South Korea has made cinema history with the release of "Run to the West," the country's first artificial intelligence-incorporated feature film that opened in theaters Wednesday. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kang Yun-sung, known for Disney's "Big Bet" and "Low Life," this groundbreaking 60-minute fantasy project represents a pioneering step in Korean cinema by blending human creativity with cutting-edge algorithmic technology.

The film doesn't shy away from its experimental nature, presenting what can be described as a chaotic rollercoaster powered by aggressive AI rendering techniques. The story centers on a high-concept mystical premise where a group of people find themselves trapped in limbo following near-death experiences, constantly pursued by otherworldly figures who hold the power to determine whether these souls belong in the afterlife or should return to the world of the living.

The movie features an impressive cast of marquee names, including Byun Yo-han, known for his roles in "Mr. Sunshine" and "Uncle Samsik," Bang Hyo-rin from "Aema," and Yang Se-jong, who appeared in "Low Life" and "Doona." Throughout much of the film's running time, this trio finds themselves sprinting through central Seoul, particularly the Anguk and Gwanghwamun areas, while being relentlessly chased by AI-generated grim reapers that have been fashioned to appear as animals and the Four Heavenly Kings of Buddhism.

The AI-created creatures in the film display a wide range of visual quality, sometimes achieving uncanny realism while at other moments appearing awkwardly cartoonish or even laughably fake. Despite these inconsistencies in visual effects, the movie maintains viewer engagement through its relentless pace, featuring numerous explosions, high-speed chases, and spectacular fireballs that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Monday's press conference for the film carried a notably different atmosphere compared to typical movie promotional events, with participants clearly aware that "Run to the West" represents a significant pioneering step in the Korean cinematic landscape. Director Kang revealed that the project began with much more modest ambitions than what ultimately reached theaters.

"While I was filming 'Low Life' last year, KT proposed making a short AI film of about 5-10 minutes," Kang explained during the press conference. "At the time, I had a script called 'Mobius' that I had written around 25 years ago when I was preparing to debut, and I thought it would be great to turn that into a film. So I revised the entire script into a feature-length project, and the planning process began in collaboration with KT."

As artificial intelligence technology continued to evolve at breakneck speed even during the production process, Director Kang found his initial skepticism about AI's long-term role in cinema gradually diminishing. He observed firsthand how rapidly the technology improved throughout the filmmaking process, describing the pace of advancement as almost impossible to keep up with.

"In the early preproduction stage, when we used AI for previsualization, the quality still felt lacking for a commercial film. But as we continued filming and editing, the technology kept improving," Kang noted. "New techniques were emerging every single day, at a pace we could hardly keep up with, so I believe it won't be long before AI can be actively used in the film industry."

The director expressed an optimistic view of AI's potential in filmmaking, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. "AI is a good tool and plays a supportive role for creators. Everything naturally moves toward greater efficiency. I hope AI can serve as good inspiration and bring new energy to the film and drama industry," he added.

One of the most controversial aspects of "Run to the West" involves the use of AI not just for creating monsters and explosive special effects, but also for rendering a human character entirely through artificial intelligence. This bold move has sparked significant questions within the industry about whether actors could eventually be completely replaced by AI-generated performances.

However, lead actor Byun Yo-han dismissed concerns about AI replacing human performers entirely. "While filming, I kept thinking about how AI could be used in the film industry, how far it might cross over, and what limits it could reach. In the end, I realized that without the imagination of directors, actors and staff, AI cannot exist," he stated during the press conference.

Byun further reflected on the broader implications of AI integration in filmmaking, noting how the project provided him with valuable insights into the industry's future direction. "In fact, I believe the film industry now has come down to a battle of time and capital, and this project really made me feel that firsthand," he concluded, suggesting that AI technology might primarily serve as a tool for improving efficiency and reducing production costs rather than fundamentally changing the creative process.