecoins, CBDCs at odds? While banks remain doubtful about the implementation of a CBDC, they are eager to take the lead in the won-backed stablecoin market. In recent weeks, banks have been competitively filing trademark applications, combining KRW, the currency code for the Korean won, with abbreviations of their names. They are also launching task forces and seeking to launch joint ventures with tech partners. "Stablecoins are not a far-fetched idea. They have already become a part of the economy," an official from a local lender said. "Stablecoins allow for more concrete business discussions, while the institutionalization of CBDCs remains uncertain." Both stablecoins and CBDCs function as forms of payment, with stable values pegged to a fiat currency. However, they are also fundamentally different: CBDCs are state-issued payment instruments, while stablecoins are operated by the private sector. 'CBDCs are advantageous in terms of financial stability and settlement finality, while stablecoins excel in technological innovation and global scalability,' Lee Jung-su, associate professor of international financial transactions, said at a policy meeting held in May. 'The closed nature of CBDCs poses limitations in terms of international interoperability and geopolitical risks. In contrast, stablecoins offer greater flexibility with cost efficiency and cross-chain compatibility.' Though the two digital currencies are not mutually exclusive, the growing momentum for stablecoins could delay the rollout of a CBDC. If a stablecoin establishes itself as a major component of the digital asset market, the CBDC could lose ground. On the verge With a CBDC set aside for the moment, the question now lies in who will be allowed to issue won-backed stablecoins. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has proposed allowing nonbanking entities to issue them. The BOK remains cautious on the move, however, as the unchecked issuance of won-based stablecoins by nonbanking entities could undermine the effectiveness of the bank's policy tools. Experts highlight that Korea is at a crucial turning point in shaping its digital finance landscape. 'When it comes to changes in the financial sector, it is always a question of finding a balance between stability and innovation. For the time being, Korea is on the brink of transformation,' said Lee Hyo-seob, a senior research fellow at Korea Capital Market Institute. 'Now is the time to prioritize innovation and from that perspective, nonbanking institutions can play a bigger role.'
